7 Night Central Peak District Guided Walking Holiday

Distance: 5 miles (8.5km) 

Total ascent: 400 feet (120m) 

In summary: This walk begins at the Cat & Fiddle, the 2nd highest pub in England. We descend to the Victorian folly of Solomon’s Temple, then onwards to Poole’s Cavern before arriving in the beautiful spa town of Buxton

Highlight: There's time to explore Buxton and enjoy the elegant and imposing buildings of this famous spa town. 

Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180m) 

In summary: Starting from the former Cat and Fiddle Inn, set high on the moors, we descend to Errwood Hall and the dam between the Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs in the Goyt Valley. From here we cross the moors to Buxton.

Highlight: Great views from the old Cat & Fiddle Inn with its lofty position high on the moors.

Distance: 12 miles (19.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,600 feet (480m) 

In summary: An enjoyable hilltop route ascending to Shining Tor then following a broad grassy ridge to Cats Tor, Pym Chair to Windgather Rocks. From here we descend to the reservoirs and cross Wild Moor to Buxton. 

Highlight: The ridge between Shining Tor and Cat's Tor enjoys great views westwards over the Cheshire Plain towards the Mersey Estuary.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 850 feet (260m)

In summary: From the village of Hollinsclough nestling beneath Hollins Hill close to the source of the Dove we traverse beneath the jagged outlines of the Dragon's Back to Glutton Bridge. We climb Hitter Hill to view the shapely cone of High Wheeldon with it’s prehistoric secrets, then journey south to the fascinating site of Pilsbury Castle. From there we contour the eastern flank of the upper Dove beneath Carder Low with great views of 'The Dragon', Sheen Hill and Axe Edge to finish in the splendid market town of Hartington.

Highlight: Sample the local Stilton and Dovedale cheeses at the famous Hartington cheese shop. 

Distance: 9 miles (15km) 

Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m)

In summary: From the village of Hollinsclough we contour Hollins Hill in the shadow of Axe Edge (source of both the River Dove and Manifold) and Leap Edge. We swing north up Dowel Dale then ascend Hitter Hill before heading south to Pilsbury Castle. We then cross the fledgling River Dove and ascend to the ridgeline of Sheen Hill for panoramic views west over the Manifold valley before descending into Hartington. 

Highlight: Explore the site and remains of Pilsbury Castle, an 11th Century Motte and Bailey Fortress, with fantastic views back towards Chrome Hill.

Distance: 10½ miles (17km)

Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)

In summary: From the village of Hollinsclough we contour Hollins Hill in the shadow of Axe Edge (source of both the River Dove and Manifold) and Leap Edge (don't!) to climb the rocky spine of Chrome Hill, known as the Dragon's Back of Derbyshire. We swing north up Dowel Dale then ascend Hitter Hill before heading south to Pilsbury Castle. We then cross the fledgling River Dove and ascend to the ridgeline of Sheen Hill for panoramic views west over the Manifold valley before descending into Hartington. 

Highlight: Panoramic views both south back to Longnor and down the Dove Valley from the peaks and ridgeline of the Dragon's Back.

Distance: 5½ miles (9km) 

Total ascent: 500 feet (160m) 

In summary: Walk from Crich village up to the monument on Crich Stand. After an undulating walk through the Derbyshire countryside we'll follow the Cromford Canal towpath, to Cromford Wharf and Arkwright’s Mill.  

Highlight: The Derwent Valley was one of birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, for it was here that Richard Arkwright set up his pioneering cotton mill. Its importance is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Distance: 9½ miles (15km) 

Ascent: 900 feet (280m) 

In summary: Soak up the views from Crich Stand, then walk over the green hills above the Derwent Valley to the timeless hamlets of Lea, Dethick and Riber. Finally we follow the canal to Cromford.

Highlight: Crich is home to the National Tramways Museum. Look out for these vintage vehicles when you cross the tram tracks at Crich Stand.

Distance: 12 miles (19.5km) 

Ascent: 1,400 feet (420m) 

In summary: Starting from Ambergate in the Derwent Valley we'll ascend the wooded valley side to Crich Stand, then continue over rolling green hills to Cromford. 

Highlight: Crich Stand is dominated by the Sherwood Foresters Memorial with its commanding view over the Derwent Valley.

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: 10½ miles (17km) 

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m) 

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: 12 miles (19km) 

Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m) 

In summary: The fantastic gritstone edges see us all the way from Froggatt to Baslow Edge. We continue along Birchen Edge to reach the Hunting Tower and a descent to Chatsworth House, passing the Sowter Stone and aqueduct on the way. We end at Bakewell, via Edensor. 

Highlight: A walk of great contrasts - magnificent high-level walking along the edges, and a more in-depth exploration of the Chatsworth estate.

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

In summary: Starting high up on Winnat's Pass we will make the short steep ascent to the top of Mam Tor. At 517 metres above sea level we will hopefully be rewarded with fantastic views in all directions. We then follow the famous Great Ridge before descending to Hope and a beautiful riverside walk to Castleton.

Highlight: If you have the energy, why not complete the short climb to Peveril Castle, or learn about village life through the ages and the unique local semi precious 'Blue John' stone at the fantastic interactive visitor centre in Castleton.

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)

Ascent: 1,600 feet (480m)

In summary: Starting in Hope, we climb up Lose Hill. From the summit we will traverse along the length of the ridge with fantastic views in all directions to Mam Tor. We then descend to Castleton along the Limestone Way via the remains of Peveril Castle and Cave Dale.

Highlight: Treat yourself to some jewellery crafted from the local 'Blue John' stone, or simply relax after an exhilarating walk with a cuppa and cake in one of the numerous tea shops in Castleton.

Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)

Ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)

In summary: From Castleton we walk along the Limestone Way and gradually climb towards the summit of Mam Tor 'the Shivering Mountain' then along the Great Ridge to Lose Hill. We descend to Hope Village and follow the riverside path back to Castleton.

Highlight: Celebrate with a pint in one of the many pubs in Castleton to complete a truly memorable day on the one of the country's finest ridge walks.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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