4 Night Peak District Family Walking Adventure

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: We walk out from the house to Gag Lane, from here we descend to Lover's Leap and the beautiful Dovedale Gorge. Our return takes us along the gorge to the famous stepping stones before returning to the country house. 

Highlight: Look up to see spectacular rock formations as you meander through the gorge. 

Distance: 7 miles (11km)

Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)  

In summary: Beginning with a descent to the famous stepping stones we follow the River Dove to Milldale. Following the zig zag path we then return through pasture land high above the gorge.

Highlight: The famous limestone gorge of Dovedale is just a stone’s throw from our country house with its rock formations, caves and verdant flora.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,150 feet (340m)

In summary: We begin following the route of option 1 through the iconic Dovedale Gorge. From Milldale we ascend to the village of Alstonefield. We visit the Green Well before our return route takes us back across the river and on higher ground back to the country house.

Highlight: The dramatic Dovedale Gorge with its towering limestone pinnacles.

Distance: 12 miles (19km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m)

In summary: Having first walked up the beautiful Dovedale Gorge and reached Alstonefield, our walk takes a high level loop north to Narrowdale Hill, before returning across the river and along the route of option 2. 

Highlight: Magnificent panoramic views from Narrowdale Hill

Distance: 3½ miles (5km)

Total ascent: 300 feet (80m)

In summary: A shorter walk with lots of time to discover the wood carvings and enjoy the visitor centre of spend time in a bird hide.

Highlight: Lovely views across the water and the chance to see kingfishers and buzzards.

Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km)

Total ascent: 900 feet (280m)

In summary: Starting from Middleton Top, we follow the High Peak trail, arriving at Harboro rocks, with its caves and stone seat. After time exploring the rocks, we continue past the windmills before reaching the reservoir.

Highlight: Exploring the rocky outcrops of Harboro.

Distance: 7½ miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 700 feet (220m) 

In summary: Starting at the Visitor Centre we will complete a circuit of Carsington Reservoir, induding walking over the dam. Carsington reservoir is the 9th largest in England.  

Highlight: Carsington Water is home to an abundance of birdlife. Stop at the bird hide to look out for Oystercatchers, Redshank, Terns and Geese.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)

In summary: Starting at Black Rocks, this walk then ascends to reach the High Peak Trail. There will be time to explore the National Stone Centre and Middleton Top and then we’ll be following the easier walk over Harboro Rocks before reaching the reservoir.

Highlight: Exploring the contrasting Black and Harboro Rocks.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) 

Ascent: 400 feet (120m)

In summary: Taking a route round iconic Thorpe Cloud we then cross the River Dove (bridge) and follow pasture land to the unique village of Ilam. There will be plenty of time to explore the grounds of Ilam Hall before returning by the river on the Manifold Way and then ascending back to Thorpe on an old coaching track now the Limestone Way.

Highlight: Beautiful Ilam Park with its Hall and the pseudo Alpine village of Ilam.

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km) 

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

In summary: The walk begins with a descent to cross the River Dove and then across fields to reach lofty Castern Hall. From here we follow the route of the Manifold into Ilam Park before ascending to the hamlet of Blore and follow the Limestone Way on our return to the country house.  

Highlight: Beautiful Ilam Park with its Hall, church and gardens. We can see the River Manifold as it emerges from its underground route.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)

In summary: We head out on the Limestone Way from Thorpe, crossing the River Dove at Coldwall Bridge and ascend to Blore. The route then continues to ascend west with magnificent views of surrounding countryside to reach Calton. We then descend through Musden Wood to Rushley Bridge before taking the riverside path through the grounds of Ilam Hall and the village of Ilam. 

Highlight: Ilam village with its grand hall, pseudo alpine cottages and memorial cross.

Distance: 12½ miles (20km)

Ascent: 1,900 feet (600m)

In summary: Beginning along the Limestone Way to Blore, we then continue to ascend, skirting the hill of Musden Low, before reaching the village of Calton. From here, the path continues north with wonderful views all around. We descend Soles Hollow to reach the River Hamps and the Manifold Way. From the confluence of the Hamps and the Manifold, the walk ascends back to the Manifold Trail to Throwley Hall. We then return through historic Ilam.

Highlight: Enjoy the panorama from Blore church over the limestone plateau and Dove Dale, with the shapely peak of Thorpe Cloud guarding the entrance.