Mam Tor Autumn Stargazing Walk
Perfect for families and anyone unfamiliar with astronomy, this autumn guide will introduce you to star gazing at Mam Tor, which stands proudly at the head of the Hope Valley.
Map
Start:
Mam Nick car park, grid ref: SK123832
1
Leave the car park at the top left hand corner and follow the surfaced path up to the edge of the road at Mam Nick.
The Plough
Looking North West, the plough, which looks like a saucepan, is perhaps the most easily recognised group of stars in the northern sky and it is a very useful ‘skymark’.
2
Go through the gate on the right and follow the surfaced path through the ancient ramparts of the hill fort to the summit trig point (15 mins).
The Pole Star
If you imagine the plough as a saucepan tipped on its edge with the 'handle' pointing upwards then you can follow the bottom two stars of the 'pan'up towards another not-particularly-bright star. This star is Polaris, also known as the Pole Star. If you are looking at this star, you are facing north. It has been used for over 2,000 years to help navigators at sea and on land find their way. To the east of Polaris is a 'W' cluster of stars turned on its side.This is the constellation of Cassiopeia. You may see the distinctive looking barn owl hunting for voles and mice on your starry walk; you're most likely to spot them at dusk. These large birds are found all over England and while their numbers have declined rapidly over the last few decades, fortunately they are now rising again.
3
You are now in the centre of the Iron Age monument. The wide open skies here provide a wonderful spot for star gazing. Why not lay a blanket on the ground and take it all in. Return via the same route.
The Great Square of Pegasus
Looking South towards the gorge of Winnats Pass, look out for the Summer Triangle, made up of the three stars Deneb, Vega and Altair. Also up in the southern sky to the east is the Great Square of Pegasus, which can help you find the Andromeda galaxy, above and to the left of the ‘top left’ star of the Square. The light you see from a twinkling star has travelled across the universe for millions of years to reach you; so when you are looking at a star, you are actually looking back in time. In the daytime the summit of Mam Tor is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the Peak District. The 360 degree view includes much of the High Peak Estate, Kinder Scout to the north west, Bleaklow, Howden and Derwent Moors to the north and east, with the Edale Valley immediately below. To the south you look towards the limestone dales of the Southern Peak District, Winnats Pass, Castleton and the Hope Valley.
End:
Mam Nick car park, grid ref: SK123832
