Castleton lies on the boundary between the Dark Peak and the White Peak and has to top the podium for runner-friendly properties. Whatever your age, ability or level of enthusiasm you can find a rewarding route to suit. The wilder Dark Peak, with its open fells and gritstone edges, is suited to those seeking adrenaline-fuelled adventure, whilst the White Peak is home to gentler trails through flower-filled limestone valleys. And if neither appeals, keep things low level with a gentle jog around the woods and streams of the hostel grounds.
Run YHA Castleton Distance: 12 miles/19km
Start/finish: Losehill Hall, Castleton S33 8WB
Terrain: Trail, moorland, path, boggy sections
Toughness: Challenging
Ascent: 640 metres
Navigation: Moderate (if visibility good)
Good for: Ascents, views
Route info: wildrunning.net/152
A fantastic run around the beautiful Hope Valley from Castleton, taking in some of the most dramatic Dark Peak landscapes. Several tough yet enjoyable climbs are rewarded with breathtaking vistas, particularly from the viewpoints at Hollins Cross and Lose Hill. There is an optional ascent of Mam Tor reached by continuing along the road instead of left turn at 8.1 miles (13.1km) and taking the next left, climbing to the trig point at the tor’s summit before continuing north east along the ridge to rejoin the original route. The run also passes the wooded shores of the gleaming expanse of Ladybower Reservoir and through the pretty village of Edale, home to YHA Edale and railway station.
Why not theme a run with a search for former YHA sites? A 900-year-old Norman manor house in the heart of Castleton was once a hostel and another is now hidden beneath the peaceful waters of Ladybower Reservoir.
Free parking on premises
Meeting room(s)
Licensed bar
The tour starts with a short flight of steps before visitors can appreciate the awe-inspiring majesty of the natural caverns. Then as you go deeper the history of Blue John, or bleu-jaune, meaning '...
Visit an underground wonderland in the heart of the Peak District National Park. Don't miss the fossils! Visit the website
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnats Pass, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
If you're planning on staying at YHA Castleton Losehill Hall, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can...
Prefer tarmac? You’ll find well-known hill climbs on our local roads. And there are family-friendly routes around Derwent Reservoir and the marvellous Monsal Trail. A circuit over Mam Nick and down...
If you're planning on staying at YHA Edale Activity Centre, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can...
Perfect for first timers who want to get out and experience life on the water. Instructor-led lessons are available for kayaking and canoeing, so why not dive in and have a go?
If you’re looking for a healthy mix of road and off road cycling then Hathersage has it all. The sheer variety of routes and trails available in this part of the Peak District means that whatever your...
Fly as free as a bird with paragliders and hang-gliders at Derbyshire Flying Centre in Tideswell. Visit the website
10 miles The dark waters of the Derwent Valley hide two flooded villages. The dams were also used to develop the ‘Dambusters’ bouncing bomb. Visit the website
If you're planning on staying at YHA Hathersage, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the...
Nearby Cheedale has a concentration of climbs unmatched anywhere else. Ravenstor Crag is the most ferocious crag in the whole of the Peak. The crags of Water-cum-Jolly and the Rubicon offer fantastic...
There are many popular cycling routes near Ravenstor. The country's longest unbroken climb is near by in Castleton and there are many quiet country roads to explore in all directions.
Surprisingly, this large outdoor public swimming pool is located in the small Derbyshire village of Hathersage. The pool is open air with heated water, hot poolside showers, lawns and spectacular...
Famous for his cutlery design, the museum shows exactly why David Mellor is so often referred to as ‘the cutlery king’.
YHA Eyam is an ideal location for enjoying one of the many circular cycling routes around the lovely Peak District. Find easygoing routes for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. Take the whole...