The Hope Valley is a valley in the Derbyshire
Peak District that lends its name to an area centred on the village of
Hope . Mam Tor, also known as the 'Shivering Mountain,' sits at the head of the valley at
Castleton . An ancient
Iron Age fort is still visible on top of the hill. The valley is reached from the west via Winnats Pass which winds its way through limestone crags. The rock formations along this route are honeycombed with potholes and abandoned lead mines. The area is a source of the unique
Blue John stone which is turned into jewellery in Castleton's craft
shops . The
Norman keep of
Peveril Castle is perched nearby, clinging halfway up a cliff. The fort was built in 1088 by
William the Conquerer ’s illegitimate son William Peveril. The valley hosts three main rivers; Peak Water, the River Noe and the River Derwent. These all help feed a number of large reservoirs in the valley, include Ladybower Reservoir. As well as a valuable source of water, the reservoirs are also an important recreational facility in Hope Valley. In the north of the valley a trail runs from Mam Tor to Losehill. The path takes the line of the ridge that divides the Hope and
Edale valleys and gives walkers spectacular views across the valleys it divides.
More British Natural features?
Other Derbyshire Naturals
River Trent
National Forest
The Pennines
Pooles Cavern
Blue John Cavern
Derbyshire Dales
Carsington Water
Erewash Valley
High Peak