4 Night Peak District Family Walking Adventure

The UK’s oldest national park is a playground for family adventures big and small. In a land of pretty villages, limestone valleys, and rugged gritstone edges, we offer walks for little legs, trails for older children, and hikes that’ll keep the whole clan happy – all with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders. Follow the High Peak Trail to the lead mining villages of Brassington and Carsington, take the Tissington Trail for views of Dove Dale Gorge, and walk through the stunning grounds of Chatsworth House – the setting for many TV shows and films. And when you need to refuel, stop off in Bakewell for a slice of its famous tart.
What you’ll love
- Under 11s GO FREE
- Spending family time together in the great outdoors
- Crossing the River Dove at the famous Stepping Stones
- Exploring the historic town of Buxton
- Discovering Derbyshire’s industrial heritage
- Staying in the comfort of our country house
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
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to four guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Dovedale
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.
Option 2 - Dovedale 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.
Option 3 - Dovedale and Alstonefield
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.
Option 4 - Dovedale and Narrowdale Hill
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
Option 1 - Above and Below the Dam
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.
Option 2 - Middleton Top, Harboro Rocks to Carsington
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.
Option 3 - Carsington Water Circular
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.
Option 4 - Black Rock to Carsington
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.
Option 1 - Ilam
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.
Option 2 - Ilam Park
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.
Option 3 - Blore, Ilam and Musden
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.
Option 4 - Ilam and the Manifold Valley
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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
The Peveril of the Peak
For those easily seduced by the charm of the Peak District, this characterful country house is a dealbreaker. Set in the tiny village of Thorpe, you’ll be less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones – a series of 16 limestone-capped stones that were laid out in the 19th century to allow for a safe crossing over the River Dove. There’s plenty of big-name attractions nearby, most fabulously the Twelve Apostles that is best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap. And there’s no shortage of walking thrills, either, especially around the Roaches and the impressive Stanage Edge. Equally fabulous is the cone-shaped Thorpe Cloud, a limestone hill on the southern end of Dovedale and along the rolling green hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.
Rooms
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, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. 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, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Room 2 on the ground floor for its extra space (it also has a door opening on to the grounds). Also lovely is the Chatsworth Room for its four-poster bed.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. 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.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
£25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
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 to The Peveril of the Peak
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
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
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
The Peveril of the Peak Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | ||||||||
27 May - 31 May 2024 4 nights |
Family Walks Single from £789 Double from £789 pp |
from £789 pp |
from £789 |
Trip Notes | Enquire | |||
28 Oct - 01 Nov 2024 4 nights |
Family Walks Single from £595 Double from £595 pp |
from £595 pp |
from £595 |
Trip Notes | Enquire |
Important information
Maximum 3 free child places under 11 years per full paying adult price on UK country house stays.
Family rooms are subject to availability. Sole occupancy charges may apply.
Children under 11 go free
Children 11-17 years on 4-night breaks £59pp for 2023 and £65pp for 2024
All children's rates are based on sharing a bedroom with one or more adults.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on all walks, though this need not be a parent or guardian
4 nights
from
£595pp
Under 11s go free
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here