We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
23 Dec - 27 Dec 2027
4 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,199
ppMembers
£1,169
ppWe have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Peak District
■ Duration: 4 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Dec 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grades: 4, 6 & 7 details
Non-members From
£1,069
ppMembers From
£1,039
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Gentle walking grade 4
The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 6
Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 7
The most active moderate grade. Longer distances and short but steep ascents and descents possible throughout the day. Hill walking experience desirable. Typically, 11-12 miles (18-19km) with around 1,800ft (560m) of ascent.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.
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[title] => Arrival Day
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[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => The Central Dove Valley
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[title] => Hartington Circular
[content] => Distance: 6 Miles (10 km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In Summary: From Hartington Market Place ascend, passing Hartington Hall, to the plateau with its far-reaching views across the Dove Valey then using walled green lanes head to the village of Biggin. Leaving Biggin by the top of its dale we descend to the River Dove and take in picturesque Beresford Dale on our return to Hartington passing beneath the flank of Pennilow Hill.
Highlight: Exploring the beautiful Beresford Dale, a narrow tree lined dale surrounded by limestone cliffs
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[title] => Hartington Circular via Biggin and Wolfscotdale
[content] => Distance; 9.5 Miles (15 km)
Ascent: 950 feet (280m)
Descent 1,400 feet (420m)
In Summary: Leaving Hartington we ascend using the old Packhorse/Drovers route of Reynard’s Lane to reach the village of Biggin. Then heading to the Tissington Trail (previously the Ashbourne-Buxton railway) we turn South, with splendid panoramic views, eventually descending to Coldeaton Bridge on the River Dove to return via the delightful limestone dales of Iron Tors, Wolfscote and Beresford.
Highlight: Panoramic views over the Dove Valley and exploring the beautiful and lesser-known Beresford Dale
)
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[title] => Hartington Circular, Alstonfield and Narrowdale
[content] => Distance; 11.5 Miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
Descent 1,700ft (520m)
In Summary: Ascending out of Hartington using the walled track of Highfields Lane, with increasingly wide ranging views, we pass through Biggin to the Tissington Trail (previously the Ashbourne-Buxton railway) then travelling South and returning to the Dove Valley along Iron Tors Dale and Milldale before climbing to Alstonefield and returning to Hartington via Narrowdale and Beresford Dale.
Highlight: Panoramic views over the Dove Valley and exploring the beautiful and lesser- known Beresford Dale
)
)
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Distance: 6 Miles (10 km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In Summary: From Hartington Market Place ascend, passing Hartington Hall, to the plateau with its far-reaching views across the Dove Valey then using walled green lanes head to the village of Biggin. Leaving Biggin by the top of its dale we descend to the River Dove and take in picturesque Beresford Dale on our return to Hartington passing beneath the flank of Pennilow Hill.
Highlight: Exploring the beautiful Beresford Dale, a narrow tree lined dale surrounded by limestone cliffs
Distance; 9.5 Miles (15 km)
Ascent: 950 feet (280m)
Descent 1,400 feet (420m)
In Summary: Leaving Hartington we ascend using the old Packhorse/Drovers route of Reynard’s Lane to reach the village of Biggin. Then heading to the Tissington Trail (previously the Ashbourne-Buxton railway) we turn South, with splendid panoramic views, eventually descending to Coldeaton Bridge on the River Dove to return via the delightful limestone dales of Iron Tors, Wolfscote and Beresford.
Highlight: Panoramic views over the Dove Valley and exploring the beautiful and lesser-known Beresford Dale
Distance; 11.5 Miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
Descent 1,700ft (520m)
In Summary: Ascending out of Hartington using the walled track of Highfields Lane, with increasingly wide ranging views, we pass through Biggin to the Tissington Trail (previously the Ashbourne-Buxton railway) then travelling South and returning to the Dove Valley along Iron Tors Dale and Milldale before climbing to Alstonefield and returning to Hartington via Narrowdale and Beresford Dale.
Highlight: Panoramic views over the Dove Valley and exploring the beautiful and lesser- known Beresford Dale
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[title] => Solomon's Temple and Local Moorland
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[title] => Solomon's Temple
[content] => Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: A lovely local walk meandering around some of Buxton’s finest gems such as Gadley Woods, Grinlow woods, Poole’s Cavern and visitor centre, Pavilion Gardens and Solomon’s Temple.
Highlight: Beautiful woods and Grinlow country park surrounding Buxton. Pavilion Gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory. Poole’s Cavern and local iconic landmark - Solomon’s Temple.
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[title] => Axe Edge Moor and Solomon's Temple
[content] => Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We cross Cavendish golf course and follow local paths with lovely views through woodland to the south west of Buxton. Then the scenery changes as we ascend peat moorland to the summit of Axe Edge Moor, one of the highest points in this area of the Peak District. We ascend to Solomon’s Temple through Grinlow Country Park and make our way back to the house via Poole’s Cavern and visitor centre, Pavilion and Serpentine Gardens and Gadley Woods.
Highlights: Panoramic views from the top of Axe Edge Moor
)
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[title] => Solomon's Temple and Local Moorland
[content] => Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: A walk with lots of variety of scenery from low woodland to high moorland over good tracks. Starting by going over the picturesque golf course we make our way through woods before ascending to our high point along a stoney track. Enjoying panoramic views over the moorland we descend to Derbyshire Bridge before making our way back towards Buxton. We ascend through Grinlow Country Park to the iconic Solomon's Temple before heading back to the hotel via Poole's cavern and Pavilion Gardens.
Highlight: Moorland landscape and Buxton’s woodlands. Solomon’s Temple. Pavilion gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory
)
)
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)
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: A lovely local walk meandering around some of Buxton’s finest gems such as Gadley Woods, Grinlow woods, Poole’s Cavern and visitor centre, Pavilion Gardens and Solomon’s Temple.
Highlight: Beautiful woods and Grinlow country park surrounding Buxton. Pavilion Gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory. Poole’s Cavern and local iconic landmark - Solomon’s Temple.
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
In Summary: A walk with lots of variety of scenery from low woodland to high moorland over good tracks. Starting by going over the picturesque golf course we make our way through woods before ascending to our high point along a stoney track. Enjoying panoramic views over the moorland we descend to Derbyshire Bridge before making our way back towards Buxton. We ascend through Grinlow Country Park to the iconic Solomon's Temple before heading back to the hotel via Poole's cavern and Pavilion Gardens.
Highlight: Moorland landscape and Buxton’s woodlands. Solomon’s Temple. Pavilion gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In summary: We cross Cavendish golf course and follow local paths with lovely views through woodland to the south west of Buxton. Then the scenery changes as we ascend peat moorland to the summit of Axe Edge Moor, one of the highest points in this area of the Peak District. We ascend to Solomon’s Temple through Grinlow Country Park and make our way back to the house via Poole’s Cavern and visitor centre, Pavilion and Serpentine Gardens and Gadley Woods.
Highlights: Panoramic views from the top of Axe Edge Moor
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[title] => Tideswell
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[title] => Haddon Hall to Tideswell
[content] => Distance: 12. miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In Summary: We set off on a path which offers glimpses through the trees of the medieval battlements of Haddon Hall. The charming walk along Derbyshire’s River Wye takes us towards the market town of Bakewell where we join the Monsal Trail which uses an old railway track bed to take us to a series of stunning views and atmospheric well-lit tunnels. At Millers Dale we join the Wye again and but then follow a Limestone dale into Tideswell where the magnificent parish church has been nick-named Cathedral of the Peak.
Highlights: Viewing the magnificent church named Cathedral of the Peak.
)
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[title] => Bakewell to Tideswell
[content] => Distance: 9 miles (14.5 kms)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (360m)
In Summary: From the agricultural centre in Bakewell we join the old line of the Midland Railway from London to Manchester which is now the Monsal Trail. After passing Hassop station, which was built for the Duke of Devonshire, we continue to enter the first of several well-lit tunnels and emerge to stunning views of the Derbyshire River Wye from Monsal Head viaduct. After we descend from the trail, we make our way to Tideswell along a charming limestone dale.
Highlight: Stunning views into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye
)
[2] => Array
(
[title] => Ashford to Tideswell
[content] => Distance: 6.5 Miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In Summary: From Sheepwash Bridge in the village of Ashford-in-the Water, we follow the route of the ancient Derbyshire Portway to Monsal Head where we have a stunning view into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye. We then descend to meet the old railway viaduct and cross the river. After two short tunnels on the old railway track bed we descend to river level and follow Tideswell Dale into the village where the Tideswell’s spacious church has earned the nickname ‘Cathedral of the Peak’
Highlight: Stunning views into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye
)
)
)
)
Distance: 6.5 Miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In Summary: From Sheepwash Bridge in the village of Ashford-in-the Water, we follow the route of the ancient Derbyshire Portway to Monsal Head where we have a stunning view into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye. We then descend to meet the old railway viaduct and cross the river. After two short tunnels on the old railway track bed we descend to river level and follow Tideswell Dale into the village where the Tideswell’s spacious church has earned the nickname ‘Cathedral of the Peak’
Highlight: Stunning views into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye
Distance: 9 miles (14.5 kms)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (360m)
In Summary: From the agricultural centre in Bakewell we join the old line of the Midland Railway from London to Manchester which is now the Monsal Trail. After passing Hassop station, which was built for the Duke of Devonshire, we continue to enter the first of several well-lit tunnels and emerge to stunning views of the Derbyshire River Wye from Monsal Head viaduct. After we descend from the trail, we make our way to Tideswell along a charming limestone dale.
Highlight: Stunning views into the valley of the Derbyshire River Wye
Distance: 12. miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In Summary: We set off on a path which offers glimpses through the trees of the medieval battlements of Haddon Hall. The charming walk along Derbyshire’s River Wye takes us towards the market town of Bakewell where we join the Monsal Trail which uses an old railway track bed to take us to a series of stunning views and atmospheric well-lit tunnels. At Millers Dale we join the Wye again and but then follow a Limestone dale into Tideswell where the magnificent parish church has been nick-named Cathedral of the Peak.
Highlights: Viewing the magnificent church named Cathedral of the Peak.
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[title] => Departure Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
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• 43 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 68 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 • 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 • Lawned grounds • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point
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Designed with your comfort in mind, Lee Wood Hotel has 43 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.
The Park,
Park Rd,
Buxton
SK17 6TQ
Tel: 01298 23002
The nearest station is Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles from the house.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
You may wish to call one of our local taxi companies on 01298 72123 or 01298 72333 on arrival for transport to and from the train station.
Lee Wood Hotel can be approached either via The Park or to the rear via Manchester Road (A5004 Long Hill to Whaley Bridge). If you are using SatNav, our postcode is SK17 6TQ. Parking is available around the hotel, and there is additional unrestricted parking on The Park, to the south side of the premises.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.
Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.
Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.
If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.
Enjoy plenty of opportunity to join in the festive fun and games in the evenings on our Festive holidays.
A packed programme of evenings offers something festive for everyone, including some old HF Holidays’ favourites. It’s also a great time to kick back and relax, and the evenings on these Festive breaks will give you the chance to do just that.
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.
Learn moreCode: BUX04-XFW03
Dates & availability
4 Night Central Peak District Festive Guided Walking Holiday
4 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,199
ppMembers
£1,169
pp4 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,069
ppMembers
£1,039
pp£1,109
pp£1,079
pp
We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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.

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

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
If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations
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

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience
Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries
Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members
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