8 must-see sights on your Castleton walks

Castleton is a picturesque village in Derbyshire that lies within the Peak District National Park. The area offers fabulous walking potential and Castleton walks are popular with locals and visitors alike. Here we suggest walks that take in 8 unmissable sights in the area.

1 Peveril Castle

There is a popular 4.5 mile walk starting in Castleton Village Car Park that takes in a visit to Peveril Castle. This fantastic ruin perched high in stunning surroundings is an important monument on the Peak District’s landscape – it’s been there since King William I built it in 1080! If you want to explore inside, it costs less than £5 to enter for adults and only £2.80 for children. This great walking route also takes you past numbers 2 and 3 on this list. Alternatively, you can park by Castleton’s visitor centre and take the 5 minute walk up the hill to the castle.

2 Blue John Cavern

This fascinating cavern is home to Blue John Stone – an unusual purple-blue colour stone which runs in veins across the cave ceiling. The stone became very fashionable in the 18th Century, first being used as decoration in stately homes and later becoming a popular material for ornaments and jewellery. Tickets cost £9 per adult, £4.50 for children and £7 for concessions.

3 Treak Cliff Cavern

Further along the hill is Treak Cliff Cavern. Another site of Blue John mining, here you will also find some spectacular stalactites in magical caves with names such as ‘Fairyland’ and ‘Dream Cave’. Families will be pleased to hear that family tickets will save you a good amount of money, plus under 5’s enter for free. Standard adult price is £8.75, and children cost £4.75.

4 Stanage Edge

Starting in the neighbouring village of Hathersage, there is a 6.5 mile circular walk that includes the stunning natural beauty of Stanage Edge. By walking to the top of this rocky outcrop you get excellent views across this wonderful valley.

5 Peak & Speedwell Caverns

A short detour from any walk along the river in Castleton will bring you to the entrance of Peak Cavern, a large limestone cavern where people lived and worked for more than 400 years. A tour of the cave lasts approximately one hour and costs £9 per adult. Alternatively, buy a ticket for £15.50 that gives you entrance to both Peak and Speedwell caverns. Speedwell Cavern is explored via an underground boat trip through an old lead mine. As you glide quietly over the smooth waters your tour guide will tell you about the history of the mine, and lead you to the amazing Bottomless Pit – a huge subterranean lake.

6 Mam Tor

This Tor is perhaps better known as the Shivering Mountain dues to the way small chips of rock fall regularly off the side. If you choose to take the uphill climb to the top you’ll be rewarded by excellent views – particularly if you follow the footpath toward Lose Hill. Alternatively you can follow the 6.5 mile route which takes you round the beautiful Cavedale area.

7 Lyme Park

You can enjoy a relaxing walk around the grounds of a magnificent stately home at Lyme Park in Cheshire. It’s a short drive away from Castleton, and there are stunning gardens and a lake to explore once you arrive. There are also lavish interiors to stroll around, including an Edwardian library and a Long Portrait Gallery – where you can also take pictures of your family in fancy dress! The house is closed for part of the winter so check opening times before you go.

8 Hare Hill

Another great spot in the Castleton region can be found in Over Alderley. Hare Hill country house and gardens provide a tranquil space for you to unwind during a busy holiday. It has both woodland and a walled garden, and is home to over 70 varieties of rhododendrons plus many other flower species. It’s also affordable, at only £4 for adults and £2 for children.

If you’re camping in the Castleton area and keen on walking, be sure not to miss these sights on your travels. The staff at the Castleton Tourist Information Centre will be able to advise you on choices of walking routes, and be sure to check out the local cafes and pubs to refuel while on your adventures.

 

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