3-Night Peak District Guided Walking Holiday
From beautiful limestone valleys, to spectacular scenery on the gritstone edges, the Peak District is home to a superb contrast of landscapes. With a choice of walks each day, your holiday can be as relaxing or adventurous as you choose. Our Guided Walking holidays will introduce you to the best of the national park.
Holiday Highlights
- Head out on guided walks with our experienced leader to discover the varied beauty of the Peak District on foot
- Enjoy panoramic views from gritstone edges
- Admire stunning limestone dales
- Visit classic viewpoints, timeless villages and secret corners
- Look out for wildlife and learn about the 'Peaks' history
- A relaxed pace of discovery in a sociable group keen to get some fresh air in one of England's finest walking areas
What’s included
- High quality en-suite accommodation at our country house
- Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day
- 2 full days of guided walking with choice of easier, medium and harder grades
- Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point
- The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Okeover Park and Mappleton
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 885 feet (270m)
In summary: From the country house we drop onto the Dove Valley crossing historic Coldwall Bridge and ascend Marten Hill. We return through lovely Okeover Park to Mappleton walking along the Dove with fine views of Thorpe Cloud.
Highlight: Check out the unusual church in Mappleton.
Option 2 - The Mayfields
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Initially following the route of option 1, we then continue south on The Limestone Way reaching the cluster of Mayfield villages. Descending through Upper Mayfield to cross Hanging Bridge and return via Mappleton and the River Dove.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s retreat in 1745.
Option 3 - The Mayfields and Mappleton
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Heading out along the route of option 2, we extend our walk continuing south along the Limestone Way before descending to the historical villages of Middle Mayfield and Church Mayfield. Our return route takes us via Hanging Bridge and Mappleton.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie's retreat in 1745.
Option 1 - Tissington Village and Trail
Distance: 7.5 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.
Option 2 - Tissington and Alsop en le Dale
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (380m)
In summary: After visiting beautiful Tissington village our walk descends to Parwich and then ascends to reach the Tissington trail which we follow to Alsop en le Dale station before heading back to the country house.
Highlight: The famous Tissington Trail follows the route of the former London and North Western railway.
Option 3 - Tissington, Parwich and Milldale
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (480m)
In summary: We begin following the route of option 2 to the Tissington Trail, taking in the estate village of Tissington. We then descend to the River Dove which we follow through a quiet dale to reach Milldale. From here the walk ascends to meet a farm track which we follow back to the house.
Highlight: Quaint Tissington village and all its history is not to be missed.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Buxton Circuit
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Total ascent: 850 feet (260m)
In Summary: Enjoy a circular walk around the fine Regency town of Buxton. Our route heads along the foot of the moors, then on through Buxton Country Park to the Victorian Folly of Solomon’s Temple, before descending past Poole’s Cavern, back into Buxton.
Highlight: There's time to explore Buxton and enjoy the elegant and imposing buildings of this famous spa town.
Option 2 - Goyt Valley
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,350 feet (420m)
In Summary: Starting from the former Cat and Fiddle Inn, set high on the moors, we descend to Errwood Hall and the dam between the Fernilee and Errwood Reservoirs in the Goyt Valley. From here we cross the moors to Buxton.
Highlight: Great views from the old Cat & Fiddle Inn with its lofty position high on the moors.
Option 3 - Shining Tor & Wingather Rocks
Distance: 12½ miles (20km)
Total ascent: 1,750 feet (520m)
In Summary: An enjoyable hilltop route ascending to Shining Tor then following a broad grassy ridge to Cats Tor, Pym Chair to Windgather Rocks. From here we descend to the reservoirs and cross Wild Moor to Buxton.
Highlight: The ridge between Shining Tor and Cat's Tor enjoys great views westwards over the Cheshire Plain towards the Mersey Estuary.
Option 1 - Ilam Park
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In Summary: The walk begins with a descent to cross the River Dove and then across fields to reach lofty Castern Hall. From here we follow the route of the Manifold into Ilam Park before ascending to the hamlet of Blore and follow the Limestone Way on our return to the country house.
Highlight: Beautiful Ilam Park with its Hall, church and gardens. We can see the River Manifold as it emerges from its underground route.
Option 2 - Ilam and Blore
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1,302 feet (400m)
In Summary: We head out on the Limestone Way from Thorpe, crossing the River Dove at Coldwall Bridge and ascend to Blore. The route then continues to ascend west with magnificent views of surrounding countryside to reach Calton. We then descend on a magical path through Musden Wood to Rushley Bridge before taking the riverside path through the grounds of Ilam Hall and the village of Ilam.
Highlight: Ilam village with its grand hall, pseudo alpine cottages and memorial cross.
Option 3 - Ilam and the Manifold Valley
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 1,850 feet (560m)
In Summary: Beginning along the Limestone Way to Blore, we then continue to ascend, skirting the hill of Musden Low, before reaching the village of Calton. From here, the path continues north with wonderful views all around. We descend Soles Hollow to reach the River Hamps and the Manifold Way. From the confluence of the Hamps and the Manifold, the walk ascends back to the Manifold Trail to Throwley Hall. We then return through historic Ilam.
Highlight: Enjoy the panorama from Blore church over the limestone plateau and Dove Dale, with the shapely peak of Thorpe Cloud guarding the entrance.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Okeover Park and Mappleton
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 885 feet (270m)
In summary: From the country house we drop onto the Dove Valley crossing historic Coldwall Bridge and ascend Marten Hill. We return through lovely Okeover Park to Mappleton walking along the Dove with fine views of Thorpe Cloud.
Highlight: Check out the unusual church in Mappleton.
Option 2 - The Mayfields
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Initially following the route of option 1, we then continue south on The Limestone Way reaching the cluster of Mayfield villages. Descending through Upper Mayfield to cross Hanging Bridge and return via Mappleton and the River Dove.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie’s retreat in 1745.
Option 3 - The Mayfields and Mappleton
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Heading out along the route of option 2, we extend our walk continuing south along the Limestone Way before descending to the historical villages of Middle Mayfield and Church Mayfield. Our return route takes us via Hanging Bridge and Mappleton.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie's retreat in 1745.
Option 1 - The Roaches
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 650 feet (200m)
In Summary: Traverse the gritstone escarpment of The Roaches and as we follow the skyline for almost 2 miles. We then head through the fields to the visitor centre at Tittesworth Reservoir.
Highlight: The rocky ridge of the Roaches gaze out across the hills of Staffordshire, on the Western fringe of the Peak District.
Option 2 - Lud's Church
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Walk the wonderful Roaches ridge before continuing to the curious chasm of Lud’s Church. We continue around the hillside, then over undulating fields to the Tittesworth Reservoir.
Highlight: Lud's Church is a narrow and rocky chasm hidden beneath the Roaches ridge - an unexpected highlight of the walk.
Option 3 - Roaches & Dane Valley
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In Summary: Head along the Roaches skyline to Lud’s Church, then descend to the River Dane. After a steep ascent to the huge ‘Hanging Stone’ we continue along the ridge then through the fields to the Tittesworth Reservoir.
Highlight: Keep your eyes peeled for the Peak District's most unlikely wildlife. A colony of wallabies once inhabited the Roaches, see if you can spot one!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Hartington Circular
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In Summary: This walk starts and finishes in Hartington, famous for its Stilton cheese. Footpaths lead to Beresford Dale and the Upper River Dove, passing Izaak Walton's fishing hut before ascending gradually to the village of Biggin. From here, a scenic track with panoramic views leads back to Hartington.
Highlight: Visit the fantastic cheese shop in Hartington and sample their locally made products.
Option 2 - Alstonefield and the Tissington Trail
Distance: 7½ miles (12km)
Ascent: 950 feet (340m)
In Summary: Walking from Alstonefield in Staffordshire (The River Dove being the County Boundary) we descend to Milldale hamlet then North through Iron Tors Dale (the so-called missing link!) and then on to the Tissington Trail (the former LNWR railway) and on to Biggin and Hartington.
Highlight: Biggin Dale is a National Nature Reserve. Look out for early purple orchids and rare cowslips.
Option 3 - The Dovedale Gorge
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,500 feet (440m)
In Summary: Setting off from the House we pass Thorpe Cloud to take in the dramatic Dovedale gorge to reach the hamlet of Milldale. From here we follow a similar route to option 1 ending in the beautiful village of Hartington.
Highlight: The dramatic Dovedale Gorge with its towering limestone pinnacles.
Option 1 - Limestone Way and Ashbourne
Distance: 6½ miles (10km)
Ascent: 850 feet (260m)
Summary: Following the Limestone Way from Thorpe, we descend to the historic Coldwall Bridge and continue through Okeover Park to Mapleton. We then ascend to the Tissington Trail and follow this through the tunnel to Ashbourne town centre.
Highlight: Explore Ashbourne 'The Gateway to Dovedale' with its many Tudor and Georgian listed buildings.
Option 2 - Marten Hill and Ashbourne
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: The walk begins by heading onto Thorpe Pasture and past the iconic peak Thorpe Cloud. We descend its southwestern flank to the River Dove. We follow the river to Coldwall Bridge before picking up the route of option one continuing through Okeover Park and Mapleton onto the Tissington Trail and in to Ashbourne.
Highlight: Wander around Ashbourne's many independent shops, or maybe you would rather kick back and relax in a tea room, you will be spoilt for choice.
Option 3 - Thorpe Cloud and on to Ashbourne
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In Summary: An ascent of the iconic Thorpe Cloud is a fantastic way to start our walk and hopefully be rewarded with fantastic views. We then follow the Limestone Way over Marten Hill and on to Mayfield Village and Hanging Bridge. We cross the beautiful River Dove and traverse above Bentley Brook into Ashbourne.
Highlight: Hanging Bridge with its grim history including Bonnie Prince Charlie's retreat in 1745.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
The Peveril of the Peak
The Peveril of the Peak, named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel, stands proudly in the Peak District countryside, close to the village of Thorpe. Backed by the cone of Thorpe Cloud, which guards the entrance to Dovedale Gorge and the famous stepping stones at the entrance to the gorge, it’s an ideal base for people hoping to explore the Derbyshire countryside. Surrounded by extensive grounds and rolling countryside, it’s a picturesque retreat with 46 rooms, large shared spaces and a pleasant bar. Stride out from the house to find Dovedale’s wooded ravine, cave-like Dove Holes and of course stepping stones. Upstream lie the heights nicknamed the Dovedale Castle and the Twelve Apostles, best viewed from the grassy spur called Lovers’ Leap. While the Peak bit of the area name refers to small English hills rather than great summits, there’s superb walking to be had on the Roaches and the gritstone escarpment of Stanage Edge, while Chatsworth, Tissington and Bakewell make attractive places to explore too.
Need to know
Important Covid-19 steps we have taken for guest safety: Please Read
As we slowly reopen in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown, our country house stays are set to be organised a little differently; extra steps have been taken to keep our guests, house teams and leaders safe while we return to action. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
Initially the overall capacity of the houses has been reduced. Guests must wear face coverings in public spaces. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, we have taken the necessary steps to space out furniture and seating in public areas. In addition, a one-way system will be in place around the house. Adequate signage will be displayed to support the direction of travel to be followed by guests and house teams.
As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We have removed all non-essential and reusable items from our rooms for the meantime including cushions, hairdryers, bathrobes, bed throws, and printed materials to reduce the number of items that need to be disinfected. Hairdryers will be available on request. Clean towels will be available on request. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails.
For now, there is no cream tea on arrival day. We have also adapted our food offering to remove all buffets and open food items. Different sittings may be required for breakfast and dinner due to the occupancy and size of the house. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. The bar in each country house will be open, and we will be offering a table service for drinks. At this time there is no, or only a very limited, evening social programme available. Outdoor swimming pools at those houses that have them will re-open throughout August, except at Freshwater Bay House, where the pool will remain closed for 2020. Indoor swimming pools will remain closed.
For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted.
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in the smartly presented rooms in the main house. With 46 rooms, Peveril of the Peak has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good and Better Rooms to choose from. Room 2 on the ground floor (accessible via 7 steps down from reception) is spacious and attractively styled with a door opening on to the grounds while the Chatsworth Room has a four-poster bed to recline on.
All ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger televisions – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, lounge, bar, ballroom, library and board games to borrow
After a day delving into the Dovedale Gorge or exploring the Peak District, return to the house. Relax on the patio with a coffee or cold drink and soak up the wide-ranging countryside views. Take a turn through the garden and look out for the small canon on one of the lawns. Make your way inside to sit comfortably in the lounge where there’s a stash of wood and a log burner for those colder days or snag a seat in the bar with your fellow guests and sip a great local ale by the large windows.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Peveril of the Peak is varied and tasty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of regional flavours that might include venison sausage and Derbyshire oatcake, roast rump of Chatsworth lamb and a homemade Bakewell tart with a scoop of decadent Peak Dairy cherry Bakewell ice cream.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865
Getting to The Peveril of the Peak
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationWhat to Bring
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong type of clothing!” goes the adage. Come prepared for all eventualities and you’ll walk in comfort as well as safety. Britain’s famous for its changeable weather, so here’s our advice on what to wear and bring.
Essentials
- Waterproof walking boots providing ankle support and good grip.
- A waterproof jacket and over-trousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (it can be chilly at any time of the year)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch (everywhere in winter, year round in mountains)
- Sun hat and sunscreen
Denim jeans and waterproof capes are not suitable on any walks.
Recommended
- Several layers of clothing, which can be added or removed
- Specialist walking socks to avoid blisters.
- A first aid kit inc plasters– your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication
- Sit mat (insulated pad to sit on when you stop for a break)
You might also want
- Walking poles, particularly useful for descents.
- Insect repellent
- Flask for hot drinks
- Rigid lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit (eg Compeed) just in case
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £20 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||||
|
30 Oct -
02 Nov
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 | Available | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
13 Nov -
16 Nov
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 £229 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
20 Nov -
23 Nov
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 £284 | Save £65 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
27 Nov -
30 Nov
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 £175 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
04 Dec -
07 Dec
|
3 | Version 1 | £349 £175 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
11 Dec -
14 Dec
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 £175 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
18 Dec -
21 Dec
|
3 | 2020 Guided Walking | £349 £175 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
| 2021 | |||||||
|
12 Feb -
15 Feb
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
19 Feb -
22 Feb
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
26 Feb -
01 Mar
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
05 Mar -
08 Mar
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Save £65 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
12 Mar -
15 Mar
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £315 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
19 Mar -
22 Mar
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £315 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
26 Mar -
29 Mar
|
3 | Version 1 | £395 £330 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
02 Apr -
05 Apr
|
3 | Version 2 | £395 £345 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
16 Apr -
19 Apr
|
3 | Version 1 | £395 £345 | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
30 Apr -
03 May
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £344 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
07 May -
10 May
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
14 May -
17 May
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
04 Jun -
07 Jun
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
11 Jun -
14 Jun
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
18 Jun -
21 Jun
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
25 Jun -
28 Jun
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
02 Jul -
05 Jul
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
09 Jul -
12 Jul
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
16 Jul -
19 Jul
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
30 Jul -
02 Aug
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
13 Aug -
16 Aug
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
20 Aug -
23 Aug
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
27 Aug -
30 Aug
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £369 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
03 Sep -
06 Sep
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
10 Sep -
13 Sep
|
3 | Version 1 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
17 Sep -
20 Sep
|
3 | Version 2 | £409 £359 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
24 Sep -
27 Sep
|
3 | Version 1 | £395 £355 | Save £40 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
01 Oct -
04 Oct
|
3 | Version 2 | £395 £330 | Save £65 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
15 Oct -
18 Oct
|
3 | Version 1 | £395 £330 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
22 Oct -
25 Oct
|
3 | Version 1 | £395 £330 | Save £65 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
29 Oct -
01 Nov
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Save £65 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | |
|
05 Nov -
08 Nov
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
|
12 Nov -
15 Nov
|
3 | Version 3 | £365 £300 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
