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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.

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.

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.

Victoria Aven Safety Notice - 26/09/2022

It had been reported to the Peak Cavern keyholders that there is a damaged section of rope in Victoria Aven - this whole area has now been completely re-rigged and the very large boulder assessed and can now again be included in the list of possible trips within the system.

However, there are still loose rocks of varying sizes which could easily be displaced and could cause serious damage/harm so please exercise extreme caution!

Peak Cavern Events 2022

PEAK CAVERN HAVE A NUMBER OF EVENTS RUNNING DURING THE YEAR

WHEN AFTER HOURS ACCESS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.

ON THESE DAYS, YOU WILL NEED TO BE OUT OF PEAK CAVERN BY 4PM

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.