Peak District Children's Walks from Castleton

Walk out of the car park with the Visitor Information Centre on your right. Turn left on to Cross Street and follow the Start/Finish Point signs to Peveril Castle.

Look out on your left here for the Town Ditch Fields, the remains of Castleton’s defences in medieval times.

Cross the road with care and take the road on your right immediately beyond The Castle pub, Castle Street. Walk along Castle Street, with Peveril Castle visible above you on the hill. At the end of the street turn right, following the signs for Peak Cavern. You will pass the entrance to Peveril Castle here on your left if you have time to visit.

Peveril Castle is one of England's earliest surviving castles - its 'Keep' (the main tower) was built by King Henry II in 1176. If you visit you can still see the medieval garderobe (toilet) inside!

Walk along this narrow lane, heading downhill. Cross the bridge over the stream of Peakshole Water at the bottom and continue straight on, up the hill between houses. As a brief diversion, after approx 50 metres a public footpath on your left takes you to the impressive entrance of Peak Cavern if you want to look or have time to visit.

To continue the walk, return to the lane and carry on walking uphill, following the signs to Speedwell Cavern. After a short distance the lane narrows to become a stony path. Go through a wide metal gate and carry straight on, walking to the left of a dry stone wall. The hills of Winnats Pass and Mam Tor are visible ahead of you, and to your right you will see the Great Ridge and Hollins Cross, to where you’re headed. Look out for fossils in the stone wall!

Follow this clear path beside the wall for approx 800 metres, passing through a further metal gate on the way. There are wonderful views of Castleton to your right. The path eventually emerges through a wooden gate and meets the road. You will find Speedwell Cavern on your left just here if you have time to visit.

To continue the walk, cross the road with care and take the public footpath immediately opposite, following the signs to Treak Cliff Cavern. . Follow this clear path over the fields for approx 500 metres, passing through a wooden gate and beside woodland on the way. You will eventually reach a concrete path with Treak Cliff Cavern visible ahead of you. If you have time to visit or want a break at the cafe, turn left and head up to the Cavern. It is open from 10am every day except Christmas Day.

To continue the walk, turn right on the concrete path. Head down a set of steps and through a wooden gate to reach a quiet road. Turn left on the road and enjoy the views of Mam Tor to your left and the Hope Valley to your right

After approx 500 metres you will see a National Trust sign on your right for the Crushing Circle. As a brief diversion, head down the steps here to see this enormous stone wheel with its steel circular track. Retrace your steps back to the road to continue the walk. Very soon afterwards, on your left hand side, you will see the entrance to Odin Mine, an old lead mine.