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The Peak District: Castleton, Buxton & Bakewell – Route Guide

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Mam Tor ridge Peak District — The Peak District
Photo: Veggiestorm · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Sheffield’s civic and industrial core opens into Castleton and the Hope Valley, Buxton’s spa architecture, Bakewell’s river town and the Derwent valley at Matlock before returning to Sheffield. This five-day road loop explores public towns and low-level landscapes, with a substantial town or valley circuit at each stage.

The Peak District: Castleton, Buxton & Bakewell is a 165 km loop (self-drive). It works best as a 5-day trip; the plan below is the 5-day version for June, built from 340 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

5
days
165km
distance
5
Stops
340
curated stops

View ready-made plans 5-day plan · best time to go

The route

Sheffield→ 35 kmCastleton & Hope Valley→ 30 kmBuxton→ 25 kmBakewell→ 25 kmMatlock & Matlock Bath

What you'll see

Catholic Cathedral
Observe the stunning stained-glass windows and the grand 19th-century Lewis organ within the Mother Church.
Sheffield
Cave Dale
Walk through a rugged limestone dale with towering crags and castle views.
Castleton & Hope Valley
Poole's Cavern
Visit a fascinating show cave and then walk to the scenic Solomon's Temple.
Buxton
All Saints Church
Explore All Saints Church, founded in 920 AD, featuring two Saxon crosses in its churchyard.
Bakewell
Matlock-and-Matlock-Bath public valley-towns circuit
Use lawful parking for Matlock and Matlock Bath’s public valley-town setting; railway, museum, cable car, tramway and theme park remain separate.
Matlock & Matlock Bath
Anglican Cathedral
Admire the intricate gatepost gargoyles and the serene crypt dedicated to the York and Lancaster Regiment.
Sheffield
Blue John Cavern
Discover striking Blue John seams and browse unique cave-inspired crafts.
Castleton & Hope Valley
Buxton Crescent
Admire this elegant Georgian architecture in the heart of the town.
Buxton

Choose your length

5-day plan22 stops · 6.2 h transit4.4 stops/day · 1.2 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September

Dry gritstone for walkers and climbers, show caverns at a pleasant chill, and the well-dressing festivals fill village greens through early summer.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

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View ready-made plans