7 Night Central Peak District Festive Guided Walking Holiday

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

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: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In Summary: A walk with lots of variety of scenery. We start by going through the Serpentine and Pavilion Gardens before making our way through woods to Harpur Hill. From here we skirt the Health and Safety Laboratories and the Buxton raceway and make our way on attractive paths back north towards Buxton. We diverge east for a trip to the iconic Solomon’s Temple before making our way back through Grinlow Woods and town to the hotel.

Highlight: Serpentine and Pavilion gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory. Moorland landscape and Buxton’s woodlands. Solomon’s Temple.

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

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.

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent:  1,050 feet (320m)

In Summary: After an initial short distance on the main road we head off uphill on an old Roman Road to behind White Hall Outdoor Education Centre where we pick up a footpath with far reaching views down towards the Goyt Valley. Another very short section on a main road, we then ascend a lovely path to high above the Goyt Valley. We follow a gently descending moorland track back down to the golf course and wend our way for the last few hundred metres through pleasant small roads and alleyways back to the house.

Highlights: Lovely views of the Goyt Valley and further afield looking towards Manchester.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent:  1,500 feet (460m)

In summary: After a short distance on the main road, we head off up a Roman road to the back of White Hall Education Centre. Taking in lovely views we then descend to the reservoirs in the Goyt Valley. We walk by the side of Errwood Reservoir before ascending a good track to an old railway. From there we ascend higher above the valley and then drop back via woods, a golf course and some pleasing small roads and alleyways.

Highlights: Far reaching views into the Goyt Valley and the beautiful Errwood Reservoir.

Distance: 11 miles (18km)

Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)

In summary: Following the Roman road to White Hall outdoor education centre we drop down to the two local reservoirs. Following the side of Errwood Reservoir we then make our way across less well used paths to ascend picturesque Berry Clough. Retaining our height for a mile or so, we enjoy panoramic views. We return to the house through local woods and small roads and alleyways.

Highlights: Fabulous views over the extensive moorland landscape with the Goyt Valley area

Distance: 5 miles (8½km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: From Baslow village we walk through Chatsworth Park - admiring Capability Brown's landscape - to Chatsworth House. After exploring the estate village of Edensor we take a track and a quiet lane over the ridge into Bakewell. 

Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: Walk along Baslow Edge, passing the Eagle Stone before descending into Baslow village and through Chatsworth Park to Chatsworth House. After exploring the estate village of Edensor we take a track and a quiet lane over the ridge into Bakewell. 

Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) 

In summary: High up on the Moors we take an exhilarating walk along Froggatt, and Curbar Edge. Pass Wellington’s Monument descending to Chatsworth before passing through Edensor then over a ridge and down into Bakewell. 

Highlight: The gritstone escarpment of Curbar and Froggatt Edge is one of the most popular walks in the Peak District, with sweeping views over the Derwent Valley. 

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent:  1,050 feet (320m)

In Summary: After an initial short distance on the main road we head off uphill on an old Roman Road to behind White Hall Outdoor Education Centre where we pick up a footpath with far reaching views down towards the Goyt Valley. Another very short section on a main road, we then ascend a lovely path to high above the Goyt Valley. We follow a gently descending moorland track back down to the golf course and wend our way for the last few hundred metres through pleasant small roads and alleyways back to the house.

Highlights: Lovely views of the Goyt Valley and further afield looking towards Manchester.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)

Ascent:  1,500 feet (460m)

In summary: After a short distance on the main road, we head off up a Roman road to the back of White Hall Education Centre. Taking in lovely views we then descend to the reservoirs in the Goyt Valley. We walk by the side of Errwood Reservoir before ascending a good track to an old railway. From there we ascend higher above the valley and then drop back via woods, a golf course and some pleasing small roads and alleyways.

Highlights: Far reaching views into the Goyt Valley and the beautiful Errwood Reservoir.

Distance: 11 miles (18km)

Ascent: 1,950 feet (600m)

In summary: Following the Roman road to White Hall outdoor education centre we drop down to the two local reservoirs. Following the side of Errwood Reservoir we then make our way across less well used paths to ascend picturesque Berry Clough. Retaining our height for a mile or so, we enjoy panoramic views. We return to the house through local woods and small roads and alleyways.

Highlights: Fabulous views over the extensive moorland landscape with the Goyt Valley area

Distance: 5 miles (8½km)

Ascent: 700 feet (220m)

In summary: From Baslow village we walk through Chatsworth Park - admiring Capability Brown's landscape - to Chatsworth House. After exploring the estate village of Edensor we take a track and a quiet lane over the ridge into Bakewell. 

Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Distance: 7½ miles (12km) 

Ascent: 800 feet (240m)

In summary: Walk along Baslow Edge, passing the Eagle Stone before descending into Baslow village and through Chatsworth Park to Chatsworth House. After exploring the estate village of Edensor we take a track and a quiet lane over the ridge into Bakewell. 

Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m) 

In summary: High up on the Moors we take an exhilarating walk along Froggatt, and Curbar Edge. Pass Wellington’s Monument descending to Chatsworth before passing through Edensor then over a ridge and down into Bakewell. 

Highlight: The gritstone escarpment of Curbar and Froggatt Edge is one of the most popular walks in the Peak District, with sweeping views over the Derwent Valley. 

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

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: 10 miles (16km)

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)

In Summary: A walk with lots of variety of scenery. We start by going through the Serpentine and Pavilion Gardens before making our way through woods to Harpur Hill. From here we skirt the Health and Safety Laboratories and the Buxton raceway and make our way on attractive paths back north towards Buxton. We diverge east for a trip to the iconic Solomon’s Temple before making our way back through Grinlow Woods and town to the hotel.

Highlight: Serpentine and Pavilion gardens with its magnificent buildings including the conservatory. Moorland landscape and Buxton’s woodlands. Solomon’s Temple.

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

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.