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Great Ridge Team Walking - Peak District

The Peak District’s Great Ridge Walk has it all – a limestone gorge, a stunning hill top, a ridge walk with high, airy views, and a valley walk with tea stop en route! Castleton, the starting point, is a picturesque, bustling village with underground show caverns, a castle, cafes, hotels, and artisan shops – so a great base for a team day out, especially  if some participants want to enjoy other activities.   

  • Distance: 9 miles/14km.
  • Ascent: 1969ft/600m of ascent.
  • Difficulty: Moderate.
  • Great For: New and experienced hill walkers.
  • Approx Timings: 0930 –1630.  Final confirmation when you book.
  • Start/Finish: Visitor Centre Car Park, Castleton, S33 8WN.
  • Location Map >
Group on Back Tor Great Ridge Diversity Peak District (4)
Back Tor on Great Ridge Peak District (1)
Group on Back Tor Great Ridge Diversity Peak District
Descending to Edale from the Great Ridge, Peak District

For news, tips and stories, see our Blogs >

Description
The Route

We leave Castleton via Cave Dale, a tall and narrow limestone valley.  After a gradual ascent via Windy Knoll we reach the summit of Mam Tor (517m/1696ft), the site of a former hill fort with stunning views across the Dark Peak to Kinder Scout, the Peak District’s highest plateau, and the Derwent Moors.  We keep our height as we walk along the Great Ridge to Hollins Cross, Back Tor and our final summit, Lose Hill.  Here we look back along the ridge to view the whole of our walk and the Hope Valley and Vale of Edale far below.  A gradual descent brings us back to Castleton along the valley, stopping for refreshment and comfort breaks, if required,  in the picturesque village of Hope. 

Key Features
  • A fabulous team walk that packs in the best of the Peak District National Park.
  • The route can be adjusted in length and height – we can plan route options to suit different teams.
  • Castleton’s a great village with facilities, hospitality, accommodation and things to do >.
  • If you’re coming by rail we can plan a route from Edale Station (direct trains from Manchester and Sheffield).
  • Easy access to Peak District from midland and northern cities.  
  • 1 – 8 people: £275 (Set up and 1 guide)
  • 9 – 16: £475 (2 guides)
  • 17 – 24: £675 (3 guides)
  • 25 – 32: £875 (4 guides)
  • 33 – 40: £1075 (5 guides)

Optional check point support car and driver, with water and snacks, and transport to the start or finish for participants unable to complete the route: £250 per day.

Please Note: 

  • These are guide costs for this walk.
  • We operate a higher client to guide ratio than many companies, based on eight people per guide. This is to ensure peoples’  different walking experience, pace and ability are properly supported throughout the day. Where we are satisfied that all party members share the same experience then we will consider reviewing ratios and costs with you.
  • We will finalise costs with you when you book.

Included

  • Bespoke set up advice on walk suitability, area, accommodation, meeting points, travel arrangements and parking.
  • Full Briefing Information, Kit List and Risk Assessment for your walk.
  • Qualified Mountain Leader(s) or Hill and Moorland Leader(s) with Outdoor First Aid Qualifications, Liability Insurance and DBS checks (where required).
  • Guiding throughout the day with briefing advice and support to ensure your safety.
  • Narrative on local points of interest, wildlife, geology, history and culture.
  • Photography of your day which can be shared with you.
  • The option of a free, return lift from a station or bus stop to the start of your walk to encourage sustainable travel. We can arrange pick up for 3 – 4 individuals in the group if we have spare space in our vehicle and the pick-up point is reasonably close to your walk. Ask us when you book.

 

Not Included:

  • Accommodation and board, parking or transport costs associated with your walk.
  • Essential walking kit or food.

 

Optional:  

  • Optional check point support vehicle with water and snacks, and transport to the start or finish for participants unable to complete the route.  Fee to be agreed at booking.
  • Qualified PR support from our communication specialist to support charity or organisational publicity initiatives: Fee to be agreed at booking.

Here’s an Essential Kit List for all our walks >

We meet and brief outside the toilets and Refreshments Kiosk at the Visitor Centre Car Park, Castleton, S33 8WN.  This car park can also accommodate minibuses and coaches.

Please see a Google Map showing the location of the car park and  Visitor Centre here >.

Please Note: 

  • The cost of car parking is (currently) £6 – £7 for the day and the ticket machine may only take coins.

Castleton is a small bustling, picturesque village with cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, shops and accommodation.  There are also the famous Blue John mines and caverns, and a castle ruin.  

This is walk is Moderate.
Here is our walk difficulty guide >

Recommendation

We partner with Bike & Boot Peak District > , a new, award winning leisure hotel, catering for groups, including cyclists, walkers, dog owners and adventurers! There’s a restaurant too with evening meal and breakfast options.  The hotel also has a drying room for walking gear,  free hot drinks for guests, free cake at 4pm, free on-site parking, and free films three times a day.

  • Distance/Time from Walk Start: 10 mins/ 3.5 miles. 
  • Location Map/Directions here >
  • 10 – 15% Discount for Peak Walking Adventures Clients.
  • Your discount code is PEAKWALKING if you book online at Bike & Boot Booking > .
  • Or quote ‘Peak Walking Adventures and the discount code “PEAKWALKING” if you telephone:  01433 440777  or email: peaks@bikeandboot.com
Other Accommodation Options

Take a look at our  frequently asked questions here >

Respect, Protect and Enjoy!

We all want to respect, protect and enjoy the fragile upland environments where we walk, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.  Following The Countryside Code really helps…

Respect:
  • Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside
  • Leave gates and property as you find them
  • Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking
  • Be nice, say hello, share the space
  • Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available
Protect:
  • Take your litter home – leave no trace of your visit
  • Do not light fires and only have BBQs where signs say you can
  • Always keep dogs under control and in sight
  • Dog poo – bag it and bin it – any public waste bin will do
  • Care for nature – do not cause damage or disturbance
Enjoy:
  • Check your route and local conditions
  • Plan your adventure – know what to expect and what you can do
  • Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory
Want to know more?
  • Sustainability – our actions and fund raising to support the local environment, communities and economy.
  • Contact Us – ask a question or make a suggestion.

Want to make a corporate walk enquiry?

Just drop us an email: info@peakwaking.com  or call 07913 549483
Or complete the form below and we’ll be in touch…