David and Jacinta's Walks- 2025

Cave Dale and the Great Ridge Although much of this walk follows familiar territory, the final part is less well trodden for us. We began at Castleton and walked up the limestone gorge of Cave Dale, enjoying the views provided by Peveril Castle and the village itself. Cave Dale and Peveril Castle Exiting Cave Dale We made our way up to the Limestone Way and through the disused mines and quarries that litter the hillside. It is an exhilarating walk from here to the start of Mam Tor, the hillside on this part littered with many sheep and only the occasional uninterested cow. Descending to Oxlow House The Great Ridge in the background We climbed over Mam Tor where many paragliders were preparing to take off and then went on to the Great Ridge and Lose Hill. Just before the top of Lose Hill we stopped and had lunch in an ideal rocky outcrop, closely watched by a number of crows who were hopeful that they would benefit from some leftovers as soon as we departed.  Paragliders above The G...

 Castleton, Cavedale and Mam Tor We always enjoy a walk from Castleton and this meander around the area has a lot to recommend it. The first section up Cavedale is certainly picturesque and atmospheric. The entrance to Cavedale Looking up Cavedale Peveril Castle, from which Castleton gets its name The climb gradually gives way to the plateau of the White Peak and the old lead mine workings. The livestock that we passed were definitely feeling the heat, and were not inclined to move. Hot beasts! The line of the walk then goes along Oxlow Rake, past some impressive beech trees and down to the hamlet of Old Dam. We stopped for lunch on a convenient village bench. We then progressed up Eldon Lane to reach the open hillside. Sadly, the donkeys seem to have gone and have been replaced with some impressive looking yurts. We gave Eldon Hole a miss this time and began the longish walk to Mam Nick- passing many grazing sheep and a multitude of stiles. On the way to Mam Nick and The Great Rid...