Peak Cavern

Peak Cavern rock formation

Located just west of Peveril Castle, Peak Cavern is accessed by a short walk from a car park off the High Street in Castleton. The path leads along a narrow gorge which leads to the largest cave mouth in Britain. Inside the cave mouth, you can clearly see signs of habitation by rope makers, who used the caves to live and work for centuries.

Further in, the caves show the wear and tear of water activity in the formation of the cave chambers; indeed, the furthest parts of the caves may occasionally be closed off when heavy rains raise the water levels.

Note that in one section of the cave the ceiling is quite low, and visitors will need to crouch for 15 or 20 yards as they move deeper into the caverns. This should not prove a difficulty to most visitors, but if you have trouble stooping or if you are above average height it may provide a challenge.

Regular tours are conducted from the museum at the cave entrance. These tours include a fascinating demonstrating of the art of rope making as practised by the artisans who used to call the caves their home.