Castleton caves and hills: two days in the Hope Valley

Castle · 10:00–11:15 (1h15m)

Peveril Castle

Climb the zig-zag path to the keep while legs are fresh.

An outdoor castle in Castleton.

Photo: Darren Copley from Sheffield

Landmark · 11:45–13:00 (1h15m)

Treak Cliff Cavern

Blue John chambers, then polish your own stone; café on site.

An indoor and outdoor show cave in Castleton.

Photo: Andy Mabbett

Adventure · 14:00–15:15 (1h15m)

Speedwell Cavern

Down the steps and along the flooded tunnel by boat.

A former lead mine at the foot of Winnats Pass explored by boat: you go down a long flight of steps then glide along a flooded tunnel to a huge natural cavern. A short, memorable underground trip for school-age children.

Photo: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net).

Landmark · 10:00–11:30 (1h30m)

Mam Tor

Short paved climb from Mam Nick to the summit trig point.

A 517m hill above Castleton, sometimes called the Shivering Mountain, whose summit is reached by a paved path from the Mam Nick National Trust car park in about 550m. A rare big-view summit that small legs can manage.

Photo: Rob Bendall (Highfields)

Nature & gardens · 12:15–15:30 (3h15m)

Fairholmes, Derwent Valley

Picnic by the dam, then hire bikes for the flat reservoir roads.

The hub for the Upper Derwent reservoirs beside Ladybower, with a visitor point, refreshment kiosk, toilets and a cycle hire centre. Flat lakeside roads and the Derwent Dam make easy family walks and bike rides.