Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX follows the shortest popular ascent of Mam Tor: a 1.4 km out-and-back from the small National Trust car park at Mam Nick, with 88 m of ascent. From the upper end of the car park, climb the steps, follow the path beside the road to the gate and National Trust sign, then bear left up the stone steps. Continue on the pitched path to Mam Tor's 517 m summit, where the remains of a nationally important prehistoric hillfort surround the top. Retrace the same path to Mam Nick. The route is short and clear, but it is steep in places, exposed to wind and slippery when wet or icy.
Mam Tor is short but rarely quiet. The stone pitching protects both the eroded hillside and Iron Age earthworks, so do not cut corners or walk on the banks. Wind on the summit ridge can be much stronger than at Mam Nick, and frost turns the steps into a serious slip hazard. This GPX stops at the trig point; continuing to Hollins Cross or Lose Hill needs a different plan and enough time for the return.
The walk is short, but the open ridge and stone steps still deserve care in wind, rain or frost.
TrailTrack
Route Waypoints
Start at the small National Trust car park, grid reference SK 123 832. Climb the steps at the top of the car park, follow the path beside the road to a small gate and National Trust sign, then go through and bear left.
Climb the maintained stone steps without cutting the corners. The surface is easy to follow when dry but can be slippery after rain or in frost, especially on the return descent.
As the gradient begins to ease, stay on the obvious stone-pitched path towards the summit. Views open over Edale, the Hope Valley and the Great Ridge, but the hillside is exposed to strong wind.
Pass through the Iron Age enclosure on the surfaced path. Do not walk on the banks or widen worn lines across the archaeology.
Reach the trig point on Mam Tor at 517 m. The earthworks around the summit belong to a nationally important prehistoric hillfort. This GPX turns around here rather than continuing along the Great Ridge.
Reverse the pitched summit path, giving other walkers space. Frost and compacted snow make these steps especially slippery.
Follow the pedestrian line beside the road back to Mam Nick. Keep off the carriageway and do not use verges as overflow parking.
Retrace the stone-pitched route to the car park. Descend the steps carefully when wet or icy and finish at Mam Nick; do not extend onto the National Trust circular unless you have planned that separate route.
Essential Tips
The National Trust warns that Mam Nick and nearby car parks can fill by 9am at peak times. Arrive early, park only in designated spaces and never block the road, residents, farm access or emergency vehicles.
The ascent uses good stone steps and pitched path, but steep sections can be slippery after rain, in frost or under ice. Wear footwear with grip and slow down on the descent.
Mam Tor's top can be windy and much colder than the car park. Check the forecast and carry a warm, windproof or waterproof layer even for this short outing.
Livestock graze in the area. Follow current signs, keep dogs on leads around animals and take all litter and dog waste home because there are no bins at Mam Nick.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Mam Tor walk from Mam Nick?
The supplied out-and-back GPX is 1.4 km with 88 m of ascent. TrailTrack's pace estimate is 26 minutes, though you should allow longer for the views, busy paths and slippery conditions.
Is the short Mam Tor route difficult?
It is graded Moderate: the route is short and follows a maintained stone-pitched path, but it has steep steps and an exposed summit. Wet, icy or windy weather makes it more demanding.
Where does this Mam Tor route start?
It starts at the small National Trust Mam Nick car park, grid reference SK 123 832. OS Explorer OL1 covers the route; the car park fills very early at busy times.