7-Night Peak District Gentle Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Gentle Walks Destinations: Peak District & England Trip code: DVBEW-7 1 & 2 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW The Peak District National Park is home to beautiful countryside. Meander through enchanting limestone valleys at a gentle pace, visit timeless villages, with the opportunity to walk on the area's stunning gritstone edges. WHAT'S INCLUDED • High quality en-suite accommodation in our country house • Full board from dinner upon arrival to breakfast on departure day • 5 days guided walking and 1 free day • Use of our comprehensive Discovery Point • Choice of up to three guided walks each walking day • The services of HF Holidays Walking Leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Head out on guided walks to discover the varied beauty of the Peak District on foot • Explore this beautiful national park at a very gentle pace with plenty of time to admire your surroundings • Let our experienced leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life • Enjoy magnificent limestone dales and iconic historical sights • 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 TRIP SUITABILITY This trip is graded Activity Level 1 and 2. This easier variation of our best-selling Guided Walking holidays is the perfect way to enjoy a gentle exploration of the Peak District. The choice of up to three guided walks including a walk of 3 or 4 miles. ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Industrial Derwent Valley Option 1 - The Cromford Canal Distance: 3 miles (5.5km) Ascent: Negligible In Summary: A stroll along the remains of the Cromford Canal passing Leawood Pumping Station and High Peak Junction to reach the site of Arkwrights Mill, now a World Heritage Site. There will be ample time to take a tour of the mill and the town built for the workers. Highlight: The Derwent Valley was one of birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, for it was here that Richard Arkwright set up his pioneering cotton mill. Its importance is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Option 2 - Crich To Cromford Distance: 5½ miles (9km) Total ascent: 500 feet (150m) In Summary: Walk from Crich village up to the monument on Crich Stand. After an undulating walk through the Derbyshire countryside we'll follow the Cromford Canal towpath, to Cromford Wharf and Arkwright’s Mill. Highlight: The Derwent Valley was one of birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, for it was here that Richard www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Arkwright set up his pioneering cotton mill. Its importance is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Option 3 - Crich And Cromford Distance: 9 miles (15km) Total ascent: 890 feet (270m) In Summary: Starting at the National Tramway Museum (we may see some!) we ascend to Crich Hill, home of the Sherwood Foresters Regiment Memorial. We then follow meandering footpaths through countryside rich in industrial heritage and historical connections. We eventually join the Cromford canal which we follow, passing Leawood Pumping Station and High Peak Junction to reach Cromford. Highlight: Crich is home to the National Tramways Museum. Look out for these vintage vehicles when you cross the tram tracks at Crich Stand. Day 3: Tissington Option 1 - Tissington Circular Distance: 4 miles (7km) Ascent: 380 feet (120m) In summary: We walk to Tissington on grassland, through the gates and along the tree lined Avenue. After time to look round the village the walk returns on the Tissington Trail (former London and North Western railway) to the site of Thorpe station Highlight: The charming estate village of Tissington, home of the FitzHerbert family for over 500 years. Option 2 - 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 3 - 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. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 4: Free Day Discover more about The Peveril of the Peak and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. Day 5: Around Ashbourne Option 1 - Tissington Trail To Ashbourne Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km) Ascent: 200 feet (60m) In Summary: We walk from the house and join the Tissington Trail (the former LNWR railway). We follow this to Ashbourne reaching the centre via a 350 metre tunnel. Highlight: Have a browse around the shops or simply relax with a coffee and cake in one of the many tea shops in Ashbourne. Option 2 - Thorpe To Ashbourne Distance: 5½ miles (9km) Ascent: 600 feet (180m) In Summary: From the house we descend Lin Dale and cross the famous Stepping Stones then head south following the scenic River Dove to historic Coldwall Bridge crossing to continue along the river to Okeover Bridge and Mapleton. We then ascend the hillside to the Tissington Trail and follow this through the tunnel into Ashbourne. Highlight: Explore Ashbourne 'The Gateway to Dovedale' with its many Tudor and Georgian listed buildings. Option 3 - Okeover Park And Ashbourne Distance: 7½ miles (11.5km) Ascent: 950 feet (280m) In Summary: We begin following the same route as option 2, but cross Coldwall Bridge and ascend to Coldwall Farm into and out of the valley and on to Marten Hill before descending into Okeover Park and the Grade II listed country house Okeover Hall. We then head up the hillside to the Tissington Trail and follow this into Ashbourne. Highlight: Take in the great views as we traverse the ridgeline from Marten Hill. Day 6: The Edges And Chatsworth Option 1 - Chatsworth Park Distance: 3 miles (5km) Ascent: 400 feet (120m) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 In Summary: Starting in the estate village of Baslow we will enter the beautiful Chatsworth Park. Our exploration of the grounds will take in The Jubillee Stone and the Hunting Tower before descending to the house for a cuppa in the magnificent stables. Highlight: Take time to admire magnificent Chatsworth House and its expansive landscaped grounds. Option 2 - Curbar Gap And Chatsworth Distance: 5 miles (8km) Ascent: 500 feet (150m) In Summary: Starting at Curbar Gap our walk will take us along one of the famous Edges, passing the Eagle Stone and Wellington Monument before descending to Baslow and taking the route of option 1 through Chatsworth grounds. Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. Option 3 - Curbar Gap To Calton Lees Through Chatsworth Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 700ft (200m) In Summary: Starting from Curbar Gap we follow Baslow Edge to the Eagle Stone and Wellington's Monument. We then drop into the pretty village of Baslow, before ascending to Dobb Edge and then following this to Chatsworth House and Edensor. Highlight: The beautiful landscape around Chatsworth Park Day 7: Dovedale Option 1 - River Dove & Coldwall Bridge Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3km) Ascent: 390 feet (120m) In Summary: Descend round Thorpe Cloud to the River Dove. There is then an option to take a footbridge into Staffordshire and walk to the iconic Stepping Stones. Cross and return if you dare and then return to the footbridge and Derbyshire. The River Dove is then followed to Coldwall Bridge. View this 100 yard long river crossing before ascending on the old coach road and through Thorpe Village back to the house. Highlight: Visiting the beautiful Stepping Stones. Option 2 - Dovedale Gorge Distance: 6½ miles (11km) Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m) In Summary: Walk from our Country House through Lin Dale to the famous stepping stones. We then follow the river upstream through the Dove Dale gorge to the hamlet of Milldale, then return at a higher level with fine www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 5 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 views. Highlight: The famous limestone gorge of Dovedale is just a stones' throw from our Country House. You'll have plenty of time to admire the rock formations, caves and verdant flora of this natural beauty spot as you walk through the gorge. Option 3 - Dovedale And Alstonefield Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,150 feet (330m) In Summary: We begin following the route of option 1 through the iconic Dovedale Gorge. From Milldale we ascend to the village of Alstonefield. We visit the Green Well before our return route takes us back across the river and on higher ground back to the country house.