Mam Tor and the Great Ridge from Castleton

Mam Tor rises to 517 metres above the Hope Valley, its summit crowned with the visible earthworks of a late Bronze Age hill fort. This classic 13km circular from Castleton climbs past Treak Cliff and Blue John Cavern to reach the ridge, then follows the Great Ridge northeast along three kilometres of flagstone path over Hollins Cross and Back Tor to Lose Hill. The descent drops through Cave Dale, a spectacular limestone gorge carved by glacial meltwater directly beneath Peveril Castle. The full circuit takes four to five hours and packs in 500 metres of ascent, industrial history, Iron Age archaeology and some of the Peak District's finest ridge walking.

The ridge itself is one of the most exhilarating stretches in the Peak District for an active dog, with the scent of heather and sun-warmed gritstone carrying on the wind and the exposed flagstone path giving a genuine sense of height. This dog friendly walk offers good off-lead potential along the upper ridge, though leads are needed on the lower slopes approaching Castleton where sheep graze unfenced ground. There is no reliable water on the ridge, so carry enough for the climb; the stream at the base of Cave Dale provides a drink on the descent. The rocky scramble through Cave Dale requires sure-footed dogs comfortable on loose stone. Castleton has excellent dog-friendly pubs afterwards, including Ye Olde Nags Head and the Castle Hotel.