We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
19 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,319
ppMembers
£1,289
ppWe have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
■ Location: Peak District
■ Duration: 7 nights at an HF Country House
■ Board Basis: Full Board
■ Travel Dates: Mar-Aug 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 7 details
Non-members From
£1,249
ppMembers From
£1,219
ppMembers Save £30 on this booking and get a whole range of extra exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. details
From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.
Moderate walking grade 7
The most active moderate grade. Longer distances and short but steep ascents and descents possible throughout the day. Hill walking experience desirable. Typically, 11-12 miles (18-19km) with around 1,800ft (560m) of ascent.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.
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[title] => Arrival Day
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[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Derby to Belper
[introduction] =>
[description] => From Derby Cathedral the route embraces The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage route and follows the River Derwent. We take a brief visit to the Cathedral to view the peregrines and then on past Lombe's Silk Mill erected in 1717, the earliest factory in the world. Leaving the urban environment, we walk through Darley Park and Darley Abbey village, home of Evan's cotton mill settlement. Turf fields are crossed to pass through the pretty village of Breadsall en route to Little Eaton, once the terminus of various horse-drawn tramways that linked the coalfield to a spur of the Derby Canal. A climb to Holbrook before descending through Jedidiah Strutt's cotton mill village of Milford and an ascent of The Chevin (part of the ancient Portway route) and a descent to Belper. Good footpaths and lanes throughout.
11½ miles (18 km) with 1200 feet (390m) of ascent.
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From Derby Cathedral the route embraces The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage route and follows the River Derwent. We take a brief visit to the Cathedral to view the peregrines and then on past Lombe's Silk Mill erected in 1717, the earliest factory in the world. Leaving the urban environment, we walk through Darley Park and Darley Abbey village, home of Evan's cotton mill settlement. Turf fields are crossed to pass through the pretty village of Breadsall en route to Little Eaton, once the terminus of various horse-drawn tramways that linked the coalfield to a spur of the Derby Canal. A climb to Holbrook before descending through Jedidiah Strutt's cotton mill village of Milford and an ascent of The Chevin (part of the ancient Portway route) and a descent to Belper. Good footpaths and lanes throughout.
11½ miles (18 km) with 1200 feet (390m) of ascent.
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[title] => Belper to Cromford
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[description] => Leaving Belper we pass the Wyver Lane Nature Reserve home to numerous wetland species of bird. Picking up a section of the Midshires Way we pass through Shining Cliff Woods and delightful Alderwasley Park. Continuing high above the Derwent Valley with views East to Crich Stand and ahead to Alport Heights. We pick up historic Intake Lane which was used to transport much of the material required to build the Mills at Cromford. From Bolehill we descend the Sheep Pasture Incline to High Peak Junction (Eastern Terminus of the amazing High Peak Railway). A final trek along The Cromford Canal takes us to Sir Richard Arkwright's Cotton Mills at Cromford (with the option of the village trail to explore).
9 miles (14½ km) with 1400 feet (430m) 0f ascent.
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Leaving Belper we pass the Wyver Lane Nature Reserve home to numerous wetland species of bird. Picking up a section of the Midshires Way we pass through Shining Cliff Woods and delightful Alderwasley Park. Continuing high above the Derwent Valley with views East to Crich Stand and ahead to Alport Heights. We pick up historic Intake Lane which was used to transport much of the material required to build the Mills at Cromford. From Bolehill we descend the Sheep Pasture Incline to High Peak Junction (Eastern Terminus of the amazing High Peak Railway). A final trek along The Cromford Canal takes us to Sir Richard Arkwright's Cotton Mills at Cromford (with the option of the village trail to explore).
9 miles (14½ km) with 1400 feet (430m) 0f ascent.
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[title] => Cromford to Rowsley
[introduction] =>
[description] => A steep ascent takes us out of Cromford onto Bilberry Knoll and onto the fine viewpoint of Riber Castle. Descending to pass through the historic spa town of Matlock, home to John Smedley’s Hydro (now Derbyshire’s County Hall). The Derwent Valley Heritage way is followed along the river before an ascent of Oaker Hill, the Peak District really begins to shine as we climb to the high plateau of Stanton Moor and its wealth of historical sites including numerous burial mounds and barrows. Quarrying and Lead Mining were the major industries here. After the Trig Point we visit Nine Ladies Stone Circle before descending, with views of the Derbyshire Wye Valley, to Rowsley at the confluence of the Wye and Derwent rivers.
11½ miles (18 km) with 1900 feet (590m) of ascent.
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A steep ascent takes us out of Cromford onto Bilberry Knoll and onto the fine viewpoint of Riber Castle. Descending to pass through the historic spa town of Matlock, home to John Smedley’s Hydro (now Derbyshire’s County Hall). The Derwent Valley Heritage way is followed along the river before an ascent of Oaker Hill, the Peak District really begins to shine as we climb to the high plateau of Stanton Moor and its wealth of historical sites including numerous burial mounds and barrows. Quarrying and Lead Mining were the major industries here. After the Trig Point we visit Nine Ladies Stone Circle before descending, with views of the Derbyshire Wye Valley, to Rowsley at the confluence of the Wye and Derwent rivers.
11½ miles (18 km) with 1900 feet (590m) of ascent.
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[title] => Rowsley to Grindleford
[introduction] =>
[description] => Field paths from Rowsley take us to Beeley village and then we enter Chatsworth Park. From Chatsworth House an ascent to The Hunting Tower, a traverse of Dobb Edge then across to Nelson's monument on Birchen's Edge and then to Wellington's Monument on Baslow Edge. Passing the Eagle Stone, a prominent local landmark, means the hard work of the day is done. Our route hugs the top of Curbar and Froggatt Edges with wide ranging views west towards the plateau of the White Peak. We'll look down on 'Colditz' and admire Chatsworth's Emperor Fountain from a distance as the full grandeur of the Peak district begins to unfold before descending into Grindleford.
12 miles (19 km) with 1650 feet (500m) of ascent.
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Field paths from Rowsley take us to Beeley village and then we enter Chatsworth Park. From Chatsworth House an ascent to The Hunting Tower, a traverse of Dobb Edge then across to Nelson's monument on Birchen's Edge and then to Wellington's Monument on Baslow Edge. Passing the Eagle Stone, a prominent local landmark, means the hard work of the day is done. Our route hugs the top of Curbar and Froggatt Edges with wide ranging views west towards the plateau of the White Peak. We'll look down on 'Colditz' and admire Chatsworth's Emperor Fountain from a distance as the full grandeur of the Peak district begins to unfold before descending into Grindleford.
12 miles (19 km) with 1650 feet (500m) of ascent.
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[title] => Grindleford to Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford
[introduction] =>
[description] => The brook-side ascent through steep sided Padley Gorge with its ancient oak woodland takes us into the National Trust managed Longshaw Estate home of the imposing Longshaw Lodge built by the Duke of Rutland. We follow Burbage Brook heading for the skyline of Burbage Edge. Open moorland surrounds us as we head for Stanage Edge, used by Himalayan mountaineers for their training in the 1960s. We see evidence of ancient packhorse ways that used to cross this Pennine wilderness area – the call of the red grouse often the only sound hereabouts. The day’s finish ascends Bamford Edge to Great Tor looking down on the spectacular Upper Derwent Valley and the famous Derwent Dams (training ground of ‘The Dambusters’.)
11 miles (17 km) with 1900 feet (590m) of ascent.
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The brook-side ascent through steep sided Padley Gorge with its ancient oak woodland takes us into the National Trust managed Longshaw Estate home of the imposing Longshaw Lodge built by the Duke of Rutland. We follow Burbage Brook heading for the skyline of Burbage Edge. Open moorland surrounds us as we head for Stanage Edge, used by Himalayan mountaineers for their training in the 1960s. We see evidence of ancient packhorse ways that used to cross this Pennine wilderness area – the call of the red grouse often the only sound hereabouts. The day’s finish ascends Bamford Edge to Great Tor looking down on the spectacular Upper Derwent Valley and the famous Derwent Dams (training ground of ‘The Dambusters’.)
11 miles (17 km) with 1900 feet (590m) of ascent.
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[title] => Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford to Edale
[introduction] =>
[description] => From Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford we cross the iconic Ladybower Dam wall and ascend to the summit of Win Hill giving superb views of the Hope Valley, Upper Derwent Valley and across to the Kinder Plateau. A descent to cross the Vale of Edale near Townhead and then another steep ascent to the summit of Lose Hill where we meet the Great Ridge. The walk follows Back Tor, then Hollins Cross (an ancient track-way through the lowest point of the ridge) and on to Mam Tor our final and fittingly highest summit of the route, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Below us we see the effects of the 'Shivering Mountain' on the old main road and views south towards Winnats Pass and Castleton village. The descent is to Edale village in the stunning Vale of Edale with the National Park Information Centre with its exhibition of Moorland Management and The Nag’s Head Pub – start of The Pennine Way.
9½ miles (15 km) with 2500 feet (770m) of ascent.
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From Yorkshire Bridge, Bamford we cross the iconic Ladybower Dam wall and ascend to the summit of Win Hill giving superb views of the Hope Valley, Upper Derwent Valley and across to the Kinder Plateau. A descent to cross the Vale of Edale near Townhead and then another steep ascent to the summit of Lose Hill where we meet the Great Ridge. The walk follows Back Tor, then Hollins Cross (an ancient track-way through the lowest point of the ridge) and on to Mam Tor our final and fittingly highest summit of the route, the site of an Iron Age hill fort. Below us we see the effects of the 'Shivering Mountain' on the old main road and views south towards Winnats Pass and Castleton village. The descent is to Edale village in the stunning Vale of Edale with the National Park Information Centre with its exhibition of Moorland Management and The Nag’s Head Pub – start of The Pennine Way.
9½ miles (15 km) with 2500 feet (770m) of ascent.
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[title] => Departure Day
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[description] => Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
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• 43 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 68 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 • 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 • Lawned grounds • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point
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Designed with your comfort in mind, Lee Wood Hotel has 43 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.
The Park,
Park Rd,
Buxton
SK17 6TQ
Tel: 01298 23002
The nearest station is Buxton, approximately 0.5 miles from the house.
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
You may wish to call one of our local taxi companies on 01298 72123 or 01298 72333 on arrival for transport to and from the train station.
Lee Wood Hotel can be approached either via The Park or to the rear via Manchester Road (A5004 Long Hill to Whaley Bridge). If you are using SatNav, our postcode is SK17 6TQ. Parking is available around the hotel, and there is additional unrestricted parking on The Park, to the south side of the premises.
We try to create a relaxed atmosphere on the walk but please listen to safety instructions from your leader.
Keep members of the group in view especially when weather or visibility is poor. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Our leaders consider the safety of the group as a whole and are likely to be more cautious over potential risks such as bad weather.
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
For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:
Recommended
Your trail leader will carry all the necessary maps and guides. For you own interest you may consider buying or looking at some of the following:
1:25,000 Maps: OL 1; OL24; OL259
1.50,000 Map: Buxton 119
The Derwent Valley Mills and their communities - about industrial archaeology and the World Heritage site.
Cromford Revisited by Doreen Buxton & Christopher Charlton.
The Peak District National Park guide for a general overview of the area & the geology
of the Dark Peak
http://www.derbyramblers.org.uk/articles/walkingroutes/72-the-derbyshire-gritstone-way.html
Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.
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.
Learn moreCode: BUX07-LGR01
Dates & availability
Derbyshire Gritstone Way Guided Trail 2027
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,319
ppMembers
£1,289
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,429
ppMembers
£1,399
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,429
ppMembers
£1,399
pp
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.

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.

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 and self-guided bookings).

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

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

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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