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▶Cave Dale
Dramatic limestone gorge with soaring cliffs and views of Peveril Castle, accessed through the centre of Castleton village.
Out-and-back
About
Ascend a glacial gorge with 330-million-year-old limestone cliffs rising vertically overhead and views of an 11th-century Norman castle ruin.
Cave Dale is a striking dry limestone valley carved by glacial meltwater over 330 million years ago, now forming a narrow gorge near Castleton. The walk begins on a quiet street in the village and passes through a dramatic rocky gateway, then ascends steadily up the valley floor with near-vertical limestone cliffs towering overhead. Halfway up, views open to the ruined Peveril Castle perched high on the western cliff-a Norman keep from the 11th century. The upper section becomes gentler as you emerge onto open moorland, though the descent back can be steep and rocky, occasionally forming a small waterfall after rain.
This walk is the northern gateway to the 50-mile Limestone Way, which stretches south through Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The valley’s sheltered, contained feel makes it a captivating route despite the exposed terrain. Waterproof boots are essential, especially after wet weather; many find the final descent challenging enough to require scrambling. The village of Castleton has cafes, pubs, and shops for refreshment before or after.
Why go
- Dramatic natural gorge with limestone cliffs towering overhead, formed by glacial meltwater 330 million years ago.
- Ruined Peveril Castle, an 11th-century Norman keep, perches high above the valley on the western cliff.
- Gateway to the 50-mile Limestone Way; steady climb with increasingly open views as you ascend.
- Sheltered valley floor feels hidden from the world despite proximity to Castleton village.
- Rocky terrain and occasional waterfall after rain add ruggedness; final descent requires scrambling.
Before you go
- Can be boggy and slippery after rain; wind tunnel effect in the valley can amplify cold. Waterproof boots essential.
- Not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.
Map
Open mapReviews
Read all 5One of the top places we visited on our trip. The location is right out of "The Princess Bride" and is more beautiful than it ought to be. A castle up on the hill, sheep in the valley, and green grass covering the huge valley is a beautiful sight.
Wow amazing walk with stunning views of the landscape and castle.
Tips
0Is Cave Dale free to visit?+
Yes, Cave Dale is free to enter and explore.
Where does the Cave Dale walk start?+
The walk starts on a quiet street in the centre of Castleton village, passing through a dramatic rocky gateway into the gorge.
Can I bring my dog to Cave Dale?+
Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a lead. The walk crosses fields with grazing sheep, and signs ask owners to keep dogs on a lead to protect the flock.
Featured in
1 guide
Showing the start and the waymarked paths nearby. The route line is added with a GPX file.
- From Castleton Visitor Centre car park, exit left and head up the main road towards Bull's Head pub.
- Turn right onto Back Street past The George pub until you reach Castleton War Memorial in a small square.
- Turn left uphill; within 50 metres look for a 'Cave Dale' sign. Turn right up a narrow alleyway between houses.
- Walk down the narrow path to reach the base of Cave Dale, where a gate marks the start of the Limestone Way.
- Pass through the gate into the dramatic limestone gorge, ascending steadily with near-vertical cliffs overhead.
- Pass small barred caves on either side-these are vents for Peak Cavern below. Keep climbing as the path steepens.
- At a midpoint viewpoint on the right, views open to Peveril Castle perched on the western cliff above.
- Continue ascending to a gap in a drystone wall marking the upper limit of the gorge and descent to open moorland.
- Return the same way, exercising care on the final steep, rocky descent which can require scrambling when wet.
Trail details
- Route typeOut-and-back
- Terrainlimestone gorge, rocky path, moorland
- Best seasonSpring, Summer, Autumn
- Dog friendlyYes
- Buggy or wheelchairNot suitable
Can be boggy and slippery after rain; wind tunnel effect in the valley can amplify cold. Waterproof boots essential.
Getting there
- ParkingCross Street Car Park (Castleton Visitor Centre)
- Parking cost£6.80 all day (cash or PayByPhone code 806748)
- PostcodeS33 8WH
Features
More information
Getting there
- ParkingCross Street Car Park (Castleton Visitor Centre)
- Parking cost£6.80 all day (cash or PayByPhone code 806748)
- PostcodeS33 8WH
Reviews
5 on GoogleOne of the top places we visited on our trip. The location is right out of "The Princess Bride" and is more beautiful than it ought to be. A castle up on the hill, sheep in the valley, and green grass covering the huge valley is a beautiful sight.
Wow amazing walk with stunning views of the landscape and castle.
Love cavedale been here multiple times. So instead of doing a normal walk here is a series of climbs you can do. Firstly this is still my favourite on to date. As you enter on your left you will see a bit of a cliff that you can climb up with no harness Very shear drop so only attempt if somewhat experienced. Done it once and the adrenaline rush is class. The second one is a sheep trail you follow which is on your right when your around half way through cavedale and you crawl up the side. At the bottom they is a shear drop. If your to do any of these please be confident enough in yourself and also make sure you double check if any of the rocks are lose or not. The pictures are below
Not much of a cave there is, which was a little disappointing. Nevertheless, the hiking trail was beautiful. There is a strong smell of sheep's poo once you enter the trail, not that it bothered us, but just so you are aware. The rock formations are stunning and it's a perfect place for a walk for all family.
A stunning, must-do walk just minutes from the village centre. Great views of Peveril Castle. Can be made into a longer circular walk if you get to the top and there are other footpath options back down into the valley (steep though!). Rocky underfoot in places on the way up and I imagine it could be slippery after rain, but we were lucky with the weather on our visit.
Tips
0Questions
7Is Cave Dale free to visit?+
Yes, Cave Dale is free to enter and explore.
Where does the Cave Dale walk start?+
The walk starts on a quiet street in the centre of Castleton village, passing through a dramatic rocky gateway into the gorge.
Can I bring my dog to Cave Dale?+
Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a lead. The walk crosses fields with grazing sheep, and signs ask owners to keep dogs on a lead to protect the flock.
How difficult is the Cave Dale walk?+
The ascent is steady but the descent can be steep, rocky, and occasionally requires scrambling, especially after wet weather. Waterproof boots are strongly recommended.
Can I see Peveril Castle from Cave Dale?+
Yes, about halfway up the valley you get views of the ruined Peveril Castle, an 11th-century Norman keep perched on the western cliff.
Are there cafes or pubs nearby?+
Yes, Castleton village has cafes, pubs, and shops where you can eat and drink before or after your walk.
Is Cave Dale part of a longer walking route?+
Yes, Cave Dale is the northern gateway to the Limestone Way, a 50-mile trail that stretches south through Derbyshire and Staffordshire.