Ethel Bagging
Take on the challenge of climbing 25 of the Peak District’s Ethels. The Ethels are a collection of 95 hills in the Peak District, primarily those over 400m in height, named after Ethel Haythornthwaite – the female pioneer instrumental in establishing the Peak District as Britain’s first national park. Over five full days of walking, our expert leaders will guide you and your group of like-minded Ethel-baggers on an inspiring journey that takes in sweeping ridgelines, scenic hilltops, and stories of the past. Expect a memorable and rewarding shared adventure that pays tribute to Ethel’s remarkable legacy.
What you’ll love
- The challenge of climbing some of the Peak Districts Ethels
- Wonderful views and a great sense of achievement
- Discovering the history of the region
- Walking with a small group of like-minded walkers
- A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 12 people)
- Staying at The Peveril of the Peak, our country house in Thorpe
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our country house
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
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.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,450 feet (440m)
Descent: 2,150 feet (660m)
Our journey begins at The Cat and Fiddle (formerly the second highest pub in Britain, now a distillery) where our first ‘Ethel’ ascent is up to Shining Tor – a county top and the highest point in Cheshire. The ridge then continues to Cat’s Tor and round to Foxlow Edge before descending into the picturesque Goyt Valley to cross between the reservoirs. A long climb follows, passing Whitehall Outdoor Pursuits Centre to reach Combs Head finishing with a high-level traverse to the distinctive cross-topped Corbar hill and a wooded descent into Buxton. We should enjoy stunning views throughout if good visibility allows.
Distance: 12 miles (19.5 km)
Ascent: 2,350 feet (720m)
Descent: 2,300 feet (700m)
Starting at Hulme End Visitor Centre, terminus of the short-lived Leek and Manifold Light Railway, we strike out over rough terrain on the Staffordshire Moorlands to The Revidge (and its’ Dragon cairn). There’s a long descent into and ascent out of The Manifold Valley to the summit of Ecton Hill with its’ rich history of copper mining. We traverse, with extensive views, to the twin peaked Wetton Hill before crossing the River Dove to ascend Wolfscote Hill above its’ scenic dale. High paths then take us to our finish in the picturesque village of Hartington.
The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
Descent: 1,650 feet (500m)
Today we'll set out from Grindleford village and head to Padley Manor to hear a gruesome tale of martyrdom! Then, we’ll ascend through the stunning Padley Gorge. On entering the Longshaw Estate, we uncover its’ significant Ethel and HF history. We’ll then ascend the moorland to the iron age hillfort of Carl Wark before reaching Higger Tor above the Burbage Valley. A short steep climb takes us onto Stanage Edge and our second Ethel, White Path Moss. The iconic Stanage Edge stretches out before us, and we pass Robin Hood’s Cave before striking out to reach Stanage Pole – a county top of Southern Yorkshire. The edge continues to our highest point at High Neb before descending to Hathersage famed for its connections to the Bronté sisters.
Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 2,450 feet (760m)
Descent: 2,650 feet (820m)
From Hollinsclough village we ascend Hollins Hill giving us a terrific 360º panorama of our route and beyond. High Edge is bagged before the rocky ascent of the Dragon’s Back – Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill. A climb to the Village of Earl Sterndale is followed by the ascent of the dome of High Wheeldon. A high path with superb views then takes us along the Eastern skyline of the Upper Dove to bag Pilsbury Hill and Carder Low before descending into Hartington.
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Ascent: 2,350 feet (720m)
Descent: 2,100 feet (640m)
Our final day starts in Castleton village. We’ll ascend to Hollins’ Cross on the Great Ridge and move on to Mam Tor (Iron Age hill fort). Our entire route can then be seen across the spectacular Vale of Edale. We’ll head West to Rushup Edge and its top of Lord’s Seat. The skyline curves North to Brown Knoll before dropping to the col between Edale Cross and Jacob’s Ladder.
Picking up the Pennine Way we ascend onto the Kinder plateau to reach the highest point of the week at Kinder Low, a county Top of Derbyshire. Returning to the Southern Edge of the plateau, we head east passing several of the classic gritstone outcrops such as The Woolpacks and Crowden Tower. Our final ‘’Ethel’ at 600+ metres is Grindslow Knoll followed by a long, glorious descent into the Vale and village of Edale where we can celebrate the end of our journey with well-deserved refreshments at The Nag’s Head.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Food & drink
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.
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
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
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- Walking poles
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.
Extra Savings for Members
HF Members save £30pp in the UK, £50pp in Europe & £80pp on worldwide holidays. Call us to join, add membership when booking online, or find out more here.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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
10 Jul - 17 Jul 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,519 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,519 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
02 Oct - 09 Oct 2026 7 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,419 Double from £1,349 pp |
from £1,349 pp |
from £1,419 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||