The Peak District is a wonderful destination for hiking and exploring the great outdoors. It’s not far from where I live in York, and I can get out here on day trips without too much trouble. Last fall, I finally ticked off one hike I’d been wanting to do for ages: Alport Castles. This is a spectacular walk, with varied scenery and terrain, plus a fun scramble at Alport Castles itself. Here’s everything you need to know about this Peak District hike!
Hike Overview: Alport Castles
Distance: 9 miles
Time: 4 to 5.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 628 meters
What to Pack for the Hike
This route traverses a variety of terrain in the Peaks. Most of the walk is on solid trails, paths, and tracks, but the boulders around the Tower at Alport Castles can be tricky. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support will help. I also recommend hiking poles, as the descent down to Alport Castles Farm is steep and can be a bit wet after rain. As with any hike in the UK, warm, waterproof layers are essential, plus all the food and water you’ll need. I highly recommend the OS Maps app for navigation – I use this on every single hike I do! A power bank and waterproof phone case may also come in handy.
Starting the Alport Castles Hike
The easiest place to start the route is at Fairholmes, where there is a large parking area, toilets, and a cafe. This is a paid car park and parking costs vary – it’s about £7 for 4+ hours, which is the time you’ll likely want to pay for this walk. There are a number of other car parks along the road to Fairholmes and Derwent Dam, and all the ones I could see were chargeable. Fairholmes is big, but it is popular and can get busy during peak times!
Hiking to the Tower at Alport Castles
Leaving Fairholmes, the route goes up through the woods and past Lockerbrook Outdoor Center before heading up along the ridge. There are fantastic views down over the valley from up here – I loved seeing the pretty colors of the trees at the end of fall. This section can be very windy. The first time I attempted this hike, I actually saw a man get completely blown off his feet and fall over here!
Eventually, you’ll turn off the main path to the left and head on the undulating trail to Alport Castles. It took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes from leaving Fairholmes to reach the junction. You’ll see the Tower, a massive, rising rocky tower, straight ahead of you. You can climb to the top, although I only recommend this in dry weather. It was muddy and too slippery for me to scramble up, although I saw someone else go up and down safely – he said there was an easier way on the other side! Whether you choose to summit the Tower or not, the views over the forest and hillside are great here.
Crossing Snake Road and Returning to Fairholmes
Backtrack slightly when leaving the Tower, before heading down into the valley to Alport Castles Farm. Cross the stream and pick up the farm track that will take you all the way to Snake Road (the A57). It took me 50 minutes from leaving Alport Castles to reach the road.
Cross the stream at the bridge, and follow it before crossing again at Rowlee Bridge. The route then climbs up, past a farm, and heads back to the woods near Lockbrook. Once there, follow the same route down through the woods to get back to Fairholmes. This route took me exactly 4 hours, including some time attempting to scramble up the Tower!
Planning Your Trip to the Peak District
This walk starts close to Ladybower Reservoir and Bamford Edge, both of which are fantastic, beautiful walks in the Peak District. The area is fairly well-connected by public transport, with Bus 257 running from Sheffield to Bakewell, stopping at the Ladybower Inn and in Bamford. The closest train station is in Bamford – although there’s sadly no bus service to Fairholmes and the start of the walk.
Manchester airport is the closest major airport to this part of the Peak District, with a direct train line running from Manchester through the Hope Valley and stopping nearby at Bamford. Leeds Bradford airport is another option. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Looking for tours around the Peak District? Check out these options!
Where to Stay Around Alport Castles
Although Lockerbrook Outdoor Center has a campsite, this is mainly for youth groups. Heatherhill Farm Campsite is a small campground just outside Bamford, with hard-standing sites, motorhome/campervan sites, and tent sites available. For different accommodation types, here are a few options for convenient places to stay near this hike!
- Budget: YHA Hathersage – shared dorms and private rooms are available at this clean and cozy hostel in Hathersage
- Mid-range: Bike and Boot Inn, Peak District – spacious, comfortable rooms and a convenient location in the Hope Valley make this a top pick
- Mid-range: Yorkshire Bridge Inn – a cozy and welcoming hotel, with excellent breakfast and an unbeatable location right next to Ladybower Reservoir
I loved the hike to see Alport Castles. The Tower is a really unique formation, and there are great Peak District views all around as you walk. If you’re looking for a fun route – especially if you enjoy scrambling – this is a great option. I hope this post helps planning your walk to Alport Castles!
Have you hiked to Alport Castles in the Peak District?
You might also like my posts:
30 Amazing Places to Visit in the Peak District
Plane Wrecks in the Peak District: Hiking to the B-29 Superfortress Wreckage
Hiking the Dragon’s Back: Parkhorse Hill and Chrome Hill in the Peak District
Dovestone Reservoir and Saddleworth Moor: Hiking in the North Peak District
Experiencing My Worst Camping Nightmare in the Peak District
An Evening Hike in the Peak District With Salomon
Exploring the Peak District on the Pure Outdoor Navigation Course
Eyam: The Peak District Plague Village
The Peak District: Hope Valley, Castleton, Mam Tor, and More
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