The Devil’s Arse of Castleton: Echoes Beneath the Peak

At the edge of Castleton lies a vast opening in the earth—one of the largest cave entrances in Britain, and a place once known by a name few would use today.For centuries, Peak Cavern was called the “Devil’s Arse,” a reflection of the strange sounds that echoed from within and the belief that something stirred beneath the surface. Early travellers, including Daniel Defoe, recorded its scale and atmosphere, while local tradition linked the cave to something deeper, darker, and unknown.In this episode of Hidden Derbyshire: Folklore & Legends, we explore the history, folklore, and lived experience of Peak Cavern—from its role in local industry to its place in a wider tradition of caves as thresholds to the underworld.Blending documented accounts with atmospheric storytelling, this episode examines how natural spaces become shaped by fear, imagination, and interpretation—and why this cave, more than most, has never felt entirely silent.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy