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. Journey through the famous Dovedale Gorge, follow the High Peak Trail to the lead mining village of Carsington, and explore the alpine-style village of Ilam.
What you’ll love
- Under 11s GO FREE
- Spending family time together in the great outdoors
- Being close to the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones
- Bird Watching at Carsington Dam or Exploring Ilam Park
- Discovering Derbyshire’s industrial heritage
- Staying in the comfort of our country house
What’s included
- Family rooms available subject to availability
- 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 tailored towards families, 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.
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.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Dovedale
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 650ft (200m)
We’ll walk from the house heading 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.
What your kids will love: Learning the history of Lover’s Leap, skimming stones in the river, and crossing the stepping stones.
Option 2 - Dovedale Gorge
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,200ft (360m)
This option begins with a descent to the famous stepping stones before following the River Dove through the limestone gorge of Dovedale to Milldale. We’ll then return high above the gorge.
What your kids will love: Searching for traces of fossils in the limestone and peeking inside the caves.
Option 3 - Dovedale and Alstonefield
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,150ft (340m)
We begin by following the route of option 1 through the iconic Dovedale Gorge. From Milldale we’ll ascend to the village of Alstonefield and visit the Green Well. Our return route takes us back across the river and over high ground back to the country house.
What your kids will love: Walking through the dramatic Dovedale Gorge and crossing the ancient Viator’s Bridge in Milldale where a game of Poohsticks is on the cards.
Option 4 - Dovedale and Narrowdale Hill
Distance: 12 miles (19km)
Ascent: 1,400ft (420m)
Having first walked up the beautiful Dovedale Gorge and reached Alstonefield, we’ll venture on the high-level loop north to Narrowdale Hill, before returning across the river and along the route of option 2.
What your kids will love: Completing the (optional) challenge of climbing Narrowdale Hill for the far-reaching views over the countryside.
Option 1 - Above and Below the Dam
Distance: 3.5 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 300ft (80m)
We’ll start and finish our walk at the visitor centre, returning by the shores of Carsington Reservoir, one of England’s largest.
What your kids will love: Having plenty of time to explore the visitor centre, find the wood carvings, and even do some bird watching – you might even spot a kingfisher or a buzzard.
Option 2 - Middleton Top, Harboro’ Rocks to Carsington
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Total ascent: 900ft (280m)
Starting from Middleton Top, we’ll follow the High Peak trail, arriving at Harboro’ rocks. After some time exploring the rocks, we’ll continue past the windmills before reaching the reservoir.
What your kids will love: Exploring the caves and stone seat at Harboro’ rocks.
Option 3 - Carsington Water Circular
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
Starting at the visitor centre we’ll complete a circuit of Carsington Reservoir and cross over the dam.
What your kids will love: Spotting the variety of birdlife that call Carsington Reservoir home. Try drawing your finds, which could include oystercatchers, redshank, terns, and geese.
Option 4 - Black Rock to Carsington
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Total ascent: 1,200ft (360m)
Starting at Black Rocks, we’ll climb to reach the High Peak Trail, with time to explore the National Stone Centre and Middleton Top. We’ll then continue along to Harboro’ Rocks and eventually reach the reservoir.
What your kids will love: Taking in the views over the contrasting Black Rocks and Harboro’ Rocks. Fun fact: there’s evidence of human settlement at Harboro’ Rocks since the Ice Age.
Option 1 - Ilam
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
We’ll walk from the house around the iconic Thorpe Cloud, then cross the bridge over the River Dove towards the village of Ilam. We’ll return by the river on Manifold Way and climb back to Thorpe on an old coaching track now known as the Limestone Way.
What your kids will love: Roaming the grounds of Ilam Hall and discovering the picturesque village of Ilam with its alpine-style cottages.
Option 2 - Ilam Park
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
We’ll cross the River Dove and over open fields to reach lofty Castern Hall. From here we’ll follow the Manifold Way into Ilam Park before ascending to the hamlet of Blore. Eventually we’ll join the Limestone Way and return to the country house.
What your kids will love: Discovering the hall, church, and gardens around Ilam Park. We’ll also see the River Manifold emerge from its underground route.
Option 3 - Blore, Ilam, and Musden
Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,350ft (420m)
We’ll head out on the Limestone Way from Thorpe, crossing the River Dove at Coldwall Bridge and ascend to Blore. Our route then takes us west for magnificent views of the surrounding countryside to reach Calton. After descending through Musden Wood to Rushley Bridge, we’ll take the riverside path through the grounds of Ilam Hall and the village of Ilam.
What your kids will love: Walking through Musden woods. In springtime it’s filled with sprouting bluebells and the smell of wild garlic.
Option 4 - Ilam and the Manifold Valley
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,900ft (600m)
We’ll follow the Limestone Way to Blore, before continuing to ascend, skirting the hill of Musden Low to reach the village of Calton. From here, we’ll continue north with wonderful views all around. We’ll descend Soles Hollow to reach the River Hamps and the Manifold Way. From the confluence of the Hamps and the Manifold, we’ll ascend back to the Manifold Trail to Throwley Hall. We’ll return through historic Ilam.
What your kids will love: Reaching Blore Church where you’re rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the limestone plateau and Dove Dale.
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.
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.
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 |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
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 InformationAddress
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.
For pricing, please contact Ashbourne Taxis directly.
Ashbourne Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Ashbourne Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1335 345198 / +44 (0)7398 783706
Email: ashbourne-taxis@hotmail.co.uk
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at The Peveril of the Peak.
*Ashbourne Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
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.
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
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- 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
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
The Peveril of the Peak Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
