Alport Castles Peak District
Explore Alport Castles, a dramatic landslide in the Peak District, offering challenging hikes and unique geological formations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Alport Castles Peak District
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Alport Castles, a dramatic landslide in the Peak District, offering challenging hikes and unique geological formations.
"It's worth the trek to see Britain's largest landslide, a truly unique and dramatic landscape."
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be rocky and boggy. Good hiking boots are a must for navigating Alport Castles and surrounding paths.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the Peak District downloaded for navigation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Castles' Landslide
Alport Castles
Explore the UK's largest landslide, a dramatic landscape of gritstone pinnacles and mounds resembling ancient fortifications.
The Tower Scramble
Alport Castles
Challenge yourself with a scramble up 'The Tower' for rewarding panoramic views across the Peak District.
Derwent Valley Reservoirs
Near Alport Castles
Enjoy scenic walks around Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden reservoirs, offering stunning water vistas and historic dams.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Remote Beauty
Timing is Key for Solitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be rocky and boggy. Good hiking boots are a must for navigating Alport Castles and surrounding paths.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the Peak District downloaded for navigation.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
There are no facilities on the trail. Carry enough water for your entire hike, especially on longer routes.
🧥 Be Weather Ready
Peak District weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, as conditions can change quickly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be rocky and boggy. Good hiking boots are a must for navigating Alport Castles and surrounding paths.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal is unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the Peak District downloaded for navigation.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
There are no facilities on the trail. Carry enough water for your entire hike, especially on longer routes.
🧥 Be Weather Ready
Peak District weather is unpredictable. Pack layers, waterproofs, and sun protection, as conditions can change quickly.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The dramatic landslide formations and reservoir views are incredibly photogenic, especially at sunset.
🏕️ Respect Wild Camping
If wild camping, follow Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything you pack in and be considerate of others.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the dramatic, unique landscape of Alport Castles, often described as Britain's largest landslide. The challenging hike and remote feel contribute to its appeal for adventurers and nature lovers. While the terrain can be tough and facilities non-existent, the stunning views and sense of discovery make it a highly rewarding destination for those prepared for the trek.
"Alport Castles is one of Britain’s largest landslides whose geology is conducive to mass movement and slope failure. A peat lens found in the toe of the slide indicates that the mass movement took place sometime later that 8500 yrs. Did the earth move for me? Can’t say I noticed but it’s definitely worth a visit."
Del213
"Lovely walk in the Peak District from Ladybower Reservoir to The Tower at Alport Castles, then onto West End Moor trig.
The Tower is a great scramble, with a lovely view. The whole Alport Castles area is a great walking area. It was quite busy with people on a Saturday in May. Quite a challenging walk up the tower. The paths leading to Alport Castles were dry, but I could imagine them being very wet at other times of the year."
Donna W
"Lovely remote but picturesque wild camping spot.
I parked on A57 midweek and walked along ladybower and Derwent reservoirs before heading to Alport Castle. About 8 miles. Then found the perfect spot, one other camper who stayed a very good distance away. This was midweek before school holidays, I imagine it does get busier but lovely place and beautiful 5 miles back to complete my circular walk.
More images on my Instagram of stuleeblee"
Stuart Bentley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alport Castles is best accessed via a hike. Popular starting points include Fairholmes Visitor Centre near Derwent Dam, or parking along the A57 Snake Pass. From Fairholmes, you can follow paths towards the reservoirs and then head towards the Alport Castles area. 
The closest official parking is often at Fairholmes Visitor Centre, which can get busy. Some people park along the A57, but be mindful of road safety and local restrictions.
While direct public transport to Alport Castles is limited due to its remote nature, the Peak Sightseer bus (Blue Route) can get you to nearby areas like Chatsworth and Castleton, from where you might be able to arrange onward travel or longer walks.
Many hikers enjoy a circular route from Ladybower Reservoir, which offers stunning views and a gradual approach to the 'castles'. Another option is to hike from Derwent Dam.
Hikes to Alport Castles typically range from 8 to 15 miles (13-24 km) depending on your starting point and chosen route, often taking 4-7 hours round trip.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Alport Castles is a natural geological feature within the Peak District National Park and does not require an entrance ticket.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Alport Castles is accessible at all times. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
The Peak District National Park itself is free to enter. Parking at visitor centres or popular trailheads may incur a fee.
While official guided tours specifically for Alport Castles are rare due to its remoteness, local walking groups or independent guides may offer excursions.
No, booking is not required as it's an open natural landscape. However, planning your visit during off-peak times is recommended to avoid crowds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Alport Castles is not a man-made structure but a massive landslide, considered one of the largest in England, featuring dramatic gritstone formations.
The hike to Alport Castles can be challenging due to terrain and distance. While adventurous families might enjoy it, younger children may find it difficult.
Expect a mix of moorland paths, rocky scrambles, and potentially boggy sections, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear is essential.
No, Alport Castles is a remote natural site with no facilities. You'll need to be self-sufficient for the duration of your visit.
Absolutely! The unique landslide formations, dramatic landscapes, and reservoir views offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Due to its remote location, there are no dining facilities directly at Alport Castles. You'll need to pack a picnic or dine in nearby villages like Castleton or Edale.
It's highly recommended to pack a substantial picnic, energy bars, and plenty of water, as you'll be hiking for several hours without access to food services.
Yes, you can enjoy a picnic amidst the stunning scenery. Remember to take all your litter with you and leave the area as you found it.
Villages like Castleton, Edale, and Hathersage offer traditional pubs with hearty meals and local ales, perfect for refueling after a hike.
Generally, no. The routes to Alport Castles are wild and remote, so relying on packed food is the only option.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer dramatic lighting for the landslide formations and surrounding landscapes. Moody, misty conditions can also create atmospheric shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the landslide. A drone can offer unique perspectives, but always check regulations.
The 'Tower' offers a great vantage point. Walking along the cliff edge provides different angles of the landslide, and the path leading directly to the formations offers iconic shots.
Drone usage is generally permitted in the Peak District National Park, but always be aware of local guidelines, privacy concerns, and potential restrictions near reservoirs or sensitive areas.
The dramatic gritstone pinnacles, the sheer scale of the landslide, the surrounding moorland, and the nearby reservoirs are all highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older, experienced hikers, Alport Castles can be a rewarding adventure. Ensure you pack plenty of snacks, water, and appropriate gear, and be prepared for a full day out. The sheer scale of the landslide might capture the imagination of older children, making it a memorable, albeit strenuous, family expedition.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Adventurers
Many solo hikers appreciate the opportunity for quiet contemplation and the feeling of discovery in such a wild setting. It's crucial for solo adventurers to be well-prepared. Ensure you have a reliable map and compass (or GPS device), inform someone of your route and expected return time, and carry a fully charged phone. The possibility of wild camping adds to the appeal for those seeking an overnight adventure in nature.
📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts
The surrounding moorland and the vastness of the Peak District landscape provide ample scope for landscape photography. Drone pilots will find the expansive, open terrain ideal for capturing aerial views of the landslide's scale and the intricate patterns of the terrain.
+3 Remember to always fly responsibly, respecting wildlife and other visitors, and check for any specific drone regulations within the national park. The dramatic weather often seen in the Peak District can also lead to incredibly atmospheric and unique photographic moments. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology of Alport Castles
+2This geological activity makes the area a fascinating place for those interested in earth sciences. The sheer scale of the landslip is awe-inspiring, and exploring the formations offers a unique hiking experience. The terrain here is a direct result of this ancient natural disaster, shaping the dramatic landscape you see today.
Visitors can scramble over the debris, imagining the immense forces that created this unique feature. The 'Tower' is a particularly popular formation to climb for those seeking a bit of adventure and a rewarding view.
Hiking Routes and Trail Conditions
Trail conditions can vary significantly. While some paths are well-trodden and relatively clear, others can be rocky, uneven, and prone to becoming boggy, especially after rainfall. Sturdy hiking boots with good grip are essential for navigating these varied terrains safely. The climb up to 'The Tower' involves a scramble, requiring a good sense of balance and surefootedness.
For those seeking a more remote experience, wild camping is an option in the vicinity, as noted by some hikers. However, it's crucial to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the pristine nature of this wild landscape is preserved for future visitors.
Photography Opportunities
+1Beyond the landslide, the surrounding moorlands and the nearby Derwent Valley reservoirs provide stunning backdrops. Consider capturing the reflections in the water, the historic dams, or the vastness of the landscape. Drone photography can offer unparalleled perspectives of the landslide's scale and the surrounding topography, but always fly responsibly and be aware of any restrictions.
+3Moody weather, such as mist or cloud inversions, can add an extra layer of atmosphere to your shots, transforming the landscape into something truly magical.
Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself wanting to capture every angle of this spectacular location.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit