Mam Tor Peak District

Mam Tor, Peak District, Derbyshire

The path leading to Mam Tor from Lose Hill

Mam Tor in the Peak District of Derbyshire rises to 517 m (1,696 feet).

The name means “Mother Hill” and from the top (on a clear day) there are superb views of the surrounding countryside including the Hope Valley and Winnats Pass to the south, and Kinder Scout and Edale to the north. On very clear days, it is even possible to see as far as Manchester and the Welsh mountains.

On top of the hill is a hill fort, thought to date from the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, and two Bronze Age burial mounds.

The tor is easily accessed from Edale Station ( a short but steep climb), Castleton, or Buxton, and is a popular place for walkers and hikers. Paragliders can also launch themselves from the top.

Welcome to Mam Tor

The hill offers a range of walking routes and trails. One of the most popular routes is the Mam Tor Circular Walk, a 4.5-kilometer (2.8-mile) loop that takes visitors along the ridge and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Nearby are the Blue John limestone caves as well as Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern.

The summit of Mam Tor

Geology

Geologically, Mam Tor is composed of layers of shale and sandstone. The hill is part of the Carboniferous limestone plateau and is famous for its unstable slopes, prone to landslides and erosion.

The name Mam Tor is derived from the Old English language and translates as Mother Hill.

The name Mam Tor is derived from Old English and translates as Mother Hill

Access – Getting There

By car approach the area along the A6 from Hazel Grove Station in Stockport via Whaley Bridge and Chapel-en-le-Frith. A train connects Manchester Piccadilly via Edale Station and Hathersage to Sheffield.

The walk up from the nearest car park (Mam Nick car park) is not too strenuous.

Due to its geological instability, parts of Mam Tor have suffered from landslides and erosion over the years. The road that used to run along the hillside, the A625, had to be closed in 1979 due to ongoing instability and was eventually abandoned. However, the remnants of the road are still visible, adding to the unique character of the area.

Mam Tor, aka Shivering Mountain, is a prominent hill located in the Peak District National Park

Nearby

Other places to see in and around this area of the Peak District in Derbyshire include Peveril Castle, Buxton, Eyam Hall, Eyam Stocks, and the outdoor sports resort of Hathersage.

View of Hope cement works

Accommodation Nearby

Buxton is a good place to base yourself for touring the Peak District. Some recommended places to stay include the five-star Ensana Buxton Crescent Hotel and the historic Old Hall Hotel, try the Portland Hotel, the Palace Hotel, or the Best Western Plus Buxton Lee Wood Hotel.

The Portland Hotel offers traditional furnishings and a full English breakfast. The Palace Hotel dates from Victorian times and includes a swimming pool and a restaurant. The Westminster Hotel overlooks the Pavilion Gardens and is a family-run establishment.

See here for a listing of accommodation in Buxton to suit all budgets.