Great Ridge
Iconic ridge walk in the Peak District offering stunning panoramic views of Edale and Hope Valleys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Great Ridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic ridge walk in the Peak District offering stunning panoramic views of Edale and Hope Valleys.
"Amazing views on the Ridge. Be aware that it is quite a steep climb to get up there."
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stone path is well-maintained but can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the ridge. Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike! :water_buffalo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mam Tor Summit
Start/End Point
The 'Shivering Mountain' offers panoramic views of Hope and Edale Valleys. A must-see!
The Great Ridge Walk
Ridge Path
A well-defined stone path with breathtaking vistas on either side. Iconic Peak District scenery.
Winnats Pass
Near Mam Tor
Dramatic limestone gorge offering stunning views and a sense of rugged beauty.
Lose Hill
Eastern end of the ridge
Offers a different perspective of the valleys and a rewarding endpoint for many routes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds on the Great Ridge
Prepare for All Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stone path is well-maintained but can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the ridge. Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike! :water_buffalo:
Check the Weather
Peak District weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on sunny days. :cloud_rain:
Consider Sunrise/Sunset
Incredible light for photos, but can be busy. Go early to beat the crowds! :sunrise:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
The stone path is well-maintained but can be slippery. Good hiking boots are essential! :athletic_shoe:
Pack Water & Snacks
No facilities on the ridge. Stay hydrated and fueled for your hike! :water_buffalo:
Check the Weather
Peak District weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and rain, even on sunny days. :cloud_rain:
Consider Sunrise/Sunset
Incredible light for photos, but can be busy. Go early to beat the crowds! :sunrise:
Dog-Friendly (with caveats)
Dogs are welcome but be mindful of stiles and livestock. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Great Ridge for its spectacular, sweeping views and well-maintained path, making it an iconic Peak District walk. While the climb can be steep, the panoramic vistas of Edale and Hope Valleys are considered well worth the effort. Some note it can get very crowded on sunny days, suggesting quieter times for a more serene experience.
"The Great Ridge, stretching between Lose Hill and Mam Tor in the Peak District, is one of the most iconic walks in the area. The path is well-defined and accessible, though the steady ups and downs along the ridge can feel like a good workout. Along the way you’re treated to spectacular views on both sides, with Edale Valley to the north and Hope Valley to the south. It was an amazing feeling to walk along the ridge, high above the valleys, and look out over such a sweeping and dramatic landscape."
Andy
"Amazing views on the Ridge. Be aware that it is quite a steep climb to get up there. On a sunny Saturday it was very crowded so it might be better to pick a more quiet time if you prefer solitude. The stone path on top of the Ridge is easy to navigate."
Nienke Verboom
"A spectacular place to walk. Early autumn starts can be rewarded with cloud inversions in the Hope Valley and Vale of Edale."
Rob Barnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular starting points are Mam Tor car park (pay and display, S33 8WA) or Edale train station (direct from Sheffield/Manchester). You can also start from Castleton or Hope village. :train: :car: 
Yes, there's a pay and display car park at Mam Nick (S33 8WA). It gets very busy, especially on weekends, so arrive early or consider alternative transport. :parking:
Yes, Edale has a train station with direct services from Sheffield and Manchester. Buses also serve the area, connecting villages like Castleton and Hope. :bus: :train:
From Edale, you can hike up towards Mam Tor, incorporating Lord's Seat and Hollins Cross before reaching the main ridge. This offers a longer, more scenic route. :hiking_boot:
The main path along the ridge is well-defined and paved with stone, making it easy to follow. However, always carry a map and compass as a backup. :compass:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Great Ridge and Mam Tor is free. However, parking at popular car parks like Mam Nick is pay and display. :ticket:
The Great Ridge is accessible 24/7 as it's part of the national park. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment. :clock1:
There are no entrance fees to walk on the Great Ridge itself. Parking charges apply at designated car parks. :moneywithwings:
Yes, several local guides and walking groups offer guided hikes along the Great Ridge, often focusing on specific themes like photography or sisterhood. :walking:
While technically possible, hiking the Great Ridge at night is not recommended for inexperienced hikers due to potential hazards and lack of facilities. :moon:
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The walk is generally considered moderate. There are some short, steep climbs to reach the ridge, but the path along the top is mostly level with undulations. :muscle:
A typical walk from Mam Tor to Lose Hill and back can take 3-4 hours, covering about 6.5 miles. Routes starting from Edale can be longer, taking 3+ hours for a 7-mile loop. :stopwatch:
No, there are no facilities on the ridge itself. You'll need to use facilities in nearby villages like Castleton, Edale, or Hope before or after your hike. :toilet: :coffee:
Spectacular panoramic views of the Edale Valley to the north and Hope Valley to the south. You'll see rolling hills, dramatic gorges, and picturesque villages. :camerawithflash:
Yes, it's often recommended for new hikers due to the clear path and moderate difficulty. However, ensure you're prepared for the weather and have appropriate footwear. :hiking_boot:
📸 📸 Photography
The summit of Mam Tor, the undulating path along the ridge itself, and viewpoints overlooking Winnats Pass and the valleys are prime photography locations. :camera:
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting. Early autumn can provide stunning cloud inversions in the valleys. Midday can be harsh but still offers grand vistas. :sunrise: :sunset:
Landscape photography is ideal, capturing the sweeping vistas. Consider wide-angle lenses for the expansive views and telephoto for distant details. :lens:
While challenging, you can convey wind through motion blur in grasses or by photographing people with their hair or clothing blowing. :windblowingface:
Drone usage in national parks can be restricted. Always check the latest regulations for the Peak District National Park before flying a drone. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The stunning views provide constant engagement, and the presence of sheep often delights younger hikers. Key tips for families: Start early to avoid crowds and the midday sun. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities. Consider a shorter out-and-back route if a full loop seems too much. The walk from Mam Tor to Back Tor and back is a good option for a shorter adventure. Ensure children wear sturdy shoes and have layers for changing weather.
🚶 Solo Hikers & Backpackers
Solo hiker advice: Inform someone of your route and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone and a power bank. Consider joining a guided walk for a social element and local insights.
The well-defined paths make navigation straightforward, but always have a map and compass as a backup. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The undulating ridge path creates dynamic lines and leading lines for compelling compositions. Early autumn is particularly rewarding for photographers, with the potential for breathtaking cloud inversions. Photography tips: Arrive early for sunrise or stay late for sunset to capture the best light and fewer crowds. Use a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the landscape. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to showcase the scale of the valleys. Be prepared for wind, which can add a sense of drama to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geology and History of Mam Tor
The shifting landslides have not only impacted the natural environment but also human infrastructure, leading to the construction of the iconic Mam Nick road and the A625 road, which has been famously rerouted multiple times. Walking the ridge offers a tangible connection to this dynamic geological past, with visible scars on the hillsides and the ever-present sense of the land's movement. It's a reminder of the powerful forces that have shaped the Peak District.
For those interested in the area's history, exploring the remnants of the old Roman road and the Bronze Age barrows adds another layer to the experience. The combination of natural wonder and human history makes Mam Tor and the Great Ridge a fascinating destination for hikers and history buffs alike.
Navigating the Great Ridge: Routes and Challenges
For a longer, more immersive experience, starting from Edale train station allows you to incorporate other peaks like Lord's Seat and Hollins Cross, creating a 7-mile loop that takes around 3 hours or more with stops. +1While the main ridge path is well-paved and easy to follow, there are some challenging sections. The initial ascent to Mam Tor can be steep, and the descent from Lose Hill involves loose stones that can be slippery, especially in wet conditions.
The ridge itself is exposed and can be very windy, so being prepared for changing weather is crucial. For those seeking a quicker ascent and a longer descent, a route suggestion involves a fast climb up Mam Tor and a more leisurely, extended walk down.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit