Around Cheshire Mews, Castleton

Castleton is justifiably one of the most popular tourist locations in the Peak District. The villlage can be seen just to the right of the sheep in this view from the summit of Mam Tor, the hill which dominates the end of the Hope Valley. This area has numerous caverns and deep valleys (or 'dales') carved out of the local limestone rock. The scenery is spectacular and it is an ideal area for walking.

Peveril Castle was built in 1080 by an illegitimate son of William the Conquerer and looms over the village. The castle is built on the steep edge of Cavedale, and the view opposite is taken looking across Cavedale to the castle, with Mam Tor behind. Beneath the castle is Peak Cavern, the largest natural cavern in the country. This is one of four local caverns which are open to the public. Blue John stone, a semi-precious type of Flourspar has been mined from the caverns for centuries.

There is excellent walking from Castleton itself, up Cavedale (shown opposite) or across to Mam Tor or along the Lose Hill ridge on the north side of the valley. Nearby Edale gives access to Kinder Scout, one of the great moorland areas of England. Only a few miles away lies Stanage Edge, which has hundreds of rock-climbing routes. Mam Tor and the area around it are popular take-off areas for hang-gliders.

Within easy reach lie many interesting places to visit, such as Chatsworth House (shown opposite) or Haddon Hall. The local towns of Buxton, with its Opera Festival, and Bakewell, with its cattle market, are well worth a visit. Castleton is a superb location for either a short break or a long holiday! Visit Castleton is the official website of the Castleton Chamber of Commerce and has more information on the village - www.visitcastleton.co.uk Locate Cheshire Mews on Multimap