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
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Above & Below the Dam
Distance: 3.5 miles (5km)
Total Ascent: 280ft (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 to Carsington
Distance: 7.5 miles (12.4km)
Total Ascent: 890ft (270m)
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: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
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: 1200ft (360m)
In Summary: Starting at Black Rocks with lots of opportunity for scrambling, 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 (5km)
Ascent: 360 feet (130m)
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: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 885 feet (270m)
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: 1,300 feet (400m)
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: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
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 The Peveril of the Peak and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day.
Option 1 - Dovedale
Distance: 3.5 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: 750 feet (230m)
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 (330m)
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 Norrowdale Hill
Distance: 11.5 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 and Buxton
Distance: 2.5 miles (3.5km)
Total Ascent: 100ft (30m)
In Summary: Starting at Grin Low Country Park, we’ll climb to Solomon’s Temple 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 (9.6km)
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
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
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 - Errwood Hall & Spanish Chapel
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Total Ascent: 1080ft (330m)
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: 4miles (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: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
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 on a magical path 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: 12 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
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
Important Covid-19 steps we have taken for guest safety: Please Read
As we reopen in the wake of the latest Coronavirus lockdown, our country house stays are set to be organised a little differently; extra steps have been taken to keep our guests, house teams and leaders safe while we return to action. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
To adhere to social distancing guidelines, we have taken the necessary steps to space out furniture and seating in public areas. In addition, a one-way system will be in place around the house. Adequate signage will be displayed to support the direction of travel to be followed by guests and house teams. Guests must wear face coverings in public spaces.
As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We have removed all non-essential and reusable items from our rooms for the meantime including cushions, hairdryers, bathrobes, bed throws, and printed materials to reduce the number of items that need to be disinfected. Hairdryers will be available on request. Clean towels will be available on request. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails.
For now, there is no cream tea on arrival day. We have also adapted our food offering to remove all buffets and open food items. Different sittings may be required for breakfast and dinner due to the occupancy and size of the house. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. The bar in each country house will be open, and we will be offering a table service for drinks. At this time there is no, or only a very limited, evening social programme available. Swimming pools at Abingworth Hall, Chy Morvah, Holnicote House, Longmynd House and Newfield Hall will reopen on 17 May. Others, including at Alltshellach, Freshwater Bay House, Nythfa House and West Lulworth House will aim to reopen on 21 June.
For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted.
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 Good and Better 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 ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ 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.
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.
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. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Peveril of the Peak is varied and tasty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of regional flavours that might include venison sausage and Derbyshire oatcake, roast rump of Chatsworth lamb and a homemade Bakewell tart with a scoop of decadent Peak Dairy cherry Bakewell ice cream.
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) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
23 Jul -
30 Jul 2021
|
7 | Guided Family Walks | £999 | Available | Trip Notes | Enquire | |
Important Information
Maximum 3 free child places per full paying adult. Child price up to 17 years. Sole occupancy charges may apply. Family rooms are subject to availability.
7 nights from £999pp
New for 2021
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here
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