Peak Cavern
Grid Reference: SK 414865.01 382575.16
Level: 193.74 m
Grade: III to V
The entrance to Peak Cavern is located in the heart of Castleton, set back inside a gorge that has 80m high vertical cliffs that are covered in ferns and trees. The ruins of a Norman castle, the Peveril Castle built 20 years after the Norman Conquest sits prominent at the head of the gorge. The archway of the cave is 102ft wide, 60ft in height; the entire entrance chamber known as the Vestibule is 330ft in length. The entrance is the biggest cave entrance in the British Isles.
The cave is an active showcave, visited everyday throughout the year, by the many thousands of tourists who visit Castleton. Its important that cavers are aware of this and take this into account when passing through the show cave section of the cave.
Access to system
A booking is required and proof of Public Liability Insurance is also required. See Access to System for information regarding organising a trip.
Description
Guides to the various sections can be found here: descriptions and surveys.
Key Exploration Dates
| 23/01/1949 | Buxton Water Sump passed |
| 23/01/1949 | Mucky Ducks passed |
| 23/01/1949 | Surprise View discovered |
| 22/03/1959 | Neil Moss Rescue: |
| 18/01/1970 | Treasury Sump Passed and connected to Speedwell |
| 01/03/1981 | Ink Sump passed |
| 08/03/1981 | Far Sump Passed and Far Sump Extensions discovered |
| 08/12/1984 | Wind Tunnel Connected to Speedwell |
| 13/05/1991 | White River Series discovered |
| 1984 | Victoria Aven finally conquered |
| 15/07/2001 | NCC Shafts discovered |
Other names
The Devil's Arse