Peak District South
Guided group walks in the Spectacular Peak District
£595
3 nights, 3.5 walking days
Grade: 2 - Easy to Moderate
- Walk the wild gritstone moors and picturesque limestone valleys to experience the remarkable variety of landscapes in this area.
- Enjoy four spectacular walks, each with its own character, and all close to our base in Matlock Bath.
- Walk the famous landscaped gardens of the Chatsworth Estate.
- Enjoy easy access by rail to our base (if you choose not to drive). No car needed once you are there.
- Relax in the old Victorian resort of Matlock Bath at the comfortable New Bath Hotel & Spa.
The holiday cost on a B&B / packed lunch basis with single en-suite accommodation is £595. If you are travelling with a friend or partner and would like to share a room, please contact us for cost and availability.
Itinerary
Day 1 - The Heights of Abraham
Join us on the arrival day by 1:30 pm for a walk based from our hotel. Our route takes us through woodland above the River Derwent, with spectacular views down the valley from our high points at Harp Edge and interestingly named Heights of Abraham. A wonderful opener, and a chance to meet the others in our group as well as to explore the environment close by.
[3 hours walking, 7 km]
For those who are unable to arrive by then, join us for dinner at 6:30 pm, after which we will talk through our planned programme.
Day 2 - Chatsworth and Beeley
We start the day in Beeley, a picturesque village on the edge of the Chatsworth Estate, and follow good tracks up onto the open moor with extensive views back to the central Peak District hills. Easy tracks take us to Swiss Cottage, then to Swiss Lake and Emperor Lake (great spot for lunch!), then down into the woods that lie at the rear of the great house of Chatsworth. We then make our way along the river, through the landscaped estate, and back to our start point.
[5 hours walking, 12 km]
Day 3 - A Taste of Moorland
We walk a circuit that takes us through the attractive villages of Rowsley and Birchover, using the Derwent Valley Heritage Way to complete the riverside section of this. A particular highlight is the crossing of Stanton Moor, which reeks of its historical heritage, being strewn with cairns, ruins and ancient boulders. The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is a famous landmark passed en-route before we return to Darley Dale and to the end of our day’s journey.
[6 hours walking, 14 km]
Day 4 - The Derwent Valley
Starting with a train journey to Whatstandwell, we walk along the Derwent Valley Heritage Trail, following the river to Cromford Wharf, a beautiful spot at the head of the Cromford Canal. As well as being a unique area for dramatic landscapes, this part of the Peak District is rich with historical buildings and structures such as this impressive waterway. We pass close to Willersley Castle and again follow the riverbank to a footbridge over The Derwent that returns us to our hotel in time to finish our programme by 1:30 pm.
[4 hours walking, 7 km]
Please note that the above itinerary is subject to weather conditions being favourable. Walking times and distances shown are approximations and may vary. Our aim, above all, is to make the right choice each day so that we enjoy the most appropriate route for the conditions.
Accommodation
For our Peak District walking holiday we will be based at the New Bath Hotel in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. Its location is ideal for our programme, being close to a number of inspiring walks and with good access by road and rail.
Hotel postcode: DE4 3PX
To reach Matlock Bath by public transport, take the train to Derby, from where it is an additional 30 minute train journey to your destination.
Matlock Bath is well connected to the road network. Typical driving times are: 30 mins from Derby, 45 mins from Nottingham, and 1 hour 20 from Birmingham.
