Friday March 24th

Castleton, Peak Forrest, Sparrowpit and Rushup Edge

This was a walk that we didn't do last year, and it did not disappoint. We drove to Castleton and worked our way up the hillside beside the Norman castle to reach the path to Rowter Farm. It was great to see the usual features from a different angle.

Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill with the Derwent Edges in the far distance
As we walked towards the farm the clouds were in and out with the occasional drizzle, and a full rainbow.
Rainbow with Mam Tor in the background
As we passed Rowter Farm, a welcome absence of frisky cows meant that there was no need for detours and the way through The Portway and all the old lead mining workings seemed less obscure than in 2021. The route was a combination of grassy and vague paths, and tracks- some definitely not for the use of casual off-roaders!
Giant Lego brick detering 4-wheel drives
We made our way down to Old Dam and Peak Forest, and along Perry Dale, a section of the Pennine Bridleway, passing a basking cat at Beytonsdale on the way.
Cat doing what cats do.
Turning off Perry Vale, we went up the steep hillside and had lunch in the woods below Gautries Hill, to the fascination of the local sheep.
Sheep watching us lunching
From the top of the hill we descended to Sparrowpit, with the landmark "T-Shaped Pylons" to guide us. After Sparrowpit we climbed up to reach (the welcome sight of) Rushup Edge. The way was marked with a variety of signs and event he occasional new gate.


Rushup Edge and (far distance, centre) Mam Tor
The views from Rushup Edge were great and it is pleasant walking along the edge.
Lord's Seat on Rushup Edge with views down to Mam Tor and Lose Hill

The last section of the walk is the impressive collapsed road which is always fund to walk around.
The Mam Tor Road
Odin Gorge is very dramatic and it was a nice amble back to the village and the car park.
12.6 Miles, 750m ascent.

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