Alport Castles from Fairholmes

The Alport Castles Walk isn’t overly challenging, but it does feature some sustained uphill walking through a variety of terrain. Make sure that you are able to handle the elevation gains and wear proper footwear to better traverse the trail. Additionally, the upper portions of the route along the heights are a bit exposed and can be fairly windy, so wear enough layers to stay comfortable on the walk.

The nice thing about this walking route is that it exposes you to a variety of terrain types, including dense stretches of forest and open moorland that provide beautiful views overlooking the rolling hills of the surrounding area. While out on the trail, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Alport Castles, a series of gritstone rock formations that tower over the surrounding terrain and are the result of one of the largest landslides in the UK. Whether you are attempting this walk to work on your fitness or simply to take in the amazing views, there is certainly something for everyone on this route.

Setting out from the car park, make your way north along the road for 0.2mi and keep an eye out for a trail branching off to the left. Follow this path as it enters into the tree cover and begins climbing uphill. Cross over the bridge and continue on until you meet up with the road. Follow this to the left for 0.1mi, where you will find a path on the left leading through the trees toward some open terrain. After reaching a junction with the trail, head to the left for 0.4mi to pass by the Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre.

Make a sharp right turn along the path and follow it on an uphill climb that will take you to the edge of Lockerbrook Heights for some amazing views overlooking the valley and surrounding hills. After walking along the edge for 1.9mi, keep right at the junction to arrive at the unique rock formations known as the Alport Castles. Formed by one of the largest landslides in the UK, these gritstone mounds are a prominent feature across the landscape and from a distance give off the impression that there are several castles perched high atop the hill.

After taking in the sights, head back down the same trail that you came in on and go right at the fork, following the path as it descends the hillside toward the banks of the River Alport. Once there, cross over the bridge and keep left along the trail to cross several stiles and arrive at the edge of Alport Farm. Pass through the gate and follow the track as it turns toward the south, keeping straight for 1.0mi until the track bends to the right toward a farm. Here, you will find a path branching off to the left.

Follow this path for 0.1mi along the River Alport, where it will meet up with the road. Make your way across and continue along the track to cross over the river. Once across, keep left along the trail for the next 0.9mi, as you continue to descend the hillside and meet back up with the road. Make your way across and follow the lane for 1.0mi, as it passes by Rowlee Farm and cuts across the scenic farmland toward the southeast.

Reaching a junction in the trail, pass straight through and cross over the stile to enter into a beautiful stretch of woodland terrain. Follow the path for 0.6mi, keeping left at the fork as you descend through the trees to eventually arrive at the edge of the road. From here, turn right and follow the road back to the car park where you began the walk to the Alport Castles from Fairholmes.

Other amazing walks in Peak District National Park

Check out our guides to Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Stanage Edge, Dovedale, and Padley Gorge. Or see all of our Peak District walks on 10Adventures.