Mam Tor and The Broken Road
A moderately difficult walk with steep ascents rewarding you with breathtaking views over the Hope Valley and the surreal area of The Broken Road.
The Route
Starting off, you will head up towards Edale. You can get snacks and drinks from the café or shop here. You'll walk through the bottom of the valley, then cross the Mam Tor ridgeline. This is steep but not difficult. Heading down the other side, you'll pass the Broken Road and back up to Mam Tor's peak. Take in the views, and then head back to Edale for a refreshing alcoholic beverage.
Heading out of Edale
The first stage of the walk is leaving Edale. You'll head through some gentle rolling fields. Crossing the valley is a peaceful role, with some old stone farm buildings dotting the landscape. The hills around you rise up and are often topped with clouds, even on a dry day.
The ridge you climb will loom above you but do not worry.
The Ridge Climb
This section of the walk is steep. But the path is good, and you'll find it's not difficult, just tiring. Rest often, as this is the best way to take in the view. There isn't much to see if you are staring at the ground in front of you!
Looking back will help you see how far you have already climbed, and the valley slowly unfolding beneath you. Edale will appear very small as you climb, and it gives you a great insight into the scale of the natural world.
Topping the Ridge
At the top you have views over two valleys, either side of the ridge. The ridge cuts them in to like a wall separating gardens. You'll head down the other side of the ridge. Descending here, you'll pass from a grassland hillside to a forest. Nestled within the forest is a beautiful house hidden away from the larger world.
This forest is a beautiful spot to pause and take some shelter should you need some. It's a very big change of scenery from what you've experienced so far.
The Broken Road
This area of the walk is potentially my favourite. An old road built on poor foundations of shale and loose terrain. Nature has exerted her force here and the road is broken into chunks, with a section sliding down the hill, and some parts forced upwards in small cliff like shapes.
This area is phenomenal. Showing how delicate man's structures can be. It feels like walking through a dystopic vision of the world, with nature reclaiming the land we took for granted. For me, this is one of the highlights of this particular walk.
Climbing Mam Tor
From the top of Broken Road, you climb to the peak of Mam Tor. This area is well maintained, and the path up includes steps, and a cobbled path. It's fairly easy going, if a little steep. At the top is a trig point, for those of you who count the peaks you have climbed.
Yet more stunning views await you here, and it is a great photo opportunity.
Descending to Edale
From here you zig and you zag back down towards Edale. Descending from lofty heights and spacious views, the scenery becomes more tangible and close.
A small brook awaits you at the bottom, surround by wild flowers. It provides a nice moment to reflect on the walk, before moving on to Edale and either the train home, or a nice Sunday lunch in a local pub.
Image Gallery
Getting to the start
Train
Edale is reachable by train from Manchester Piccadilly. It is one of the most scenic train journeys through country parks and the Peak District. The service is hourly, and runs early and late. There is a café at the station, and it's next to a pub. It is a longer journey, at about 45 mins, however the beer garden nearby is well worth getting the train to enjoy.
Car
Driving to Edale is scenic, but a long drive from Manchester Centre. There is a pay and display car park just for tourists in the local area.
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