DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE

AND THE

PEAK DISTRICT

CASTLETON

THE FEATURE

Frequently referred to, as the gem of the Peak, Castleton is one of Britain’s most appealing villages, set in a magnificent location with wonderful views in all directions. Approaching from the southwest you descend into Castleton through the spectacular Winnats Pass with its forbidding appearance.

In 1758 it was the scene of the horrific murder by five lead miners of a young couple journeying to the Peak Forest to get married. The crime was never solved until the last surviving miner confessed on his lingering deathbed. It was later revealed the other four miners had also met terrible ends.

William Peverel originally built Peveril Castle. He was a favourite knight of William the Conqueror who made him bailiff of the royal manors in north western Derbyshire. At that time the Peak Forest was rich in both game and minerals and the castle was ideal for protecting both. King Henry II built the stone keep almost 100 years later in 1176. It still stands today and can be viewed at close quarters by those prepared to climb the steep zigzag path leading up to the castle, made famous by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel ‘Peveril of the Peak’.

Under the protection of the castle the village grew up in a distinct gridiron formation, inside a protective Town Ditch, parts of which can still be seen. It was an important stopover for packhorses and, in later years, stagecoaches. The village takes its name from the castle, ‘ton’ being of Anglo-Saxon origin and meaning ‘an enclosure’.

Castleton is most famous for its caverns of which only Peak Cavern is a true cave. Directly beneath the castle, it has a dramatic entrance and is said to have the largest cave entrance in Britain. It once contained houses and there is still evidence of soot from the chimneys on the roof. There is even a report in 1794 of an alehouse in the cave. The entrance was used for hundreds of years for rope making and some of the equipment used still remains.

Blue John Cavern is famous for its semi-precious stone, Speedwell for its half-mile subterranean boat trip and Treak Cliff Cavern for its stalactites. The mining of Blue John stone is unique to Castleton. Pieces can be found all over the world including the White House and Vatican. The world famous cavern is of outstanding educational and geological interest and is open to the public.

Mam Tor is often called the ‘Shivering Mountain’ because its layers of soft shale between harder beds of gritstone frequently crumble, causing landslips. These have been sufficiently severe to permanently close the A625, which has been re-routed to Castleton through Winnats Pass.

There is an Iron Age Fort near the summit of Mam Tor from which superb views can be gained. By Treak Cliff is the Odin Mine, which in the 18^th century produced large quantities of good quality lead ore; alongside is a crushing stone and circle, once used to dress the ore.

Oak Apple Day, around the 29 May, is Garland Day at Castleton. A ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ ride on horseback through the streets, the king’s head completely covered by a garland in the form of an inverted basket decorated with flowers. The procession is accompanied by music and dancing. Progress tends to be slow as all the pubs in the village are visited before the garland is finally hoisted to the top of the church tower. The origins of the ceremony are uncertain although frequently linked to the restoration of King Charles II who escaped the Roundheads by hiding in an oak tree.

The village is a delightful cluster of old stone cottages that invite exploration. The sparkling little stream leading to Peak Cavern takes you through the oldest part of Castleton. Along the main street are a large variety of gift shops, cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes.

At Christmas the village takes on a magical appeal with pretty lights, decorations and an array of Christmas trees, which attracts visitors from far and wide.

St Edmunds’ Church still retains box pews, a Norman arch and a valuable Breeches Bible of 1611. In the market place, Castleton Hall is now a Youth Hostel and by an attractive old tree on the green stands a war memorial in the form of a cross.

A splendid new information centre opened its doors on 2nd April 2004. It incorporates a museum, where the Castleton Historical Society stage a range of displays and a community meeting room.   

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PLACES OF SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE LOCALITY

Caverns without doubt the most spectacular collection of caverns in the country is within easy walking distance of Castleton. Speedwell (Tel. 01433 620512), Blue John (Tel. 01433 620638), Treak (01433 620571) and Peak (Tel. 01433 620285).

Chestnut Centre (Tel. 01298 814099) houses Europe’s largest collection of multi-specied otters and owls including Britain’s only pair of giant otters. Situated in wooded parkland. Shop and Tea Room. For further information website: www.ottersandowls.co.uk

Edale where the Nag’s Head Inn is the traditional starting point of the 270 mile Pennine Way Trail, as it winds its way north to the Scottish border at Kirk Yetholm. The Peak District National Park’s Field Head Visitor Centre is also here.  

REFRESHMENTS

The Castle Hotel (Tel. 01433 620578) goes back over three centuries. Four ghosts are claimed to be in residence. There is a family room and food is regularly available every day of the week.

The Three Roofs Cafe (Tel. 01433 620533) is situated opposite the main car park. Open daily, serving homemade food and refreshments. Parties welcome.

THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE

CASTLETON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

At Christmas the village takes on a magical appeal with pretty lights, decorations and an array of Christmas trees, which attracts visitors from far and wide.

Castleton Christmas Lights

PEAK CAVERN

Peak Cavern is a true cave, directly beneath the castle, it has a dramatic entrance and is said to have the largest cave entrance in Britain.

Peak Cavern

CASTLETON INFORMATION CENTRE AND MUSEUM

Castleton's new state-of-the-art information centre incorporates a museum into the building, that Castleton Historical Society use to feature a range of exhibitions, about village life through the ages.

Castleton Information Centre and Museum

CASTLETON WALK

A great walk with magnificent views, a Norman Castle, four of Europe's most spectacular caverns and an historic village.

Cave Dale is one of the most beautiful parts of Castleton with cliffs rising almost perpendicular at the start of the walk with Peveril Castle towering above. After reaching the head of the dale the route becomes more open with expansive views.

Winnats Pass is considered to be one of the most impressive features of Derbyshire limestone country with steep craggy sides rising up on either side of the road.

 Castleton Walk

All details on this page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made without notification.