4 Night Peak District Gentle Guided Walking Holiday
Ideal for those wanting to discover the Peak District at a more relaxed pace, this gentle guided walking holiday rewards with magnificent trails, big-name historic attractions, and comfortable accommodation in Thorpe – the tiny village less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones. You’ll also enjoy a choice of up to three different-grade daily walks, including a gentle walk of four miles.
What you’ll love
- Being close to the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones
- Discovering the best landscapes the Peak District has to offer
- Admiring open moorlands and stunning countryside
- Spending time with like-minded people in the great outdoors
- Finding new routes and places to explore with your HF Holidays Leader
- Staying at The Peveril of the Peak, our country house in Thorpe
What’s included
- En-suite accommodation in our 3-star 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 three 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 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Option 1 - Baslow to Calton Lees
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
Descent: 250 feet (80m)
In Summary: The walk starts in the estate village of Baslow and then enters Chatsworth Park initially following the river and then on towards the house. There will be time for a break with cafes and some shops in the magnificent stables. The walk then passes through the "model" village of Edensor (pronounced Ensor) where recent graves of the Cavendish family are found in the churchyard. It's then a fairly level walk along the river to the Garden Centre.
Highlight: Walking through the grounds of the impressive Chatworth House
Option 2 - Curbar Gap to Calton Lees
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
Descent: 950 feet (280m)
In Summary: This starts high on the Edges. The walk goes along Baslow Edge giving far reaching views and passing the Eagle Stone and Wellington monument before descending into Baslow and following the same route as Opt 1 through Chatsworth Park and Edensor.
Highlight: Walking through the grounds of the impressive Chatworth House
Option 3 - Curbar Gap to Calton Lees passing the Russian Cottage
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Descent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In Summary: As with option 2 this walk starts along Baslow Edge and through Chatsworth park with time for a break. After visiting the village of Edensor the walk then ascends giving excellent views back over Chatsworth House and Gardens. After passing the "Russian Cottage" (a replica Dacha) the walk descends on a track to the Garden Centre.
Highlight: Views of the Peak District from Baslow Edge
Option 1 - Blore to Ilam
Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
Descent: 450 feet (140m)
In Summary: After a short coach ride the walk starts in the hamlet of Blore, with time to view its church and Hall (both from outside). The walk then descends to the river and Ilam Park. There will be an opportunity to view the village, the Boil Holes and the interesting church plus time for a cuppa.
Highlight: Exploring Ilam Park
Option 2 - Blore to Ilam via Rushley
Distance: 5 miles (8km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
Descent: 750 feet (240m)
In Summary: After a short coach ride the walk starts in the hamlet of Blore, there is a short road walk before following a track giving far reaching views over the Manifold valley and beyond. After descending through a farm, the walk follows the riverbed into Ilam Park. There will be time to view the village and its famous cross.
Highlight: Ilam village with its grand hall, pseudo alpine cottages and memorial cross.
Option 3 - From the house through Blore and Rushley
Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 950 feet (280m)
Descent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In Summary: Walking from the house the walk leaves Thorpe on the Limestone Way descending to cross the River Dove on an ancient bridge and ascending through a farm. A short walk in a quiet valley to reach the hamlet of Blore. The walk then follows Option 2 to enter Ilam Park. Time to see the Boil Holes, church and village and to have a cuppa.
Highlight: Ilam village with its grand hall, pseudo alpine cottages and memorial cross.
Option 1 - Milldale and Dovedale
Distance: 3.5 miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
Descent: 550 feet (160m)
In Summary: Starting at the hamlet of Milldale, the route takes the beautiful riverside path along the River Dove with its rocky features and abounding nature. The walk will pass impressive limestone caves and Lovers Leap with its own local legend. On reaching the famed stepping stones the walk leaves the river and explores the charming Lin Dale to return to the HF house.
Highlight: Walking through the beautiful Dovedale gorge.
Option 2 - Alstonefield and Dovedale
Distance: 5 miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
Descent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: This walk starts by the Watts Russell Arms pub, named after a prominent local landowner from Ilam. It takes a delightful path, passing a dew pond used for collecting water for livestock and reaches the ancient village of Alstonefield, lying high up on the borders of Derbyshire and Staffordshire. The walk passes St Peter’s church dating from 12th century and descends down Millway Lane with gorgeous views over of hills surrounding Dovedale to reach Milldale hamlet. It then takes the beautiful riverside path along the River Dove with its rocky features and abounding nature. The final part of the walk ascends Lin Dale to return to Peveril of the Peak.
Highlight: Breathtaking views of the hills surrounding Dovedale
Option 3 - Wolfscote Dale and Dovedale to House
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
Descent: 450 feet (140m)
In summary: The walk starts with a gentle descent on a farm track to reach the River Dove. Before following the river down Wolfscote Dale. This is different and much quieter than Dovedale with the opportunity to view the wildlife. The walk then follows the road into the hamlet of Milldale, with some facilities - ideal for a break. Then it's the full length of Dovedale with it's many rock formations to reach the famous Stepping Stones. Our base at Peveril of the Peak is then just a gentle ascent away.
Highlight: Walking the full length of Dovedale gorge
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Food & drink
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.
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
- Walking poles
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.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
23 Mar - 27 Mar 2026 4 nights |
Itinerary 2026
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £649 pp |
from £649 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
25 May - 29 May 2026 4 nights |
Itinerary 2026 Single from £849 Double from £809 pp |
from £809 pp |
from £849 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
21 Sep - 25 Sep 2026 4 nights |
Itinerary 2026 Single from £849 Double from £809 pp |
from £809 pp |
from £849 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
62Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
