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Castleton

53.35° N 1.81° W

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Features

Castleton Has Long Been Known For Its Carboniferous Limestone, Its Caves And For The Blue John Semi-Precious Stone Mined Here. Much Of The Area Is Owned By The National Trust And Is Designated An Sssi. Unfortunately This Means That Fossils Can Only Be Observed And Must Not Be Collected.

More Details

Era

Carboniferous

Access

There is plenty of free parking along the road at the base of Treak Cliff. On a quiet day it is possible to park immediately below Treak Cliff Cavern. Near to the bus stop at the base of Treak Cliff there is an information board. Once you have viewed this take the path that leads up to the cavern. At the beginning of this path, at the base of the steps, there is a large limestone slab with many crinoid fossils weathered proud of the surface of the rock. Ascend the steps, taking note of the information boards describing the geology of the area as you go. Once you reach Treak Cliff Cavern it is definitely worth paying the cave system a visit. The gift shop also sells fossils and a leaflet about the local geology for 30p. From Treak Cliff Cavern return to the path and continue towards Mam Tor. Along the way you will see a few outcrops of rock and some loose blocks of limestone. Fossils can be seen weathering from the surface of these. In a few places small, crystalline, purple rocks are found in the path. These are Blue John. Once you round a corner and come to a gate, look to your right and you will see Mam Tor. Landslips have obliterated one side of the hill and the rock layers that it is composed are clearly visible. Continue walking to Blue John Cavern. This is another excellent attraction, well worth a visit. From Blue John Cavern head towards Mam Tor. At the base of the hill shales and sandstones can be found but these are poorly fossiliferous. The spectacle of the hill and its layers revealed by landslips is amazing. Below Mam Tor the old road has been destroyed by the earth movements. You can walk along the old road. This soon leads to its still-used undamaged part. The walk concludes by following this road back to the parking area below Treak Cliff Cavern.

Type

Rock outcrop, scree
UK Fossils: © UK Fossils
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