Itineraries
Accessible Guide: How to spend a day in Castleton
How to spend an accessible day out in Castleton.
About
Castleton is one of the highlights of the Peak District, with its central location and fantastic accessible bus services, there is ease of access to this wonderful ‘picture-postcard’ village, which is only 30 minutes from Sheffield.
Useful information
When visiting Castleton, the car park next to the visitor centre is an ideal place to start your village exploration. There is an accessible toilet within the visitor centre.
Coming out of the visitor centre main entrance, cross over the road on the crossing point and turn right next to the stream, to join the main road (Buxton Road/ Cross Street). Turn left, with a slight incline, and just before the Bulls Head pub, there is a crossing point with a dropped kerb. Cross over and turn left and then turn immediately right onto Castle Street. This part of the village has no pavements, but traffic is occasional and slow.
This is a circular route, which passes a number of Castleton shops, cosy pubs with roaring log fires, and cafes, along with the church and village square etc. At the top of Castle Street, straight ahead, the entrance to Peveril Castle is situated. This attraction is not wheelchair accessible, but information on the Castle is available in the free exhibition space at the visitor centre. This museum area contains interactive boards and exhibits, along with a model of the castle for everyone to view.
This itinerary was created for the Accessible Castleton project, which was delivered by AccessibleUK and was funded by the Peak District National Park Authority via Defra's 'Access for All' programme.
Itinerary Schedule
Follow the Miles without Stiles route to Peak Cavern
Miles without Stiles are well-surfaced easy access routes without stiles, steps, or steep gradients. Miles without Stiles are suitable for people of all fitness levels and those with limited mobility, including wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and the visually impaired
From the centre of Castleton, you can marvel at the impressive approach to Peak Cavern by following the stream on historic alleyways. To access the walk, head between the café and shop opposite the visitor centre to meet and follow the stream.
Turn right at the T-junction to cross the stream by the bridge. Turn left immediately after the bridge and follow the stream and path round the front of the houses to Peak Cavern.
Alternatively, hire an all-terrain tramper scooter for an accessible village stroll
Alternatively, take in the charming atmosphere of Castleton on a village stroll, passing many independent businesses. Wheelchairs and a Tramper (all terrain scooter) are available to hire from Castleton Visitor Centre.
Soak up the views and visit local shops
The village square is a great place to take a seat and glance up at the magnificent ruins of Peveril Castle. At this point you may smell the delights of the local fish and chip shop, situated along ‘The Stones’. After the Fish and Chip shop, The Stones then has a steep gradient which could be difficult for manual wheelchair users. Therefore, to continue the route, return back to Castle Street and continue forward towards the Village square and then veer left onto Back Street.
Continue until you meet the junction with the main road through Castleton. At this point, you can turn left on Cross Street and return back to the visitor centre, or you can turn right and continue on Back Street around the sharp bend into How Lane where there are further pubs, shops and public toilets.
When you reach the Swiss Ale House, at this point you can turn around and head back to the visitor centre via the main road, which runs through the village. No visit would be complete without seeing the famous Blue John Stone at numerous vendors along the route.
Grab a bite to eat in one of the many accessible pubs, cafes
There are many accessible pubs, cafe and eateries in Castleton. The Bull's Head pub has plenty of space and level access to enjoy the inviting log fire, whilst experiencing the local ale and produce. If it is a sunny day, then you can enjoy pizza in the level access beer garden, at the rear of The Castle pub, with amazing views of Mam Tor.
This inviting country pub has level access, but no accessible toilet. For those who require a large accessible toilet and plenty of space, the Blueberry Café in the visitor centre is an excellent choice, serving fabulous local food/ drink.
Take a scenic drive to discover accessible viewpoints
Follow the beautiful Winnat’s Pass out of Castleton and over to Edale, before returning to Castleton via Hope, for a beautiful scenic drive. On the route, you'll pass Mam Tor, known locally as the 'Shivering Mountain'.
As you drive up Winnat’s pass, turn right, and after a short distance, turn right to Blue
John Cavern. There is a car park overlooking the valley with magnificent views of Mam
Tor, Losehill, Hope Valley, Castleton, Hope and Bamford. This is a great place to take a picnic and hopefully witness the many hang gliders that enjoy this part of the world.
Return back to the junction and turn right to continue the drive.
After passing the National Trust Mam Tor Car Park, a road turns right to Edale. Take this narrow road as it climbs over Mam Tor/Rushup Edge. The views are beautiful. Continue on this road as it passes Barber Booth, where there is a further car park and picnic spot.
Continue along this road passing Edale, then turn left into Edale village. There are
many refreshments providers including Newfold Farm café (accessible toilet and level access) and the Rambler Inn (step-free access via a portable ramp). The Edale Moorland Visitor Centre in the centre of the village has accessible toilets.
Return to the main road and turn left and continue through the valley.
You will find lovely views as you pass Losehill Lane, which is home to Losehill
House Hotel & Spa, one of Derbyshire’s best-kept secrets. Although the spa and hotel rooms are not wheelchair accessible, the bar and restaurant, with an accessible toilet, provide a memorable dining experience in a unique and tranquil setting.
Return on to Edale Road and turn right, passing the Cheshire Cheese pub on your
right before meeting the main road A6187 at Hope. Turn right, back to Castleton.
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