Lauren 07852 366055 - Spice Coordinator for Manchester

Dovedale House is a former Victorian vicarage located in Ilam in a stunning location in the Peak Disctrict, ideally located for exploring the National Park.

Within this wonderful, well kept house there is room for up to 50 guests across 12 bedrooms. The bedrooms vary in size over the 1st and 2nd floor of this enchanting building with a mixture of bunks and single beds with shower and toilet facilities throughout the house. Rooms will be allocated on a first come first served basis with the smaller rooms being allocated to the early bookers. Bedding is included. This is a repeat visit to this wonderful venue and it definitely gets a thumbs up from us!

These are wonderfully sociable weekends and everyone is always impressed with what you get included - they are a great way to meet members from lots of different Spice groups. Don't worry if you don't know anyone booked on the weekend; these are so sociable you very soon will do.

This break will suit both the walkers and those wanting to explore the surrounding areas. For the walkers, there is a wealth of beautiful walks to set out on directly from the centre - There will be a walk on both the Saturday and the Sunday. Our walk leader Mick as well as being a keen nature watcher is also very familiar with the area and it's history so will be imparting some really interesting details.

Saturday: A walk of 10 miles Starting with a walk through the grounds to follow the river then footpaths to Castern Hall, from here we follow the footpath northward to the village of Wetton, with the wood carvings at the Old Police Station and the Royal Oak famous for Toe Wrestling, passing several tumulus & tumuli, lunch in the village, from here we descend to cross the river Manifold at Beeston Tor Farm, climbing the track then footpath to Throwley Hall, descend the lane then footpath to pass the tumulus at Rushley Barn, the site of the Bowl Barrow Burial mound, descend to join the Manifold Trail at Rushley Bridge and follow this back to the start. A walk of 5.5 miles  

Sunday: A walk of 5 1/2 miles Starting by crossing to the stepping stones then follow the river Dove upstream to Ilam Rock passing Lover's Leap, Tissington Spires, Raynard's Cave, the natural arch and Pickering Tor, cross the river then climb steeply to pass Air cottage before descending past St Bertram's Well back into Ilam.

For the non walkers there is plenty to see and do within easy reach so you can do some exploring - Ilam village itself isn't far and is a wonderful place to explore there is IIam Hall and park which has a Manifold tea room and if you wish to go further afield we are within easy reach of Buxton, Matlock, Ashbourne and Bakewell to name a few.

From Ashbourne take the A52 towards Leek. After approx. 4.3 miles, at the top of the hill, turn right at the crossroads signposted to Ilam.

Entering the Peak National Park follow the Ilam Moor Road for 1.5 miles before turning left at the crossroads signposted Ilam, Dovedale and Wetton.

After 1 mile you will enter the village of Ilam. Pass the Memorial Cross and as the road bends slightly to the right, take a left turn towards Ilam Hall.

As the drive splits in two take the left hand fork which is the drive to Dovedale House.