We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more
16 Apr - 23 Apr 2027
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire
£1,339
pp£1,309
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: Apr-Aug 2027
■ Itineraries available: 1
■ Choice of Walking Grade: 8 details
Non-members From
£1,339
ppMembers From
£1,309
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.
Challenging walking grade 8
Challenging walks for fit, experienced walkers. Expect rugged or mountainous terrain, or some longer distances than typical for this grade. Typically, 12-13 miles (19-21km) with around 2,300ft (700m) of ascent.
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[title] => Arrival Day
[introduction] =>
[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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[id] => 01kwy7ce60sq6fjvx8v3qb8tb2
[title] => Buxton (North)
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Manifold Valley
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Free Day
[introduction] =>
[description] => The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
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The day has been left free for you to relax or explore the local area.
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[title] => Stanage Edge
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Upper Dove Valley
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Edale
[introduction] =>
[description] => 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.
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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.
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[title] => Departure Day
[introduction] =>
[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.
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
Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you. Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.
In The Event Of A Problem
If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.
All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).
Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.
If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.
Ticks
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-ETB01
Dates & availability
Ethel Bagging
7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
Call to Enquire
Call to Enquire
£1,339
pp£1,309
pp7 nights. Trip notes
Non-members
£1,479
ppMembers
£1,449
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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