The Winnats Pass Walk is considered one of the most iconic hikes in the Peak District. In this guide, I share an adventurous walking route to Winnats Pass, as well as all the essential info you’ll need before visiting.
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Winnats Pass Walk at a Glance
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Winnats Pass Walk FAQs
Before I share my experience walking Winnats Pass, let’s cover some key information to help you plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Winnats Pass is located in the Hope Valley area of the Peak District. It’s just a few minutes west of Castleton, 5 miles southeast of Edale, and 2 miles south of Ladybower Reservoir.
There are plenty of parking spots in Castleton Villag. We parked at this spot at the foot of the Mam Tor trailhead. It’s free to park here, and it tends to be less busy than other car parks in Castleton. You can also park here by Speedwell Cavern.
Getting here by public transport is also doable. The 272 bus runs between Sheffield and Castleton, and the 200 runs from Chapel-en-le-Frith via Winnats Pass. The closest railway station is in Edale.
Best Time to Visit
I highly recommend the Winnats Pass walk for sunrise if you don’t mind the early start. Various viewpoints along the trail allow for spectacular photos, and it’s also the most peaceful time to experience it.
I would avoid the route during high winds, heavy rain, or poor visibility. The trail can be slippery, and there are steep drop offs.
Winnats Pass Circular Walk Map
Winnats Pass Walk Difficulty
I have classified this hike as moderate in difficulty. It isn’t exactly a long hike, and the incline is manageable; however, some areas require some scrambling.
There are plenty of opportunities for those looking to up the intensity of their walk. You can include Cave Dale – another stunning Peak District walk. Or climb Mam Tor for epic views over Hope Valley.
Other Things Worth Knowing
Dogs: The entirety of this trail is dog-friendly.
Kids: This Winnats Pass walk route is suitable for older children.
Pushchair/Wheelchair Access: Unfortunately, this route is not accessible.
Footwear: Supportive footwear with a good grip is essential for this walk.
Weather: The weather can change quickly in the hills. Be prepared for all the seasons.
Facilities: There are pubs, toilets, picnic benches, and other facilities in Castleton.
Map: It’s always good to have a map handy. We use All Trails.
Our Experience Walking Winnats Pass
We parked our campervan at the bottom of Mam Tor. I mapped out a circular route to Winnats Pass, which meant we could visit Castleton at the same time.
After a short walk across a farmer’s field, we found ourselves on the eastern side of the pass. We crossed the road and followed the trail that went up and over the pass.
It was a fairly steep climb ascending the trail, but anybody with a reasonable fitness level will manage it with no problems.
Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with some unbelievable views. This has got to be one of the most scenic roads in the UK. Various viewpoints along the trail are perfect for a photo op.
By the time you reach the end of the pass, you are less than 3 km into your hike. You can now make your way into Castleton, but only after a tricky descent first.
The photos don’t give an accurate perspective of how steep this section is. I spent more time on my backside than my feet, but thankfully there was a rope to clamber onto.
If I did this hike again, I’d probably do it in reverse, as I’d rather scramble up a hill than down it.
From there, it was an easy run into Castleton. We felt well deserving of a coffee and cake, which we prioritised before meandering around the village.
There are a few things worth seeing in Castleton, such as Peveril Castle, Peak Cavern, and charming local shops. There are also plenty of pubs.
The route back to the parking area took us through Winnats Pass at the ground level. The trail is quite deceiving in this section, as the incline is much steeper than it looks.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this hike. From the views to the terrain and the charm of Castleton village, it made for a memorable day in the Peak District. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
Enjoy This Winnats Pass Walk!
I hope you enjoy this Winnats Pass Walk as much as we did. If you’re visiting the area soon, you might find some of our Peak District articles helpful.
If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
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