Blue John Mine and Cavern, Castleton , Hope Valley, EnglandThe Peak District covers much of Derbyshire and parts of Staffordshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire. There are numerous interesting towns such as Ashbourne, Bakewell, Buxton, Leek, Matlock and Wirksworth, plus many enchanting villages |
Blue John Mine
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| The Castleton Caverns comprise The Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, Speedwell Cavern (all clustered around the Winnats pass) and the great Peak Cavern, just outside Castleton village. The Blue John Cavern is at the top of the hill above Winnats Pass and is reached from Castleton either by walking up the hillside or by going up Winnats Pass and turning down the old Mam Tor road (now closed between the Blue John Mine and Treak Cliff). The cavern is open all year but opening times are restricted in January and February. Like Treak Cliff, the mine is part natural, part mine-workings, and contains natural chambers, veins of Blue John, fossils and stalactites and stalagmites. It descends a long series of steps to reach a large chamber known as Crystalised Cavern, which is followed by Lord Mulgrave's Dining-Room and the Variegated Cavern, all of which contain fine formations and interesting minerals.
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SK132833 See location on Streetmap.co.uk How to get there By Road: take the minor road (formerly A625) from Chapel-en-le-Frith which leads to the foot of Mam Tor, as does the B6061, which leaves the A623 at Sparrowpit. From Bakewell take the B6001 to Calver and Grindleford and continue to Hathersage, where you turn left onto the A6187 up Hope Valley to Castleton. Continue up the Winnats Pass, then turn right at the top and right again down a dead end when the road turns left. From Sheffield, take the A625 to Fox House, then continue to Castleton on the A6187, and then as for Bakewell. By Bus: the 200 bus from Chapel-en-le-Frith goes to Castleton via the Winnats Pass - alight at Mam Tor. From Sheffield take the 272 bus to Castleton and walk from the village or pick up the 200 bus up Winnats Pass. From Bakewell, take the 173 bus to Tideswell or Litton and there pick up the 174 Baslow-Castleton bus. When is it open? Open everyday except December 25th, 26th and New Years Day. Summer - from 9.30am to 5.30pm, Winter - from 10.00am to dusk. What does it cost? Adult £12.00/ Child £6.00/ Concessions £9.00/ Family (2 adult + 2 children) £32 Party rates on request: 01433 620638 Prices and opening times are shown as a guideline only and may vary. See this link for more information on prices and opening Website: http://www.bluejohn-cavern.co.uk | ||||
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