7 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 three to 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 4pm. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - The Cromford Canal
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Ascent: Negligible
In summary: A stroll along the remains of the Cromford Canal passing Leawood Pumping Station and High Peak Junction to reach the site of Arkwrights Mill, now a World Heritage Site. There will be ample time to take a tour of the mill and the town built for the workers.
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.
Option 2 - Middleton Top to Arkwright's Mill
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 300 feet (100m)
In summary: Today's walk starts at the imposing former engine house at Middleton Top and follows the old trackbed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway to travel back in time at the National Stone Centre. The route continues descending the old railway line to the Cromford Canal to end at Arkwright's Mill.
Highlight: The chance to visit the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arkwright’s Mill - a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution.
Option 3 - Crich to Cromford
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.
Option 1 - Tissington Circular
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: We walk to Tissington on grassland, through the gates and along the tree lined Avenue. After time to look round the village the walk returns on the Tissington Trail (former London and North Western railway) to the site of Thorpe station
Highlight: The charming estate village of Tissington, home of the FitzHerbert family for over 500 years.
Option 2 - Tissington
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: From Thorpe we walk along the scenic Tissington Trail (former London and North Western railway) north to the estate village of Tissington, famous for its well dressings. After looking round this charming village we return to the house following the Limestone Way, again with superb views of the surrounding countryside.
Highlight: Fantastic views of Thorpe Cloud, ‘the mini Matterhorn’ from the Tissington Trail.
Option 3 - Tissington Village and Trail
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 800 feet (240m)
In summary: We walk to the feudal village of Tissington on grassland and along the tree lined avenue. After exploring the village we make our way onto the Tissington Trail to the former Alsop en le Dale station before returning to the country house.
Highlight: The charming estate village of Tissington, home of the FitzHerbert family for over 500 years.
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 - Tissington Trail to Ashbourne
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 200 feet (60m)
In summary: We walk from the house and join the Tissington Trail (the former LNWR railway). We follow this to Ashbourne reaching the centre via a 350 metre tunnel.
Highlight: Have a browse around the shops or simply relax with a coffee and cake in one of the many tea shops in Ashbourne.
Option 2 - Thorpe to Ashbourne
Distance: 5½ miles (9km)
Ascent: 600 feet (180m)
In summary: From the house we descend Lin Dale and cross the famous Stepping Stones then head south following the scenic River Dove to historic Coldwall Bridge crossing to continue along the river to Okeover Bridge and Mapleton. We then ascend the hillside to the Tissington Trail and follow this through the tunnel into Ashbourne.
Highlight: Explore Ashbourne 'The Gateway to Dovedale' with its many Tudor and Georgian listed buildings.
Option 3 - Okeover Park and Ashbourne
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In summary: We begin following the same route as option 2, but cross Coldwall Bridge and ascend to Coldwall Farm into and out of the valley and on to Marten Hill before descending into Okeover Park and the Grade II listed country house Okeover Hall. We then head up the hillside to the Tissington Trail and follow this into Ashbourne.
Highlight: Take in the great views as we traverse the ridgeline from Marten Hill.
Option 1 - Baslow and Chatsworth Park
Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)
Ascent: 250 feet (80m)
In summary: Starting in the estate village of Baslow we will enter the beautiful Chatsworth Park. We explore the grounds before descending to the house and then to the village of Edensor.
Highlight: Take time to admire magnificent Chatsworth House and its expansive landscaped grounds.
Option 2 - Curbar Gap and Chatsworth
Distance: 5½ miles (8.5km)
Ascent: 300 feet (80m)
In summary: Starting at Curbar Gap our walk will take us along one of the famous Edges, passing the Eagle Stone and Wellington Monument before descending to Baslow and taking the route of option 1 through Chatsworth grounds.
Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.
Option 3 - Curbar Gap to Calton Lees through Chatsworth
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
In summary: Starting from Curbar Gap we follow Baslow Edge to the Eagle Stone and Wellington's Monument. We then drop into the pretty village of Baslow, before ascending to Dobb Edge and then following this to Chatsworth House and Edensor.
Highlight: The beautiful landscape around Chatsworth Park
Option 1 - River Dove and Coldwall Bridge
Distance: 2½ miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Descend round Thorpe Cloud to the River Dove. There is then an option to take a footbridge into Staffordshire and walk to the iconic Stepping Stones. Cross and return if you dare and then return to the footbridge and Derbyshire. The River Dove is then followed to Coldwall Bridge. View this 100 yard long river crossing before ascending on the old coach road and through Thorpe Village back to the house.
Highlight: Visiting the beautiful Stepping Stones.
Option 2 - Blore and Ilam Circuit
Distance: 6 miles (9 Km)
Ascent and descent: 935ft (285m)
In summary: The walk descends to cross the River Dove into Staffordshire on an historic bridge before ascending to the hamlet of Blore. We then visit Ilam with it’s Park, Hall and village before crossing back into Derbyshire and back to Peveril of the Peak.
Highlight: Blore and Ilam churches both have interesting memorials. In beautiful Ilam Park we can see the River Manifold as it emerges from its underground route.
Option 3 - 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.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
The Peveril of the Peak
For those easily seduced by the charm of the Peak District, this characterful country house is a dealbreaker. Set in the tiny village of Thorpe, you’ll be less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones – a series of 16 limestone-capped stones that were laid out in the 19th century to allow for a safe crossing over the River Dove. There’s plenty of big-name attractions nearby, most fabulously the Twelve Apostles that is best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap. And there’s no shortage of walking thrills, either, especially around the Roaches and the impressive Stanage Edge. Equally fabulous is the cone-shaped Thorpe Cloud, a limestone hill on the southern end of Dovedale and along the rolling green hills of the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border.
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.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
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, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on 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
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
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
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.
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
25 Jul - 01 Aug 2025 7 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,269 pp |
from £1,269 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
19 Sep - 26 Sep 2025 7 nights |
Gentle Walks
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,269 pp |
from £1,269 pp |
Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
107Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
