Lose Hill and Back Tor from Castleton
South Yorkshire
From the pretty village of Castleton this dog friendly circular climbs through farmland onto the eastern end of the Great Ridge, taking in the airy summits of Back Tor and Lose Hill before dropping back to the village. The views are some of the finest in the Peak District: Mam Tor and the Vale of Edale to one side, the Hope Valley and Win Hill to the other, with Kinder Scout dominating the northern skyline. The paved ridge path makes the going easier than the elevation suggests.
Dogs can be off lead on the ridge itself but the farm tracks in and out of Castleton pass grazing sheep and occasional cattle, so a lead is needed at both ends. The climb onto Back Tor is steep and exposed, and the ridge can catch strong wind, so a confident, biddable dog copes best here. Castleton has plenty of pubs, cafes and ice cream stops for afterwards, and many welcome dogs. There are several pay and display car parks in the village and a good National Park visitor centre with toilets.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 9.0 km (5.6 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 4 hr
- Walk Type
- Peak
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Pubs, cafes, toilets, shops and a visitor centre in Castleton village.
- Parking
- Multiple pay and display car parks in Castleton including the main visitor centre car park; busy on weekends and holidays, arrive early.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lose Hill and Back Tor from Castleton dog friendly?
This walk scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness, making it a solid choice for most dogs. The ridge itself is wonderfully open and dog friendly, and Castleton village has plenty of pubs and cafes that welcome dogs for a post-walk reward.
Can dogs be off lead at Lose Hill and Back Tor from Castleton?
Dogs can enjoy off-lead time on the ridge itself, which is the highlight of the walk. However, leads are needed on the farm tracks at both ends of the route, where you'll pass grazing sheep and occasional cattle.
What should I know before visiting Lose Hill and Back Tor from Castleton with my dog?
The climb onto Back Tor is steep and exposed, and the ridge can be caught by strong winds, so this walk suits a confident, biddable dog rather than a nervous or easily distracted one. Parking is in one of several pay and display car parks in Castleton, but the village gets busy at weekends and on holidays, so arriving early is a good idea.
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