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A mini guide to
Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Walk the Great Ridge
The ridge runs from Mam Tor over Hollins Cross to Lose Hill. Hollins Cross was the old route for coffins taken from Edale to Hope church.
Pick your cave
Castleton has four show caves. Speedwell Cavern is visited by boat and Peak Cavern has the largest natural cave entrance in Britain, so allow time for more than one.
Start the Pennine Way
The 268-mile trail begins at Edale. Plan a short out-and-back section first, and check the weather before climbing onto Kinder Scout.
Train to the hills
Northern's Hope Valley line stops at Edale, Hope and Bamford, so walks can start and end at a station.
Landslips on Mam Tor
Frequent landslips on the eastern face of Mam Tor give it its nickname; stay on the paths.
Events
The Peak District event seasons
Dates come from the organizers: confirm on their sites before booking.
Mercatum Christmas Artisan Market at Haddon Hall
November 11 to Dec 20, 2026 (Wednesday to Sunday)
Haddon Hall's own website gives these dates for the Christmas artisan market; the hall is otherwise closed to normal visits between events, so check the Hall's pages.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale?
Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale is in Derbyshire, England. Show caves, a Norman castle and the start of the Pennine Way below Kinder Scout. Nearby stops and stations include Edale station, Hope and Bamford stations, Peak Sightseer.
How long do I need in Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale?
1 to 3 days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Peveril Castle, Peak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Edale station (Northern); Hope and Bamford stations (Northern); Peak Sightseer (Stagecoach); X17 and other buses (Stagecoach and others). The Getting there page links to the official schedules and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 8 places to eat and drink in and around Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 6 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Castleton, Hope Valley & Edale
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Peak Cavern
Show cave known as the Devil's Arse, with the largest natural cave entrance in Britain.
Speedwell Cavern
Former lead-miners' passage below Winnats Pass, entered by a long staircase and visited by boat.
Blue John Cavern
One of Castleton's four show caves, and one of two places where Blue John stone is still excavated.
The Peak District
More areas to explore
Bakewell, Haddon & Monsal
A market town on the Wye with Haddon Hall, Chatsworth nearby and the Monsal Trail
Open the mini guide →
Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley
A gorge village with a cable car, and Arkwright's mills in a World Heritage valley
Open the mini guide →
Dovedale, Ashbourne & the White Peak South
The River Dove's stepping stones, rail trails and the market town of Ashbourne
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Edale: Martin Richard Phelan, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Peak Cavern: Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Speedwell Cavern: Chris Page, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Blue John Cavern: The original uploader was Espresso Addict at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Bakewell, Haddon & Monsal: Kmtextor, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Matlock Bath, Matlock & the Derwent Valley: Janine Forbes., CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Dovedale, Ashbourne & the White Peak South: Paul Albertella from Manchester, UK, CC BY 2.0, source
- Hathersage, Longshaw & Eyam: Neil Theasby, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Buxton & the Northern Peak: Eugene Birchall, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Peak District