Castleton, The Peak District ~ June 2025



We arrived on Monday to a beautiful village in the heart of the Peak District. The weather actually was too hot, I can't believe I've said that, but it was seriously hot. However, we managed to get set up and then headed off to the village to seek shade and refreshment, which we did in The Cheshire Cheese Inn. After much needed nourishment, we took a stroll around the village, getting our bearings and also, finding the venue for our two nights entertainment, the main reason for being here. Yep, we're showing our age here and have tickets for two tribue bands, T.Rextrasy and Absolute Bowie. What''s more, the gigs are being held in a huge cavern. The accoustics are meant to be amazing, so we are looking forward very much to that. Well of course, there is going to be some walking involved here too. You can't visit somewhere like this and not be tempted to explore the beautiful area. (Yes, it's really called that!)


So Tuesday wasn't such a hot day, in fact it was perfect for the long walk we had planned, which basically meant climbing up to the highest peak here, Mam Tor and then along the ridge to Back Tor and then descending once we got to Losehill Pike down into Hope. We then followed the river back into Castleton. A long and exhausting day, but most enjoyable. Weather perfect too.



Wednesday, we headed off for a shorter walk, which basically took us out of the village and around the outskirts, skirting the ridge and Tors, at a lower level. We stopped when we got back to the village for tea and cheese scone, oh and millionaires shortbread.



Thursday, we took a stroll along the ridge on the other side of the valley, going to Hope. It was quite an uphill slog to get to the top, but there again, it's always going to be really. Thankfully, whilst it was warm and sunny, there was a slight breeze which kept us cool most of the time. Once in Hope, we stopped for a refreshment break and then headed back to Castleton via the river, the route we took the other day. This time, we had to stop at the rail cross roads as the train was coming. albeit very slowly. It comes from the local cement works, clearly hauling it's product to the local station for onward distribution. Of course seeing the train absolutely made someone's day. It's a boy thing I think. I of course had to wave to the driver, who kindly waved back 😂






Friday we went for a short stroll as we are out this evening for the first of our two concerts. We were hoping to go to the Castle, but sadly they had to close it due to high winds (didn't think it was that bad).  Anyway, we had an easy day in the end, stopping for some lunch. Then in the evening, we went to see T.Rextrasy in the cavern. It was a great evening and a fantastic venue.








Saturday was a better day, although we did get a few showers, but sun as well. We were able to go to the castle, which gave us some beautiful views. We were also able to see the ridge and Mam Tor that we walked the other day in it's full glory. We actually spent some time there and then headed back down to the village stopping for some lunch. The evening we were back at the Peak Cavern, for Absolute Bowie. The venue is a great place and we both agreed that we would like to come back here again.







We had a lazy day yesterday and today we were meant to be going home. However, we
have extended our stay and leave now on Wednesday. So today, Monday, we did probably the last of the walks we've not done as yet. We was quite a nice day, starting off a little cool but as the day went on the weather picking up. We headed off on our walk, stopping for our usual picnic lunch and then picking up the path and walking along the ridge and eventually dropping down into Castleton. We've now done the ridge in a horsehoe route, with Castleton being in the middle. It was a good walk, not too strenuous and the descent was a gentle grass track. We stopped off at the tearoom for refreshments and then headed back to camp.

Our last day here. We decided to walk Mam Tor again as we enjoyed it so much. It was a nice sunny day, although there was a bit of a breeze going on. Still, it made the walking a bit easier in that we didn't get too hot and bothered. As before, it was busy, with loads of DOE groups around. Still, we had a good walk, ended back in Castleton and stopped at what is now our regular tearoom for refreshments😂. Off out for dinner tonight and then heading back home tomorrow. All in all, a great week away.


More photo's below....
























That's it folks

Comments

  1. Marina538 July 2025 at 11:07

    What an amazing trip! Looks fabulous and live music as well 😊xx

    ReplyDelete

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