Castleton: Gateway to the Peak District

Peveril Castle

Also known as Castleton or Peak Castle is an early medieval castle overlooking the village of Castleton. Left to ruins, the only thing still standing is the keep which was built by King Henry II in 1176. 

 The climb to the castle at the top of the hill will leave you breathless (literally, climb slow) when taking in the views over the Hope Valley. Touring Peveril’s ruins sadly is not free but your fee helps preserve what’s left of the ruins.  Be sure to pop in to the visitor centre to learn about the Royal Forest of the Peak, a royal hunting preserve since the 11th century and meet the royal Ginger Cat who guards the entrance. His toll is a scratch under the ol’ chiny chin chin. 

Take as much time as you like through this self-guided tour but it probably won’t take you more than 45 minutes to see.  Explore the remains of the keep including the garderobe aka. medieval lavatory! Pew. After that, (or perhaps first to keep your appetite), enjoy a picnic lunch on the bailey (fancy speak for courtyard).  Climbing in or on the castle walls is probably not permitted, however there are no signs posted to tell you not to so I leave that with you…

Now off with you. To the Keep!

Cave Dale

This lovely valley blanketed in green is like something out of Lord of the Rings and can be seen from Peveril’s Castle keep. Find the gate entrance down below the castle but first go by the gift shop for an ice cream or famous Kendal mint cake as you’ll need your strength for the trek. Be sure to put on proper footwear as the terrain of the valley can be very rocky and wet (water here runs into the ground and floods Peak and Speedwell caverns). Along the path you will see several caves for exploring. Some of these caves can be dangerous and serve as ventilation to the larger tourist caverns (see Lost in the caves). Please use caution when venturing. Cave Dale goes on for miles. I travelled far enough to get a view of Castleton with the castle in the foreground. It is well worth the journey with breaktaking views of England’s beautiful countryside.