Derbyshire & the Peak-District

CHATSWORTH & THE PEAKS

The Peak District in the county of Derbyshire is like an upland Cotswolds. It is an area of immense variety and importance, rich in wildlife where dramatic moorlands contrast sharply with lush valleys and stunning limestone gorges, where centuries-old stone villages and market towns have been as much a part of the environment on the landscape itself. The contrasting landscape is never more apparent than in the High Peak to the north, where you’ll find the Derwent Valley’s historic ‘Dam Busters’ dams and the caverns in the picturesque village of Castleton, where there is also an interesting castle. And at Baslow is Chatsworth House, one of the finest great houses in Britain.

PRICE: £445 per person based on two people sharing. £345 per person without luggage movement.

INCLUDED
7 nights B & B with private bathrooms. Luggage transportation. Maps and route notes.Extra nights available (recommended in Baslow for the Chatsworth Estate). An extra night at Baslow may be substituted for the second night at Castleton.

NOT INCLUDED
Transportation to or from home. Drinks, insurance or anything not specified in the programme.

Day 1: Arrive Hathersage

Arrive at your accommodation in Hathersage, an attractive village overlooked by a line of Gritstone Edges.

Day 2: Hathersage - Baslow

Start your journey with a walk to Higger Tor & the remains of the Iron Age fort Carl Wark, which has tremendous views over the Hope Valley. Then pass the vertical face of Burbage Rocks before dropping to the Longshaw Estate, a fabulous area of moorland that once belonged to the Dukes of Rutland. Continue past a succession of gritstone edges including Froggat, Curber & Baslow, looking out over the Chatsworth Estate. Pass Wellington's monument before your final descent into Baslow, standing at the northern gates to Chatsworth. 11 miles/17.5 kms

Day 3: Baslow - Monsal Head

Amble through the majestic Chatsworth Estate with a chance to visit the opulent house and gardens. The 'Palace of the Peak', Chatsworth is one of the finest of great houses in Britain. A walk through Manners Wood provides an opportunity to visit another of Britain's great houses, Haddon Hall where the 16 century terraced gardens are thought by many to be the most romantic in England. Passing through Bakewell, known for its delicious pudding, arrive at the gorgeous village of Ashford in the Water. The walk to Monsal Head provides superb views across the Wye Valley and the picture perfect scenery of Monsal Dale. 11 miles/17.5 kms

Day 4: Monsal Head - Eyam

From Monsal Head follow the river Wye along the Monsal Trail through Water-cum-jolly Dale to Millers Dale. Cross Tideswell Dale to the 'Cathederal of the Peak', Tideswell, known for its magnificent 14 century church of St. John the Baptist. On through pretty Litton to pass through the dramatic gorge at Cressbrook Dale before strolling through Silly Dale to Foolow and onto the infamous plague village of Eyam, and Eyam Hall, a wonderful, unspoilt 17 century manor house that is now open to the public.
12 miles/19.2 kms.

Day 5:  Eyam - Castleton

Climb to Bretton which offers marvellous panoramic views over the area. Stroll past Abney Low to the isolated hamlet of Abney before passing Robin Hoods Cross to Bradford Dale. Join the Limestone Way at Old Moor before descending past the 11 century Peveril Castle into Castleton, at the head of the Hope Valley and surrounded by dramatic scenery. 9 miles/14.4 kms

 Day 6: Free day in Castleton

The picture postcard village of Castleton provides an excellent base to spend some time relaxing & visiting the local attractions. Lying beneath the ruins of the 11  century Peveril Castle, Castleton has a number of varied and impressive show caverns which are well worth a visit.

Day 7:  Castleton - Hathersage

Pass by the base of Mam Tor before reaching the spectacular viewpoint at Hollins Cross. A fine ridge walk along 'The Great Ridge' offers fantastic panoramic views over both the Hope & Edale valleys below. Yet more impressive views as you reach the summit of Win Hill and look out over the Derwent valley, Ladybower reservoir and Stannage Edge. Descending through attractive pine woodland, to continue along the banks of the River Derwent into Hathersage. 11 miles/17.5 kms

Day 8: Departure

GETTING THERE

Hathersage has a railway station with direct services to Sheffield, which is connected directly to London and other major centres. The nearest international airports are Manchester and Birmingham.

DIFFICULTY

Moderate. Super-fitness not required but there are hills to climb and distances to cover as specified in the programme.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sunblock/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

April to October

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for any reason.