Castleton, 8th July 2009

Recently I heard about a challenging scramble in the Peak District that boasts steep exposed limestone within a two minute walk of a car park, brilliant!
The route is known as Elbow Ridge and is found in the Winnats Pass just outside Castleton. I had read that the route has a ‘Diff’ grade and once I reached the start of the route I immediately knew that I wouldn’t be soloing the whole thing as the first section was pretty much vertical.

I went up some easier ground on the west side until I could gain access to the ridge where, although exposed, the going was easier.

The last section was again vertical and wasn’t going to be attempted by me unless I had a rope with a Scotsman providing belay.

A brief excursion to the west side again allowed me to gain the top of the ridge and the views across Castleton and Mam Tor.

From here I went across the moor and took the direct route up Mam Tor along the side that had collapsed giving the most interest.

With the summit reached, the ridge provides excellent views and easy walking all the way to Lose Hill. From Here I crossed the valley to Cave Dale at the foot of Peveril Castle where some more scrambling allowed me to gain access to the ridge at the back of Winnats Pass.
Apart from the scramble at the start and the nettles that don’t mix well with shorts, the route was quite easy and well worth another visit.