"Speedwell Cavern - just watch your head" Castleton Things to Do Tip by carlrea

We went on the Speedwell Cavern recently which Descend the 105 steps from the almost hidden cavern entrance to the landing stage of an underground canal where you step on to your tour guide's boat. From here you glide quietly through the workings of a 200 year old lead mine. Picture in your mind what it must have been like to carve out these tunnels using only the most primitive of tools as your guide recounts the story of the mine which opens into a network of natural caverns and underground rivers.

At Halfway House the canal splits to allow oncoming boats to pass as you wend your way 200 metres below the surface of the hill before entering a magnificent cathedral-like cavern containing the awesome Bottomless Pit - a huge subterranean lake.

If you sit on the right hand side of the boat be careful - the tunnel can get a little low - thank god for hard hats.

also wrap up (dont wear a t-shirt like me) as it can get a little chilly.

Address: Castleton Hope Valley, Derbyshire
Directions: Up towards Winnnets pass - you cant miss it
Phone: 01433 620 512
Website: http://www.speedwellcavern.co.uk