Whether it’s discovering abandoned railway tunnels or stumbling upon Second World War plane wreckage, the Peak District countryside has plenty to offer visitors.
One place packed full of stunning sights is Castleton, a pretty village lined with quaint stone cottages in the Hope Valley. Just a one-hour drive from Manchester city centre, the village is home to impressive caves and popular walking routes.
Combining the two is the cavern trail, a walk featuring views of Castleton’s famous caverns and mines. The walk is of moderate difficulty and includes ascents and descents in some of the most stunning parts of the Peaks.
READ MORE: A stunning walk with spectacular views of Greater Manchester to try this weekend
As you make your way out of Castleton, you will find a narrow path which cuts across a section of lush fields. You'll know you are going the right way as the stoic Long Cliff should be on your left, and the imposing Mam Tor straight ahead of you, look below for a full map detailing the route.
Long Cliff is a 320-million-year-old coral reef which has now turned to limestone. A fantastic piece of natural beauty, the 'Land of Lead' has several lumps which reveal soil heaps and lead-mining shafts.
The footpath through the green fields will then wind among bracken and gnarled trees before reaching the Odin Mine. A 19th Century crushing circle lies opposite the entrance to Derbyshire's oldest named lead mine, where 140 local miners worked.
From Odin Mine, following a tarmac road uphill will provide fantastic views of Mam Tor. Marking the start of the Dark Peak gritstone, Mam Tor is a brilliant walking route in itself.
A broken road from this viewpoint leads to Little Mam Tor, a slight ascent along the lower slopes of Mam Tor. A perfect challenge for anyone not ready to want to commit to the unforgiving climbs necessary to clamber to the summit of Mam Tor.
Now is where the collection of caverns on this idyllic trail start. Blue John Cavern lies to the left off the broken road and is the first cavern which was initially explored by Georgian and Victorian tourists.
Just down from Blue John Cavern is Treak Cliff Cavern, an active Blue John mine with staff exploring and mining the precious mineral each year. A perfect spot for a comfort stop at the cafe kiosk and toilets which are found at Treak Cliff Cavern.
Leave the cavern complex by the main path and follow the signposts to Speedwell Cavern, located near the staggering natural monument of Winnats Pass. The dramatic steep-sided gash in the rocks above Speedwell is a fantastic photo opportunity for anyone looking for snap for their Instagram.
Be sure to visit Speedwell Cavern where people can travel by boat along an underground waterway built over 200 years ago to transport lead ore. After visiting this piece of history, follow signs for Goosehill Hall.
Once housing the Bagshaw family who owned the lead mines throughout Castleton, Goosehill Hall is now a selection of holiday cottages which have a brilliant view over the village. Descending from Goose Hill will take you to Peak Cavern, easily recognisable by the dramatic cavern mouth and looming cliffs above.
Peak Cavern was Castleton's first show cave and commonly noted as 'Wonder of the Peak'. Other nicknames include the 'Devil's Arse' and the 'Peak's Arse' which was given to the cavern in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book.
From Peak Cavern, if you are tired, a short walk back to Castleton to explore the array of souvenirs on offer in the village's gift shops might be the best choice. For a hearty meal, there’s several pubs you can visit, including Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Inn, and Ye Olde Nags Head.
The village is also home to a picture-postcard stream which flows through a street of ancient cottages. It’s arguably one of the prettiest places in the Peak District which attracts many tourists and photographers.
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