A Taste of the Peak District

Accommodation, activities and attractions of the Peak District of the UK

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The Peak District town of Castleton is well known to tourists for its Blue John industry, Peveril Castle, Mam Tor and caverns.

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Castleton is situated at the head of the Hope Valley, overlooked by Peveril Castle and Mam Tor. The latter is well known to archaeologists (the summit is enclosed in a hill fort), geologists (as an example of a landslip) and of course outdoor enthusiasts.

The stone Blue John is found nowhere else in the world and is mined and worked locally. Blue John jewellery and ornaments can be obtained in many local shops. There are four caverns in the Castleton area plus Odin’s Mine, possibly one of the earliest mines in the Peak District. The largest (and closest to Castleton) cavern is Peak Cavern, known also as ‘The Devil’s Arse’. It lies below Peveril Castle and has been exploited for its minerals and used as a ropemaker’s factory. Peveril Castle was built in the 12th century by William Peveril, the bastard son of William the Conqueror. The other caverns are on the hillside just outside the town. Speedwell cavern is located at the start of Winnatt’s Pass and offers boat trips. If the car park is full, another one is available off the old main road. A short walk across the fields will bring you to the cavern. Treak Cliff cavern can be found by following the obvious main road west out of Castleton. The upper reaches of the road have been destroyed by landslips (still active today). It is still passable by mountain bike or on foot. At the top, beyond the landslips, lies the Blue John cavern, also open to visitors. It is normally accessed by following the Winnatt’s Pass road west from Castleton. Turn left at the top of Winnatt’s and left again a few hundred yards along the road (at a sharp left hand bend).

The area of Castleton is a great centre for walking and cycling as well as for Peak District sightseers. Cave Dale offers an excellent walk or a difficult technical mountain bike descent (or ascent for fit, mad and proficient mtb’ers). The limestone scenery is as good as anywhere else in the Peak District and you get some good views of Peveril Castle. The Hope cement works is a little incongruous in this beautiful area but it provides locals with a source of employment. It is visible for miles around but bear in mind that it was built in the 1920’s, way before the idea of National Parks.

To find Peak District Hotels centred around Castleton - Click here.

Four Seasons B&B is a fresh take on Bed & Breakfast. We are situated in the town of Castleton which is a fabulous ... more information or visit owner’s web site

Honeysuckle Cottage, Castleton, (sleeps 4, self-catering) is a modern barn conversion with an attractive, well cared for walled garden and off street parking. It is situated in Hope Valley tucked away ... more information or visit owner's web site