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WELCOME TO
CASTLETON
AND THE
HOPE VALLEY |
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An independent profile of Derbyshire and the Peak National
Park. |
Frequently referred to, as the gem of the Peak, Castleton is one of Britain’s
most appealing villages, set in a magnificent location with wonderful views in
all directions. The area in which Castleton lies is often referred to as the
Hope Valley, which contains some of the prettiest villages and finest scenery to
be found in the country. Use this independent guide to find out more about this
unique part of our heritage.
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THE PLAGUE
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Eyam is a special place as any tourist visiting the
beautiful village for the first time, not
knowing of its tragic history, rapidly becomes aware by reading the plaques
on the walls of buildings. The people of this village once endured an epic
struggle. In a period of only just over 12 months, from September 1665, 260
people died from the plague out of a population of about 800.
The plague started when George Vicars, a tailor, was lodging in one of the
cottages next to the church. A packet of cloth arrived, but as it was damp
after its long journey from London, he spread it out in front of the fire to
dry. This released fleas concealed in the parcel, which were carriers of
bubonic plague germs. The death of George Vicars was sudden, others soon
followed, and the villagers started to panic. |
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CAVERNS
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Castleton is most famous for its caverns of which only Peak Cavern is a true
cave. The others the Blue John, Treak and Speedwell are all situated nearby and
open to the public.
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WALKING
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The right to roam was severely restricted until the 1950s. Now that access
to roam on the moors has been negotiated, subject to certain
byelaws, the area is very popular with walkers. Tom Stephenson’s
classic long distance walk, the ‘Pennine Way’ has its official
starting point at the Old Nag’s Head, in the centre of Edale. |
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KINDER
SCOUT
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Kinder Scout, a plateau that covers five square miles and rises to a maximum
of 2,088 feet, can be a very dangerous place. The weather can change quite
suddenly from bright sunshine to thick mist, making it impossible to find
your way without a compass.
Extensive
estate owned by the National Trust on the moors above Hathersage
and is excellent walking country. It was once the Duke of
Rutland's shooting estate, but is now open to the public. |
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www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk
is an independent, not for profit website.
No
recommendation of any establishment is implied by inclusion on this
website.
All details on this
page were correct at the time of publication, but changes may be made
without
notification. |
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INFORMATION
1.
Castleton's new state-of-the-art information centre
is situated on Buxton Road. It
incorporates a museum in the
building, that Castleton Historical Society use to feature a range of
exhibitions, about village life through the ages. For further information:
Tel/Fax 01433 620679
Email:casleton@peakdistrict.gov.uk.
2. The Upper Derwent Water
Visitor Centre, located in a beautiful setting at the northern end of Ladybower Reservoir.
Tel. 01433 650953.
3. The
prestigious Moorland Centre, a new visitor and learning facility. Built
at a cost of £1m the centre is roofed with sedum turf and heated from
the earth and is the UK's first moorland research base. It replaces the
former Field Head Centre at Edale.
Tel 01433 670207 Email:edale@peakdistrict.gov.uk.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Sheepdog Trials
attract large crowds during the summer.
At Christmastime,
Castleton takes on a magical appeal with pretty lights,
decorations and an array of Christmas trees, which draws visitors from far
and wide. Oak
Apple and Garland Day takes place at Castleton at the end
of May every year. Many other events are held throughout the year
details of which can be obtained from
Castleton
Information Centre,
Moorland Centre and
Upper Derwent
Visitor Centre.
TRAVEL IN THE
HOPE VALLEY
For
information about travelling to the Hope Valley and High Peak by train
or bus to enjoy the area's beautiful countryside and great family
attractions, visit The Hope Valley and High Peak Transport Partnership
website at:
www.hvhptp.org.uk.
Hope Valley
Transport
THE DISCOVER DERBYSHIRE AND
THE PEAK DISTRICT GUIDE
Provides a
wide range of features with heritage trails and
detailed countryside walks, through some of the most scenically
attractive countryside in the UK.
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ON
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Every month an illustrated Newsletter
is published giving details
of:
What's New,
What's Coming and What's On.
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