Castleton is in the Hope valley in the peak district, it is home to the 'Blue John' mines, and is surrounded by the beautiful peaks of Mam Tor and Losehill. We have been on many walks around this area we love the dramatic landscape and the fantastic views which make the climb to the top worth it.
High up on the peaks the weather can change quickly and we have experienced what feels like four seasons in one day, so the rucksack is always full with everything except the kitchen sink and of course the essentials for Lucy too, coat, water, bowl and treats. It can often be very wet and this is why the area always looks so green and lush, and there is no better place to see this than Winnats pass. The rocks look as though they have forced their way up through a bright green carpet and the sheep balance precariously on some of the rock ledges.
Just off Winnats pass along from Odin mine is where the old unused road has collapsed over the years, it never fails to fascinate us, looking as though there has been an earthquake at some point. There are differing levels in the road some with several feet drop in the tarmac having slipped down the hill side. We like to stop here have a cuppa and take in the views which are stunning.
Left: Winnats Pass
Below: The Old Road
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Peveril Castle overlooks the village and taking a cut through from Bargate, by the market place will take you to a special place called Cave Dale, it is a small valley beneath the castle walls with fascinating rock formations. It's a lovely place to have a picnic and if you want to do a circular walk you can climb a dry river bed and continue on a path to Rushton edge and then down Winnats Pass back to Castleton.
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On one visit just after Christmas and over new year 2005/6 it snowed quite a lot, this made the scenery even more special, we dressed up in warm clothing took food and drink and set off, the ground was frozen and ideal for walking.
Castleton village has a tourist information centre, plenty of pubs and eating places and tourist shops where visitors can buy all Blue John jewelery and related gifts.
Losehill Caravan Club Site.
Open all year.
We have always stayed here on our visits to Castleton, it is within walking distance of the village, the pitches are all hard standings and the facilities are the usual good Caravan club standard, clean and heated. There is a large drying room which is useful for wet coats, boots etc.
Pitches need to be chosen carefully as when it's busy some areas can feel a little tight, that said we have never had a bad pitch yet.
The site has a small dog walk which is a very small area but o.k for Lucys last thing at night essential!
The office sells papers, milk etc and there is an information room which has all the info you need about the area, places to eat etc. There is a very small play area and although the site welcomes children there is not much in the area for them to do.
Marks out of 10
Area 9
Pitch 8
Site 8
Facilities 8
