ModeratePartial off lead on ridge, leads on valley return and near livestock
8.0 kmDistance
135 minsDuration
Ridge path and valley fieldsTerrain
Partial off lead on ridge, leads on valley return and near livestockOff-lead
The circuit over Mam Tor and the Great Ridge is one of the most satisfying Peak District day walks, and Mam Nick car park is the cleanest start. The path to the summit is paved and steep only just below the top; from the trig point at 517 m the ridge unfolds east toward Lose Hill, with the Hope Valley to the north and the wide plain of Edale to the south.A few hundred metres from the car park, the broken remains of the old A625 road lie at the base of the hill: tarmac in collapsed sections, crash barriers at odd angles, closed permanently since 1979 after repeated landslip on the unstable shale face and left in place.The open ridge suits confident dogs well. It is off-lead on the open access sections outside the bird protection period, with a 2-metre lead required from 1 March to 31 July. Back Tor, roughly midway along the ridge, has a short rocky scramble that most dogs take without trouble. The valley floor return passes through farmland with sheep; leads needed on those sections.The Cheshire Cheese Inn at Hope village, three kilometres from Mam Nick, is dog-friendly with water bowls outside.
On the open ridge (CRoW access land) dogs can be off-lead outside the bird protection period. From 1 March to 31 July, a lead of no more than 2 metres is legally required on open access land. On the lower valley sections of the return route, sheep are present and a lead is needed.
How hard is the Mam Tor walk?
The Great Ridge circuit is moderate. The path to the summit is paved and steepest just below the top; the ridge walk itself is good going throughout. The full circuit from Mam Nick car park is approximately 8 km (5 miles) with around 260 m of ascent. Fit dogs of most sizes will manage it well.
Where do I park for Mam Tor?
The Mam Nick National Trust car park (S33 8WA) is the standard start, directly on the A625. Pay and display, free for NT members.
Is Mam Tor suitable for families with dogs?
Yes, it is one of the more accessible Peak District ridge walks. Good paths throughout and the ridge views are immediate. The ridge has exposed drops on both sides so dogs with no sense of height should be kept on a lead near the crests.
