David and Jacinta's Walks- 2023

Castleton's Hollow Country (The description is from the Bradwell's guidebook walk title!)  We fancied doing a walk from Castleton so we chose this one from Bradwell's "Longer Walks in the Peak District". It certainly proved to be longer, as in the book it is scheduled to be 8¾ miles and we ended up doing 11½ and descending into Castleton in the semi-darkness! The walk started with a pleasant walk up Caveday, below Peveril Castle. Cavedale and Peveril Castle At the top, we passed the grassed-over diggins at Oxlow Rake- old lead mines- making our way down to the tiny hamlet of Old Dam. From there, the walk went up Eldon Lane past Sweetknoll Farm with two adorable donkeys. Jacinta communes with adorable donkey We decided to go to have a look at Eldon Hole- classed as "one of the seven wonders of the peak" in the 1600s. Eldon Hole- it goes down a long way- honest! There was a lovely lunch spot just below the fencing around Eldon Hole where we ate and admired...

Castleton, Peak Forrest, Sparrowpit and Rushup Edge This was a walk that we didn't do last year, and it did not disappoint. We drove to Castleton and worked our way up the hillside beside the Norman castle to reach the path to Rowter Farm. It was great to see the usual features from a different angle. Mam Tor, Back Tor and Lose Hill with the Derwent Edges in the far distance As we walked towards the farm the clouds were in and out with the occasional drizzle, and a full rainbow. Rainbow with Mam Tor in the background As we passed Rowter Farm, a welcome absence of frisky cows meant that there was no need for detours and the way through The Portway and all the old lead mining workings seemed less obscure than in 2021. The route was a combination of grassy and vague paths, and tracks- some definitely not for the use of casual off-roaders! Giant Lego brick detering 4-wheel drives We made our way down to Old Dam and Peak Forest, and along Perry Dale, a section of the Pennine Bridleway, ...