7-Night Peak District Family Walking Adventure
The UK’s oldest national park is a land of pretty villages, limestone valleys and outcrops of millstone grit. The area is full of rural charm with a range of walks. Leg-stretching hikes up to gritstone edges reward with sweeping views while riverside walks see the hills from a different perspective. Follow the High Peak Trail to the lead mining villages of Brassington and Carsington, take the Tissington Trail for views of Dovedale Gorge and walk through the grounds of Chatsworth House. If you need to refuel, a stop off in Bakewell for a slice of its famous tart is highly recommended!
Holiday Highlights
- Cross the River Dove at the famous Stepping Stones
- Explore the historic town of Buxton
- Discover Derbyshire’s industrial heritage at the National Stone Centre
What’s included
- Full Board en-suite accommodation.
- A full programme of walks guided by HF Leaders
- All transport to and from the walks
- Free Wi-Fi
Trip Notes
Trip notes are detailed, downloadable PDF’s for each holiday, please click the button below to find the right trip notes for your departure date.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
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 - St Mary's and Coldwall Bridges
Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 350 feet (140m)
In summary: We cross Thorpe Pasture and descend to the River Dove to walk to St. Mary’s Bridge continue along the river crossing historic Coldwall Bridge and returning to explore the village of Thorpe.
Highlight: Intriguing Coldwall Bridge dating back to 1726.
Option 2 - Okeover Park and Mappleton
Distance: 6½ miles (10.5km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In summary: From the country house we drop onto the Dove Valley crossing historic Coldwall Bridge and ascend Marten Hill. We return through lovely Okeover Park to Mappleton walking along the Dove with fine views of Thorpe Cloud.
Highlight: Check out the unusual church in Mappleton.
Option 3 - The Mayfields
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,250 feet (380m)
In summary: Initially following the route of option 1, we then continue south on The Limestone Way reaching the cluster of Mayfield villages. Descending through Upper Mayfield to cross Hanging Bridge and return via Mappleton and the River Dove.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s retreat in 1745.
Option 4 - The Mayfields and Mappleton
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In summary: Heading out along the route of option 2, we extend our walk continuing south along the Limestone Way before descending to the historical villages of Middle Mayfield and Church Mayfield. Our return route takes us via Hanging Bridge and Mappleton.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie's retreat in 1745.
Discover more about Peveril of the Peak and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
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: 11½ 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 - Grinlow Tower, Poole's Cavern & Buxton
Distance: 2½ miles (3.5km)
Total Ascent: 100 feet (40m)
In Summary: Starting at Grin Low Country Park, we’ll climb to Solomon’s Temple (also known as Grinlow Tower) before descending through the woods, passing Poole Cavern before reaching Buxton with its baths, fountain and extensive gardens.
Highlight: The 360 degree views from Solomon's Temple.
Option 2 - Cat & Fiddle to Buxton
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total Ascent: 600ft (180m)
In Summary: This walk begins at the Cat & Fiddle, the 2nd highest pub in England, before continuing over moorland to Grin Low Country Park to Buxton, via Solomon’s Temple.
Highlight: The superb views from Burbage Edge.
Option 3 - Goyt Valley and Buxton Pavilion
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.
Option 4 - Goyt Valley
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (340m)
In Summary: This walk goes from the Cat & Fiddle to Errwood Hall where we explore the woods to see the Spanish chapel. We then walk across Wild Moor - listen out for the curlews and lapwings!
Highlight: Enjoying the peaceful and tranquil Spanish chapel.
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 - Ilam and Blore
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
The Peveril of the Peak, named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel, stands proudly in the Peak District countryside, close to the village of Thorpe. Backed by the cone of Thorpe Cloud, which guards the entrance to Dovedale Gorge and the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the gorge, it’s an ideal base for people hoping to explore the Derbyshire countryside. Surrounded by extensive grounds and rolling countryside, it’s a picturesque retreat with 46 rooms, large shared spaces and a pleasant bar. Stride out from the house to find Dovedale’s wooded ravine, cave-like Dove Holes and of course stepping stones. Upstream lie the heights nicknamed the Dovedale Castle and the Twelve Apostles, best viewed from the grassy spur called Lovers’ Leap. While the Peak bit of the area name refers to small English hills rather than great summits, there’s superb walking to be had on the Roaches and the gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge, while Chatsworth, Tissington and Bakewell make attractive places to explore too.
Need to know
We appreciate that COVID-19 continues to impact the nations. The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not always in sync, so measures in our country houses may vary between the nations. We thank all guests for adhering to the measures we have introduced to keep our guests, leaders and team members safe.
You can see our latest FAQs and guarantees at https://www.hfholidays.co.uk/coronavirus-travel-advice
Ventilation, Physical Distancing Measures and Group Sizes around the Houses
We will keep our public areas well ventilated; for your comfort you might want to pack an extra layer to keep you comfortable.
With the relaxation of physical distancing, we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together.
Hand sanitiser stations will be made available in frequently used public areas for guests and staff use. It is advisable to bring additional hand sanitiser for whilst you are out walking.
We always follow the latest regional government advice, but our one recommendation is don’t forget your face mask! There is no requirement to wear a face covering in communal areas, but you may of course choose to. Some places throughout the UK may still require you to wear a mask even if the government legislation does not. With this in mind we suggest you bring a personal supply of face coverings for the duration of your stay.
Servicing Bedrooms:
At this stage we are not reintroducing our daily room servicing. Extra tea, coffee, milk, towels and toiletries will be available on request from our team. Bins can be left outside your door for emptying.
COVID-19 Symptoms or Cases
If a guest has symptoms of COVID-19 then they should inform the house team and immediately self-isolate to minimise any risk of transmission and make arrangements to request a COVID test. If a guest receives a positive test result, they should return home if they reasonably can. They should where possible use private transport but only drive themselves if they can do so safely. If a guest cannot reasonably return home, they should discuss their circumstances with the House Manager. Additional charges may be levied if a guest needs to self-isolate for longer than their planned holiday.
What can you do to help keep everyone safe?
- Wear a face mask/covering where required and please bring plenty of face coverings for the duration of your stay
- Carry/use hand sanitiser
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water when possible
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid passing round objects such as cameras & phones
- If you are displaying symptoms of Coronavirus, please do not travel to an HF Holidays House
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house. With 46 rooms, Peveril of the Peak has plenty of space and there’s a range of Classic and Premium Rooms to choose from. Room 2 on the ground floor (accessible via 7 steps down from reception) is spacious and attractively styled with a door opening on to the grounds while the Chatsworth Room has a four-poster bed to recline on.
All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger televisions – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Check in:
Check in opens at 4pm for all guests. Guests will be unable to access any of the Country House facilities, including leaving luggage before 4pm.
We are delighted to invite you to enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Relax and meet your fellow guests and leaders.
Check out:
Check out time: 10am
Please note, you will need to settle your bill before departure and payment will only be possible by card. Gratuities and donations to the Pathway Fund can also be made by card.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, lounge, bar, ballroom, library and board games to borrow
After a day delving into the Dovedale Gorge or exploring the Peak District, return to the house. Relax on the patio with a coffee or cold drink and soak up the wide-ranging countryside views. Take a turn through the garden and look out for the small canon on one of the lawns. Make your way inside to sit comfortably in the lounge where there’s a stash of wood and a log burner for those colder days or snag a seat in the bar with your fellow guests and sip a great local ale by the large windows.
Welcome Information
A Welcome Information Pack providing details about the Country House and your holiday will be available in each bedroom. This personal pack of information will detail what to expect during your stay in the house, the menu for the duration of your stay, dinner & picnic lunch order forms and the guest registration form for completion.
Our houses are locked at night-time and accessible with a door code which is available in the Welcome Pack. However, we also recommend making a note of the Duty Manager number on arrival, in case of an emergency or getting locked out.
Evenings
Join our team after dinner on Wednesday evenings to see if you’ve got the knowledge to triumph in the HF Big Pub Quiz! There will also be another evening of entertainment at the beginning of the week which will vary depending on the house you are visiting.
If there are leaders resident, they will be available to chat to guests about self-guided walks. You can borrow walking route notes and maps from our Discovery Point.
Walks Talks – Guided Walking Information Briefings
Self-Guided guests are always welcome to join our Guided Walking briefings to hear about the local conditions.
Our leaders will deliver a Guided Walking Information Briefing on each arrival day before and after dinner followed by a group Walks Talk to let guests know about the following day’s walks. Walks Talks are usually before and after dinner prior to each walking day. The information is repeated so you can join whichever time suits you.
If you are undecided which walk to do, our leaders will be available in the bar or lounge to answer any questions you might have. Our website contains up-to-date information about the walks for each holiday.
Before you leave for your walk your leader will run through a short safety briefing for the day.
Each day, the latest weather forecast will be displayed for all guests to check to ensure appropriate clothing is worn for the walks.
Please note, if you decide to do your own walks, or you are on a self-guided walking holiday, you must complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Food at the Peveril of the Peak is varied with a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal British produce. Our experienced chefs create each dish using only the freshest ingredients and, when in season, use home grown herbs and vegetables taken from our own gardens to give a true taste of the local area.
Along with many hospitality business across the UK we are presently experiencing disruption to our food and drink supply chain. COVID continues to limit the ability of suppliers to deliver and the war in Ukraine (along with several other global challenges) is impacting availability of many basic products. We are working hard to ensure that these challenges do not negatively impact your holiday but ask for your understanding should we need to make last minute changes to dishes or menus.
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
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
- Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
- A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.
Recommended
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
- Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
- Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)
You might also want
- Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
- Insect repellent
- Flask for hot drinks
- Rigid lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Single Room | Double Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | ||||||||
|
29 Jul - 05 Aug 2022 7 nights |
Guided Family Walks
Single Fully Booked
Double Fully Booked
|
Fully Booked | Fully Booked | 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 7-night breaks £99pp
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
7 nights from £1,049pp
Under 11s Go Free
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here
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