The Castle.

After the various mechanical problems with the van, we decided we would break Old Red in again with short runs. A drive to Castleton in Derbyshire seemed ideal. I’m a bit of a castle junkie and Peveril Castle towers above this cute little town. However, I didn’t realise the climb up to this ruin is so arduous. I needed oxygen by the time I got to the top. Deb was ok as she had Ziggy on the lead and he effectively pulled her up.

This imposing ruin, mentioned in the Doomsday Survey is one of Englands’ earliest Norman fortresses. The Keep was built soon after 1066 by Henry Peveril, who was a supporter of the Norman invasion. It fell into royal hands in 1155 and was strengthened by Henry 11 in 1176. The castle’s main purpose was for exercising lordship over the Forest of the Peak and local mines as well as the local town in the valley below. Nowadays the area offers great walks and stunning views.

  • Peveril Castle Keep
  • Inside the Keep
  • lower floor
  • Viewing Platform
  • The start of The Back Tor Loop
  • Castleton from the remains of the castle wall

The Town.

On the walk back down to the village, we passed by two 12th century pubs. We tried both of course, but further into town and on the way down from the castle we found The George. We recommend this place for lunch. Old world pub with a lovely outside area. I’ve said before and I’ll say it again, Small Pizza Franchises in pubs are getting better than the big guns. At The George, the Pizza is excellent, thin crispy base and unusual toppings. Various sizes and reasonably priced.

  • Ziggy watching the world go by
  • The George
  • Campsite Dinner

The Food.

We recently joined The Caravan and Motorhome Club, so we stayed at their club site 10 minutes walk from Castleton. On the walk, we passed a fine little bakery. After a beer in a nearby pub, we bought some local cheese and headed back to the van for dinner. Pasta with cheese sauce and fresh vegetables (see above).

HACK: we had no flour for the cheese sauce, so used some veggie gravy granules instead mixed with the butter to make a roux. Worked a treat.