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 A journey into Peak Cavern must have seemed more hazardous and eerie in Hobbes’ day than it is now. The roof of the cavern was only a couple of feet above water so visitors had to enter the inner passages by lying flat on their backs in a low boat. The only light came from candles mounted on the hats of the surly guides.
The cave system had been considered a marvel for hundreds of years and Peak Cavern holds several records.The entrance, at 31m (102ft) wide, 18m (60ft) high and 100m (330ft) in length, is the largest cave entrance in Great Britain. The Great Cave, 46m (150ft) by 27m (90ft) and 18m (60ft) high, is the largest interior cavern in Britain open to the public.
For almost 400 years a ropeworks existed in the mouth of Peak Cavern. This in itself was a great fascination to visitors, especially as the workers’ cottages and stables, and even an inn, stood inside the cavern. The last ropeworker died in the 1980s.
More Pictures
Peak Cavern (The Devil's Arse)
Castleton
Wonders of the Peak
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