Lose in Derbyshire by Nick Kendell

With the majestic ruins of the 12th century Peveril castle standing sentinel over the village and Mam Tor brooding to the west, Castleton, in the heart of the Peak National park makes the ideal starting point to explore this fascinating and popular area. With more caves, caverns and shops than it deserves this small town will undoubtedly have something for all of us regardless of the weather; and the walk from the village, round the ridge from Lose Hill to Mam Tor and back through Winnats Pass, with a small extension to Cave Dale, will stay with you for years to come.

1)
Start From the small green opposite the Youth Hostel head east and follow the Hope road past the Police Station and cross the Peakshole water by the Spital Bridge. Two hundred yards along the path, with the fine views of Mam Tor now to your back, turn left and take the finger posted tarmac track to Losehill Hall. Follow the track past the large new barn and carry on round to the right. A stile opposite the side of the Hall leads you into an open arable field.

2)
1 mile/1.6km With the stream and trees to your right follow the well trodden path up to the top right-hand corner of the field, not forgetting to look back at the village as you climb steadily. A stile in the hedge takes you into the next field where the path continues until it suddenly drops to the right before you reach Fields Farm. Here the path crosses the stream using a rather utilitarian footbridge. If it’s a hot day rest a while in the shade of the trees and listen to the babbling of the water. The next stretch is quite a pull!

3)
1 ½ miles/2.4 km The path takes a slight diagonal flavour now as it heads to the gate and stile at the side of the farm. Once negotiated take the track to the right and look up - the first goal of Lose Hill is now clearly visible as a large swelling at the right hand end of the ridge. The stony track, worn smooth by the passage of countless feet and Land Rover tyres leads on from the farm for a couple of hundred yards to another, rather impressive double stile on the right which leads you into the pastures that form the gentler side of the Peaks. From here there are impressive views across Castleton to Mam Tor and Winnats pass. Follow this clearly marked path, keeping the stone wall to your left and carry on to Losehill farm with its boundary stone and small plantation of trees.

4)
2 miles/2.4 km Turn sharp left and face Lose Hill. Don’t be afraid - it’s only another hill, and you’re nearly there. Putting your best foot forward stride out to the North West through the rough pasture that leads to the top, choosing any one of the meandering tracks that zigzag their way to the same destination. When you reach the top a massive stone surmounted by an engraved brass plate will greet you. With all the distances and directions laid out before you, you can put the map away for a moment and say, ‘I didn’t know that was over there’, or ‘is it really that far to so-and-so?’ as you spend the next few minutes forgetting you have just completed the most arduous climb of the day. Once you have finished admiring the grandeur of Kinder Scout with the army of brightly Gore-Tex clad ants that follow Grindsbrook Booth to the plateau, turn away to the southwest and face your next goal

5)
2 ½ miles With the park’s industrial heritage ingrained into the tumbled down stonewall, stride purposefully along the ridge towards Back Tor. The views to your left stretch far away over Castleton and are only spoilt by the cement works and associated quarries, however these are only a minor blemish on an otherwise serene landscape of rolling hills and valleys where its easy to forget how close you are to Sheffield and Manchester. To the right, over the Backtor Wood, Edale can be seen nestling in the bosom of the foreboding and brooding, yet strangely alluring Kinder Scout. From here the path dips again and rises back up to Hollins Cross, following the line of the parish boundary. Fine views can be had again to the North and should be enjoyed before the final ascent to Mam Tor is undertaken.

6)
4 ½ miles/7.2km The white painted 1695 feet Trig. point at the top of Mam Tor is surrounded by a neat circle of cobbles carefully and attractively laid down the slopes. This may not look terribly natural but believe me on a wet and windswept November afternoon it makes for a firm and clean base on which to sit and admire the sights before you as you tuck into your sarnies, dutifully carried thus far. On fine days the hill is a magnet for hang gliders and paragliders who jump off the hill and effortlessly ride the thermals until their gaudy canopies become a mass of tiny specks in the blue vista. If the British team are practising then wait and watch - the speed of ascent of these professionals is quite breath taking. As you descend the stone steps from the summit take a moment to look back at the scar where the hill slipped down on to the Castleton to Chapel En Le Frith road. Under this unstable hillside the Blue John cavern makes a wonderful attraction, and if you have time, please go in. Once at the bottom of the hill, cross the road by the car park and follow the path into Windy Knoll. Passing the cave, leave the other side of the field and cross the road. The path passes behind Winnats Head Farm and joins the road at the top of the Winnats Pass. Stop at the top and brace yourself, it’s quite a drop through towering cliffs and makes an ideal place to explore the rich geology and botany of the region. If you close your eyes part way down you could be forgiven for thinking that you were at a train station as the smell of hot brakes and overheating engines offends your nose.

7)
5 ½ miles/8.9km Once at the bottom of the pass the world famous Speedwell Cavern beckons you in. Please, please, please make time for this trip. I promise you won’t regret it if you can cope with the 105 steps down (and back)! The canal boat at the bottom takes you on a unique journey in time and drops you off at the illuminated Bottomless Pit where you are 200m underground. When you reach the top again, refreshments are available. The rest of the walk is very straightforward now and entails following the road back into Castleton past numerous shops selling the famous Blue John wear.

8)
6 ½ miles/10.5km After a well deserved break in the town, a small extension to Cave Dale is well worth making. From the small green behind the church a path leads up between some cottages before passing through a gate in the shade of ancient trees and into Cave Dale itself. Surmounted by Peveril Castle high on the right, the Dale itself is a vast, valley-like natural feature with massive towering cliffs and rocky outcrops that dwarf and humbles even the biggest of us. The more adventurous of you may like to bypass the Winnats Pass descent and carry on round from Windy Knoll and head back to the village down Cave Dale after walking round the right hand side of Winnats Pass. This adds little in the way of distance to the walk, but gives a far more dramatic approach to the town as you walk along the well-worn, Stony path. If you are still feeling energetic, try climbing to the top of one of the walls of Cave Dale and then see how you feel. Finally, when you arrive back in the town climb the zigzag path to the castle, as no visit to Castleton would be complete without a visit to the ruins.

Planning Details for Lose.

Distance: 6 ½ miles/10.5km
Time 4: hours - more for caves
Start: Small green opposite Youth Hostel
Parking: Spaces in town or car park on way to Winnats Pass
Terrain: Well worn stony paths, way marked grassy tracks and clear paths through crops. One steep climb.
Nearest Town: Castleton
Refreshments: Pubs, restaurants and cafes galore in Castleton
Public Transport: Buses from Bakewell, Buxton and Matlock. Derbyshire Bus Line (01332) 292200. Trains to Hope - next town
Suitable: for All able bodied walkers. Keep dogs on a lead
Stiles: 12, depending on detours
Map: OS Outdoor Leisure 1

© Nick Kendell 2000

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