Beneath the hills of Mam Tor, close to Castleton is a great area of the peak District for hills and caves. It's home to three networks of caves, Blue John Cavern, Treak Cliff Cavern, and Speedwell Cavern. Apparently Speedwell Cavern can be explored by boat, which sounds exciting, although this time I was there to visit Treak Cliff Cavern.
The cave network was first established in the mid 1700's being used as a lead mine. It was then famous (along with Blue John Cavern) for mining of Blue John, a rare blue stone only found in this location.
As is standard in hilly locations, the weather can turn on a knife edge. We were luck to get there and be under shelter just as an almighty downpour occurred and drenched the unfortunates yet to find shelter. A few minutes later it was lovely again. We were then taken underground to the cold, dark, dimly lit cave environment.
Our guide took us through the caves, showing us the many and varied stalactite and stalagmite formations that make this cave a stunning place to visit, as well as fossils of sea creatures that were one part of this part of the world, when it was under water.
Afterwards it was time for a coffee and a slice of cake, before a drive around Edale, the next valley along, and a wonderful part of the world to enjoy. I hope you enjoy this photos I took along the way...
