Edale Skyline Walk GPX and OS Map

18.4 miles (29.6 km)

This long distance circular route follows the popular Edale Skyline Walk which visits Mam Tor, one of England’s most recognisable hills, before continuing along the Great Ridge and ascending Kinder Scout, the highest point in the park.
The walk begins from a car park on Mam Tor Road, where you follow the road past the Blue John Cave, where the rare Blue John Stone is still mined today.
As the road bends south, cross the stile to join the footpath across the grassland towards the Mam Nick car park. From here, follow the path up the grassy slope, climbing a well-maintained series of stone steps that lead to the summit of Mam Tor.
At the top, you will find the remains of an Iron Age hill fort, along with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. On clear days, you can even see as far as Manchester. The name Mam Tor, meaning "Mother Hill," comes from the smaller hills around it, created by landslides. Due to these landslides, it is also known as the “Shivering Mountain.”
The walk continues along the undulating Great Ridge, which connects Mam Tor to Lose Hill. The views from the ridge are breathtaking, with the Kinder Plateau stretching to the northwest and Castleton, Peveril Castle, and Winnats Pass visible on the opposite side. The well-maintained flagstone path makes for easy navigation.
As you progress along the Great Ridge, you will pass Hollins Cross, the lowest point on the ridge, where several paths intersect. The name comes from a cross that once stood here, though it disappeared by 1905. In 1964, the Ramblers Association placed a memorial here in honour of Tom Hyett, a dedicated walker.
Beyond Hollins Cross, continue past Banker Bank and Back Tor before reaching Lose Hill, marked by a cairn. From this final peak along the ridge, enjoy the sweeping views before descending via a series of steps on the southeastern slopes. The route then follows Lose Hill Lane down into the valley, where you cross the River Noe before beginning the next ascent up Wooler Knoll.
The trail then leads along the ridge over Crookstone Hill and Crookstone Knoll, eventually reaching the Kinder Scout Plateau. At the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction. On clear days, it is possible to see across Manchester and even as far as the mountains of Eryri National Park in North Wales.
Kinder Scout, located in the Dark Peak region, stands at 636 metres (2,087 feet), making it the highest point in the Peak District. Known as the "Peak of Peaks," it offers some of the most extensive views in the national park.
The area also holds historical importance. In 1932, the Kinder Scout Mass Trespass took place here, when over 400 people defied the law to walk across the moorland in protest against restricted access. This event was instrumental in the Right to Roam movement, which later led to the creation of national parks in the UK, with the Peak District being the first.
Continuing along the southern edge, the path passes Grindslow Knoll before reaching Kinder Low, which is often mistaken for Kinder Scout’s highest point. The true summit lies further within the plateau and is unmarked by a trig point.
The descent follows the path along Edale Rocks towards Swine Back and the adjacent saddle. This section forms part of the Pennine Way, which runs through the northern Peak District. The route then continues over Brown Knoll and follows the undulating ridge to Rushup Edge and Lord's Seat before descending back towards the Mam Nick car park.