Hope Valley > Dunscar Farm B&B

With the backdrop of the dramatic “Shivering Mountain”, in walking distance to key attractions of the Peaks and the famous show caves of Castleton, Dunscar Farm Bed and Breakfast is the ideal place to stay in the Peak District. Visit the local chocolate factory for a sweet experience or get a more behind the scenes look at how the farm is run with our May bank holiday open day.

To check availability and book visit Dunscar Farm B&B

For a sweet experience and real treat visit Cocoa Dance

The history information below is for the whole area of Hope Valley.

Long before the Normans came here people lived at the west end of the valley on the summit of Mam Tor – where you can still see the remains of the defensive structure which used to surround the Bronze-age village and hill fort.

Castleton’s vast network of caves were once mined for lead, and even now small amounts of Blue John stone are still extracted, used for making jewellery. Peak Cavern was noted for the rope makers who used to live and work inside it.

Castleton was a major market town, and is still known today for its ancient garland ceremony on Oak Apple Day (May 29th).

Discover more about the Peaks past from prehistory to the modern day with our history timeline..

The habitat information below is for the whole area of Hope Valley.

The vegetation found in the different parts of the Hope Valley is strongly linked to the underlying geology. In the Winnats Pass the result is limestone grassland, which supports the blue-flowered jacob’s ladder – a locally abundant but nationally rare species.

The richest habitats on the valley floor and northern slopes are found around the streams and along the hedgerows, contrasting with the generally species poor grazing fields. A very unusual flora can be found on the lead spoil heaps (for example at Odin’s Mine) – look out here for the leadwort with its tiny white flowers.

One characteristic bird species, especially common at the head of the valley, is the jackdaw which nest in huge numbers on the cliffs below Peveril Castle.

Explore these habitats and learn more about the wildlife that inhabit them by selecting the links below:
Limestone Grassland   

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