Winnats Pass Walk

Every backpack needs a name, and ours came from the hills. The Winnats Roll Top takes its name from Winnats Pass, the steep limestone gorge just outside Castleton in the Peak District. If you've never walked it, here's your excuse. Bring a flask. Bring a waterproof. Bring a good backpack (we know one).

Why Winnats Pass?

The name is thought to come from "wind gates", and anyone who has stood at the top in October will tell you why. The pass is a narrow cleft between high limestone walls, carved by meltwater at the end of the last ice age from rock that started life as a tropical reef around 340 million years ago. It sits on National Trust land, and at its foot is the entrance to Speedwell Cavern, an old lead mine you explore by boat.

It also has a ghost story. Local legend says a young couple, Alan and Clara, were robbed and murdered on their way through the pass to elope in 1758. Walk it at dusk and you may find yourself walking a little faster.

The route

The classic circuit is roughly 5 miles (8 km) with around 400 metres of climbing, and takes most people 2.5 to 3 hours with stops for photos and biscuits.

1. Start in Castleton. There's parking and toilets at the visitor centre on Buxton Road, and Hope station is about a mile away if you'd rather leave the car at home.

2. Climb Winnats Pass. Head west out of the village and up the pass. You can walk the grassy slopes above the road or follow the roadside; either way it's steep, and the views back down the gorge are worth every breath.

3. On to Mam Tor. From the top, cross the road and climb to the trig point on Mam Tor, the "shivering mountain", at 517 metres.

4. Along the Great Ridge. Follow the ridge east to Hollins Cross, with the Hope Valley on one side and the Edale valley on the other. On a clear day, it's one of the best views in England.

5. Back down to Castleton. Drop down past the old Mam Tor road, closed since 1979 after the hill quietly decided to slide, and follow the field paths back into the village. Pubs, tea rooms and cake await.

Before you go

It's steep. The climb up the pass is a proper workout, and the grass and limestone get very slippery in the wet. Wear boots with grip.

Mind the edges. The paths above the pass have sheer drops. Keep dogs and small people close, and check recent conditions before you set off.

Go early or go midweek. Castleton is busy at weekends and the car park fills fast.

Watch the light. The pass runs east to west, so sunrise and sunset are spectacular.

Take a map. OS Explorer OL1 (Dark Peak) covers the route.

What to pack

A waterproof jacket (it's the Peak District), a warm layer for the ridge, water, snacks, a phone and a map. Something to sit on at the top is a luxury you won't regret.

All of it fits in a Winnats Roll Top, 18 to 20 litres of weatherproof Halley Stevensons waxed cotton, with a side pocket for your water bottle and a stash pocket for keys and phone. Roll the top down twice and the weather can do what it likes. If you need more room for a longer day, the Logan Day Pack carries 25 litres.

Quick answers

How long is the walk?

The popular circular route from Castleton over Winnats Pass and Mam Tor is about 5 miles (8 km) and takes 2.5 to 3 hours.

Is it a hard walk?

It's short but steep. Anyone reasonably fit will manage it, but take care in wet weather and near the edges.

Where do you park?

Most walkers use the pay and display car park at the Castleton visitor centre, which fills up quickly on busy days.

Every Winnats is handmade to order in Britain and signed by Lesley, who made it. Take one back to where the name came from.