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Beginners Navigation for Women Holiday in the Peak District

The Peveril of the Peak

■ 3 nights at an HF Country House

■ One itinerary available

■ Full Board

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There’s an art to navigating the outdoors that goes beyond mastering a GPS tracking device and loading a smartphone app. The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) Bronze Navigator Award is designed for beginners who are seeking to improve their navigation skills and build confidence in the outdoors. Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be able to plan and follow your own countryside walks, with a good understanding of safety, weather, kit and judgement of time and distance. This holiday is exclusively for women and no previous experience of navigating with a map and compass is required.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.
10662_0071 - Peveril of the Peak - Exterior

Walking grades and options

While these aren’t walking holidays as such, it’s essential that you have a level of fitness that will allow you to enjoy your experience to the fullest. Please prepare to be on your feet and outdoors for most of the day (usually 6-7hrs). You will cover anything up to 7 to 9 miles over the course of a day.

What You’ll Love

  • Having the chance to complete the NNAS Bronze Navigator Award
  • Learning basic navigation skills through practical indoor and outdoor exercises
  • The expertise of a knowledgeable and experienced tutor
  • Joining a group of like-minded women
  • Staying at The Peveril of the Peak, our country house near Dovedale
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 8 people to 1 leader)

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Registration with the NNAS

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Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

At 17:00 meet your leader and fellow guests in reception where you will have a welcome to the course.

Our days will be spent working through a range of practical indoor and outdoor exercises
that will help us cover the Bronze Navigator Award Syllabus: 

  • Navigate using a variety of maps and scales.
  • Use 4 and 6 figure grid references with worded descriptions to define the position of a map feature and to locate a feature on the ground.
  • Orientate the map using handrails, obvious point features and major landforms.
  • Use linear features (e.g. paths, tracks, clear boundaries) as handrails in simple navigation exercises.
  • Relate prominent landforms such as large hills and valleys to corresponding contour information on the map.
  • Orientate the map by aligning a compass needle against grid north and be aware that magnetic variation causes an inaccuracy.
  • Use an orientated map to confirm the direction of travel.
  • Use clearly identifiable features to confirm position along the route and to recognise when the target has been overshot.
  • Measure horizontal distance on the map and estimate distance on the ground using timing, pacing and simple visual judgements e.g.100m.
  • Plan and implement simple routes and navigation strategies based on the above skills.
  • Recognise a navigation error within a few minutes and apply simple relocation techniques using handrails and prominent features.
  • Be aware of the use of mobile phone location apps as a back up to map and compass and in emergencies.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of local and national access issues, access legislation, personal responsibilities, the Countryside Code and sustainability.
  • Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of walking equipment, safety equipment and emergency procedures.

If you would like more information about what you will learn on a Bronze course please read these Participant Notes.

Assessment for the Bronze award is optional.

Pre course reading material:

OS map reading tips

Countryside Code

Mountain Rescue stay safe fact file

You will be outside for parts of the course and there will be some standing around outside so please bring plenty of warm clothing with you.

You can expect to walk between 5 to 7 miles each day.

The course includes map work exercises and walk planning in the evenings. Maps will be provided for use during the course, if you have a compass please bring one with you to help with orientating the map.

 
 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

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Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak

Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

•  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 63 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Extensive grounds  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, The Peveril of the Peak has 46 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for The Peveril of the Peak

Getting here

Address

The Peveril of the Peak
Thorpe
Dovedale
Ashbourne
Derbyshire DE6 2AW

Tel: +44 (0)1335 350396

By train

The nearest stations are Derby or Buxton. 

Check National Rail for train times and routes. 

By taxi

From Buxton railway station a taxi takes approximately 35 minutes.

From Derby railway station the 18-mile journey takes approximately 40 minutes.  

Telephone: 01332 345 343
Email: info@albatrosscars.co.uk
https://www.albatrosscars.com

By bus

There is a bus service as far as Ashbourne, about three miles from The Peveril of the Peak. You’ll need to take a taxi from Ashbourne, taking around 10 minutes, or use the Derbyshire Connect Service (telephone +44 (0)1335 342951).

From Buxton you can use the 442 service or from Derby catch the SWI service.  

Check online for up-to-date bus times.  

By car

From the south  
Leave the M1 at junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 towards Buxton. One mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale, and Ilam. After a further two miles the road bends sharply left by the Old Dog pub. The Peveril of the Peak is at the bottom of the hill.  

From Buxton  
Take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at the crossroads following signs to Thorpe. After one mile turn right by the Old Dog pub. You’ll find The Peveril of the Peak at the bottom of the hill.  

From the west  
Leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521), and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted to Ilam. After 1.5 miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right, and follow the road through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left-hand side at the end of the village. 

By air

The nearest airport is East Midlands Airport.  
 
We recommend pre-booking a taxi direct to The Peveril of the Peak, which is about 30 minutes away. 

From London Luton Airport you’ll need to take the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station, then catch the train to Derby with one change at Leicester. 

From Manchester International Airport there are trains every hour to Buxton with one change at Manchester Piccadilly. Allow one hour 40 minutes to Buxton. 

Flying to London Heathrow Airport is another option but you’ll need to allow three hours to reach Derby. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London St Pancras. From here take a train direct to Derby. 

National Rail has up-to-date train information. 

More Information

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Beginners Navigation for Women Holiday in the Peak District

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership
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Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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