Introduction
The Peak Speedwell System is located in the village of Castleton, made up of Peak Cavern, Speedwell Mine, James Hall Over Engine Mine and Titan Shaft. The system contains about 18km of cave passage, one of the deepest underground cave dives in the UK, down to a depth of 74 metres; the highest underground pitch in the UK which is 145 metres high, it has six known entrances but only four are usable.
Updated - 27/07/2021
Covid 19 - Peak Speedwell System (Including Titan & James Hall)
Trips into Peak Cavern (via the show cave) and Titan Shaft are currently limited to one party (note the restriction on numbers has been removed) per weekend day only.
As previously reported, access is allowed through the upper entrances of James Hall Over Engine Mine (JH), but only with the required permission from the farmer. Cavers can exchange with Titan as long as Titan is booked by the same party. Through trips from either Titan or JH to Peak Cavern are not permitted until further notice.
A View Of The Present State Of Derbyshire - James Pilkington, 1789
The Pilkington Series in Speedwell Mine is a series of extensive mine workings that rise up from the Speedwell Far Canal to large cavity with a blocked mine shaft to the surface. James Pilkington in his book, A view of the Present State of Derbyshire, 1789; describes some caves in and around Derbyshire.
Read more: A View Of The Present State Of Derbyshire - James Pilkington, 1789
Backwater Aven - Update
Backwater Aven is located at the western end of the Long Bypass, in area surrounded by The Bung and the Far Canal. This was first dug in 1992 for a short while before leaving for grander projects. A return in July 2011, resulted in a new extension. The story about the dig can be found in Issue 154 of The Derbyshire Caver, published Feb 2020.
Speedwell Bung Ladder - replaced
The Bung Ladder in Speedwell MIne has now been repaired and replaced. The four anchors that were installed about a month ago are still there and can be used by cavers if they still wish to protect themselves on the climb.
Transition Tube
Transition Tube is located at the end of Cliff Passage, Speedwell Mine. At the very end, a bouldery slope rises upwards to the left, that eventually reach the base of Cliff Cavern. The tube can be entered either from the very end of Cliff Passage or from a platform part way up the bouldery slope, both passages eventually meet and the tube continues.
Comprehensive List of Peak Speedwell System Surveys (with links)
These are the list of published complilation surveys that have appeared as full surveys of the Peak Speedwell System. This doesn't include surveys that have appeared in caving publications, accompaning articles etc about discoveries.
Read more: Comprehensive List of Peak Speedwell System Surveys (with links)
Countryfile: Castleton at Christmas
Sat 24th December 2017. BBC One
Duration: One Hour
This episode of Countryfile mainly featured the village of Castleton. Hope Vally, Peak District, centered around Peak Cavern which was having one of its annual carol concerts inside the Vestibule of the entrance chamber.