7 Night Peak District Self-Guided Walking Holiday

The Peveril of the Peak
Summer 50

7 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Jul-Nov 2026

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2 & 3 details

92kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£584

pp

Members From

£554

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
The perfect introduction to the Peak District, this self-guided walking holiday gives you the flexibility and freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Sightseeing greats within easy distance include the Edwardian-style Crich Tramway Village, the market town of Buxton, and the beautiful village of Castleton located at the head of the Hope Valley.

Accommodation

HF Country House
Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.
10662_0071 - Peveril of the Peak - Exterior

Walking grades and options

Explore at your own pace and choose the best walk for your pace and ability. 


What You’ll Love

  • Discovering stunning Peak District landscapes on foot
  • Being close to the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones
  • Visiting Chatsworth House, home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire
  • Spending time in the market town of Ashbourne
  • Making use of our detailed route notes and recommendations  
  • Staying at The Peveril of the Peak, our country house in Thorpe

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 3-star country house e
  • Cream tea on arrival day 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently 

Reviews


Gallery

Itinerary

Self-Guided

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Our easiest selection means walking at a relaxed pace, often stopping and spending time at places of interest along the way. Some are circular walks that start and end on the doorstep of our country house; others make use of local transport whilst remaining close to the property. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dovedale range from 1 to 4 miles and visit popular areas such as Ilam, Buxton, and Castleton.

These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dovedale range from 7 to 12 miles and visit popular areas such as The Roaches, Tissington Trail, and the Derwent Valley.

These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Dovedale range from 4 to 7 miles and visit popular areas such as Mam Tor, Chatsworth, and the Dovedale Stepping Stones.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak

Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

•  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 63 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Extensive grounds  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

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. 

 

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 

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 here

Address

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.  

Telephone: 01332 345 343
Email: info@albatrosscars.co.uk
https://www.albatrosscars.com

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. 

More Information

Walking safety (Self-guided)

  • Please complete and hand in your registration card to the House Manager on the first evening of your holiday
  • Please complete our Independent Walker Card each day before heading out on your self-guided walks.
  • Please note the phone number of the accommodation where you are staying (see Travel details section of your trip notes)
  • Check the weather forecast - this is updated regularly and displayed on the Discovery Point. Be prepared for the weather to change during the day and wear appropriate footwear such as walking boots. We would recommend that you wear or carry a waterproof jacket and trousers, a spare warm jumper or fleece, hat and gloves. In addition, we recommend a water bottle, spare food, map, compass, torch, whistle, small first aid kit and survival bag
  • Take a copy of a map and a route card
  • Be aware of ticks – more information can be found at the Discovery Point

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 92kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Dates & availability

7 Night Peak District Self-Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

31 Jul - 7 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,344

pp

Members

£1,314

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

7 Aug - 14 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,309

pp

Members

£1,279

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Save 50% Per Person

14 Aug - 21 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169 £584

pp

Members

£1,139 £554

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,169 £584

pp

£1,139 £554

pp

Save 50% Per Person

21 Aug - 28 Aug 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,309 £724

pp

Members

£1,279 £694

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Save 50% Per Person

28 Aug - 4 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169 £584

pp

Members

£1,139 £554

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

4 Sep - 11 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169

pp

Members

£1,139

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,169

pp

£1,139

pp

11 Sep - 18 Sep 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169

pp

Members

£1,139

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

25 Sep - 2 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169

pp

Members

£1,139

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2 Oct - 9 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,029

pp

Members

£999

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,099

pp

£1,069

pp

9 Oct - 16 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,169

pp

Members

£1,139

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

23 Oct - 30 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,029

pp

Members

£999

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£1,099

pp

£1,069

pp

30 Oct - 6 Nov 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£899

pp

Members

£869

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£969

pp

£939

pp

6 Nov - 13 Nov 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£899

pp

Members

£869

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£969

pp

£939

pp

13 Nov - 20 Nov 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£899

pp

Members

£869

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£969

pp

£939

pp

27 Nov - 4 Dec 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£809

pp

Members

£779

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

£809

pp

£779

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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