Hope and glory

Mark Sutcliffe explores rugged scenery on this fascinating walk amid the spectacular limestone landscapes of the Peak District

Nestling beneath the ‘Shivering Mountain’ of Mam Tor, the pretty village of Castleton lies at the head of the Hope Valley – one of the Peak District’s most popular tourist destinations.

As well as the stunning edifice of Peveril Castle – built by the Normans in the 12th Century and perched on a limestone outcrop above the village – the area is also famous for its subterranean attractions.

The limestone landscapes above the village are riddled with a series of caves – all of which are open to the public. Our walk passes by all four of the underground complexes in Castleton: Blue John, Treak Cliff, Speedwell and Peak Caverns.

The village of Castleton itself is home to a wide selection of pubs and cafes and a number of shops selling souvenirs and jewellery made from the semi-precious Blue John stone – found only in this particular part of the Peak District.

The club site is just a five-minute walk from the village and this circular route starts and finishes at the site gate.

Directions

1. From the site gate, cross the road with care and head left on pavement into the village. In the centre of the village, at the Nag’s Head, head left along Back Street, towards Peveril Castle. Continue across the old Market Place, keeping left then taking the footpath signposted Cave Dale.

2. 1.1km – Climb steadily up through the canyon, following the Limestone Way below the ramparts of the castle for just over a mile. As you climb up this steep path, don’t forget to look behind you to admire the spectacular views over the 12th Century Norman Castle and across the valley to the Great Ridge.

3. 2.8km – As the path levels out above the canyon, head half left through the gate. Continue through a second gate, veering slightly left to follow the bridleway to reach a gravel track. 

4. 3.2km – Head right along the track and where it forks at gate, keep right. Follow the track for a mile, crossing the first road with care and continuing on the track to the next road beneath the flanks of the ‘shivering mountain’ of Mam Tor.

5. 5.5km – Just before the road, take the grassy footpath heading to the right, descending steadily to cross a road, and continue heading down towards Winnats Head Farm. Head for the white gate in the middle of the field, and continue descending on another grassy path, following a steep little valley to the entrance to Blue John Cavern.

6. 6.6km – Descend the steps then veer right to join the grassy path running parallel to the road. At Speedwell Cavern, cross the road with care and take grassy path across the fields below Long Cliff. 

7. 7.6km – At the fork, bear left alongside the dry stone wall and follow the path back to the edge of village, following the lane down the hill, over the bridge and left beside the river into the village centre. Return to the Club site on pavement along main road. 

Download this route and others to your smartphone or GPS device from the Club’s OutdoorActive page at: out.ac/IPp3bt

About the route

• Start/finish: Castleton Club Campsite, Castleton Rd, Castleton, Hope Valley S33 8WB.
• Distance: 7miles.
• Time: 3 hours.
• Level: Suitable for regular walkers with a good level of fitness.  
• Terrain: Rugged limestone valleys with some steep climbs, wide tracks and grassy footpaths which can get muddy. Uneven under foot on some of the steeper ascents and descents.
• Landscape: This walk climbs up to 441 metres above sea level, offering wonderful views of Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and the Hope Valley
• Refreshments: Plenty of options in Castleton with cafes at Blue John and Treak Cliff Caverns en route.

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The Caravan and Motorhome Club make no warranties concerning the accuracy or completeness of the routes published, which to the best of our knowledge were correct at the time of publication. Your use of the routes is at your own risk and we accept no responsibility for the suitability or safety of any routes published. Routes may be out of date or affected by changes to the physical environment and, to the extent permitted by law, we accept no responsibility for personal injury or property damage caused by your use of the routes.