Well, I love visiting Castleton and have done since my very first visit in 1985, when I stayed in the youth hostel in the centre, at the foot of Peveril castle. The small village is so beautiful that it has to be re-visited as often as possible as there is always a new area to walk each time.
I first stayed in Castleton before our attempt at crossing the Pennines in the world record of what was then 9 days, (to which we were not very successful, in fact we failed by 16 days due to unforeseen circumstances). We were based at the youth hostel for the start before we would clamber over the east Mam Tor, (or the shivering mountain) and into Edale, the start of the Pennine walk, near the Nags head.
I could tell you about the first time I visited Castleton, testing the few pubs for quality and style on the first night. The Castle Hotel, nearest the Youth hostel, being warm and friendly, its glorious open fire making you feel welcome as you walked through the door. From there you cross the road into the Bulls head, another friendly welcoming bar. Just along the road from here would lead you to the old nags head and the George hotel, again, very warm and welcoming public houses. Considering this was our first night in the small village we were treated with respect and made to feel as welcome as if we were locals.
I know that my first visit was 23 years ago but each time I have gone back the place may have changed slightly, (thanks to health and safety and liberal do-gooders) but the people of the village are still as welcoming.
Anyway, to get into Castleton you can either take the A6187, over the Winnats pass from Chapel-en-le-frith or through Edale, along the Edale road into Hope then right onto Castleton road, through the gates and into the village. Or via the train to Either Edale, (then a bus through to Castleton) or Hope, (again, connecting with a bus into Castleton).
Castleton is an historic village and even has its own ghost, (a young couple who were murdered along Winnats pass for there gold wares…allegedly).
What has Castleton got to offer?
Peveril castle, situated at the top of a snaked walk way. You have to pay a fee to walk up to the castle but the view is worth the strenuous hike.
Speedwell cavern, situated along Winnats pass. Take the boat through the hundreds of metres of cavern, allowing you to relax whilst trundling through the beautiful, if dark, cavern.
Treak cliff has some beautiful sights as you walk through caverns, the 'witches hat', the 'Fairyland', 'Aladdin's cave' and the 'dome of saint Paul's'. All sights created by the many stalactites and stalagmites.
Blue john mines, which most of the local shops will sell items made from the infamous blue john.
The peak cavern, (or 'Devils Arse') is situated deep inside the village, passed the beautiful buildings, along the trickle of a river which runs through the village. The entrance to the cavern is along the rocky cliff face below the infamous Peveril castle.
The many welcoming public houses and the friendly welcome from the locals makes Castleton a lovely place to visit and to stay over.
There is plenty of car parking spaces in and around the village. The main car park being a Pay and display, other parking can be found along the road leading towards Treak cliff and the Mam Tor road.
I always simply enjoyed walking along the foot of Peveril castle which can be accessed between the cottages in the village and is such a beautiful walk that you can get lost in the beauty of the scenery.
There is just so much scenery and beauty in and around the small village of Castleton that when you visit you will want to return.
Oh and when you do visit, try the little fish and chip shop on the road near the entrance to Peveril castle, there is a few seats inside the shop and a couple of wooden benches outside, but on a sunny day there are lots of places to sit and eat.
More details
Family Friendly
Excellent
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
