All walks are weather dependent

Surrounded by pretty countryside and set in a charming village location this comfortable Country House provides a perfect base for our long weekend. From here we shall have our every need catered for. All the bedrooms have an individual layout and character but all have TV with digital radio, hair dryer and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. For our complete relaxation the spacious public rooms lead to a licenced bar which in turn opens onto a terrace with an aspect enjoying a delightful view of the surrounding countryside. Wi-Fi in all public areas and a proper boot and drying room to cater for any type of Bank Holiday weather.  

To allow you to choose a walk that suits you best, we will provide a minimum of two walks on each day, led by professional and knowledgeable walking guides. On both days there will be a harder walk of 10-12 miles with 1000+ft of ascent, and a gentler walk of 6-9 miles with less ascent. All walks are weather dependent and own transport may be taken to the walk starts. You will be supplied with a ‘what you must bring’ list - it is your responsibility to ensure you have these items.

What to bring: To ensure that you are properly equipped, please take a moment to read through the ‘What to bring list’ and ensure that you have the necessary clothing and equipment. 

Covid/Infection Guidance: As a matter of respect to other members when attending events, we ask that you take the following guidance into account. People with symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19, and who have a high temperature or do not feel well, should try to stay at home and avoid contact with others. Those who are asked – or choose to test – and get a positive COVID-19 result should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days following the day of their positive result. Normal Walkwise Terms & Conditions apply.

Travel Insurance: It is also recommended that when travelling on holiday or attending Spice weekends away in the UK or overseas that you have adequate travel insurance in case of emergency, cancellation, etc. Travel insurance is an important aspect to booking a weekend or holiday, giving you protection against unforeseen circumstances. We also strongly recommend a personal travel insurance policy that includes COVID-19 cover. While we cannot recommend specific insurance policies as everyone’s requirements are personal to them, Spice have linked up with market leader Staysure Travel Insurance which you may like to take a look at.

MAPS: if you like to follow your walking routes on a printed map, the map you would need for this event is: 1:25000: Explorer: EX024: Peak District White Peak

You MUST have:

• Walking boots

• A Water bottle (minimum 1 litre)

• A Rucksack with a plastic liner

• Waterproofs: jacket and trousers

• A Warm hat

• Warm gloves (not leather)

• Thick walking socks

• Base layer: (thin thermal or warm T-shirt. Best not to be cotton as it gets cold when wet)

• Over layer: (warm sweater or fleece)

• Extra layer: warm top for when cold (eg. when stopped for lunch)

• Comfortable walking trousers (not jeans as they are too cold & heavy when wet)

• Personal Medication

• A face covering and hand sanitiser

• Smart casual clothes for the evening.

You may wish to bring:

• Trekking Poles

• Vacuum flask (if you like hot drinks on the hill)

• Medium size Tupperware container or plastic bag, to put picnic lunch in.

• Sit mat 

• Sun glasses

• Lip salve

• Camera

• Personal first aid kit

In good weather and/or summer, you may also wish to bring

• Short trousers

• T - Shirts

• Sun hat

• Sun tan lotion

In poor weather and/or winter, you may also wish to bring:

• Gaiters

• Balaclava

• Extra warm clothing

The Walking Programme

Ilam Hall, Hamps Valley & Mere Hill

From Ilam Park we cross the river and head up and over the steep Mere Hill for envious views over the impressive White Peak countryside. Reaching Beeston Tor at the confluence of the Manifold and Hamps we turn left and head south along the Manifold Way. Now we follow the wonderful Hamps Valley with its steep sides and fine wooded areas. In classic limestone country fashion sometimes the river disappears for miles underground, only to reappear elsewhere. At Sparrowlee Bridge we head up over the hill to Rushley and back along the river to Ilam Hall for tea and cakes to end our walk. The moderate walk is a slightly shorter version of this.  

Dovedale & Wetton from the house 

Walking from the house today we make our way swiftly into the spectacular Dovedale. Heading northwards we pass by fantastic rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles, Reynard’s Cave and the Tissington Spires! Midway along Dovedale itself, we ascend the side valley of Hall Dale and make our way over to the picturesque village of Wetton. Turning for home, we will have time to drink in the spectacular panorama of Manifold Dale before returning over field footpaths to our comfortable centre. The moderate walk is a slightly shorter version of this.  

Hartington, Wolfscotedale and Coldeaton

Beginning at the lovely village of Hartington this walk incorporates many delightful features and still affords time for us to enjoy them! First we head down into Beresford Dale where a delightful path follows a meandering stream ever deeper into the amazing limestone valley of Wolfscote Dale. We continue this riverside path along the River Doves northern section to Coldeaton Bridge. It is here we leave the main valley to join the broad Tissington trail. This easy-going path allows us to cover the terrain more easily and soon we are heading into the village of Biggin and a possible refreshment stop, before heading back across the field to finish the day back in Hartington and the end of a perfect bank holiday weekend. The moderate walk is a slightly shorter version of this

Travel to the Peveril of the Peak

Grid reference: SK 157 505

By car to the Peveril of the Peak   Satellite navigation, enter the postcode DE6 2AW.

From the south leave the M1 at Junction 24 and head to Ashbourne via the A50 and A515. Continue north on the A515 heading towards Buxton. 1 mile north of Ashbourne turn left, signposted to Thorpe, Dovedale and Ilam. After a further 2 miles the road bends sharp left by The New Dog. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill. From Buxton take the A515 south towards Ashbourne. After 17 miles turn right at a crossroads following signs to Thorpe, Ilam and Dovedale. After 1 mile turn right by The New Dog pub and follow the road around the sharp left hand bend. The Peveril of the Peak lies ahead at the bottom of the hill.

From the west leave the M6 at junction 15 and head via the A50, Cheadle (A521) and Oakamoor (A5417) to the A52. At the junction of the A52 and the A523 take the minor road signposted Ilam. After 1½ miles turn left and descend the hill. Cross the bridge at Ilam, turn right and follow the road up a steep hill and onwards through Dovedale and Thorpe village. The Peveril of the Peak is on the left hand side at the end of the village. Visit your holiday page on our website for a map. Car parking Parking is available in the grounds. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to guests’ property or vehicles. We advise not to leave valuables in cars.

By rail The nearest railway stations to the Peveril of the Peak are Buxton or Derby. For train times and general rail enquiries call 08457 484950 (24hrs) or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. If phoning from outside the UK call +44 (0)20 7278 5240.

Station transfer by taxi

From Buxton railway station a taxi takes approximately 45 minutes and costs around £42 if pre-booked. From Derby railway station a taxi takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around £32 if pre-booked. Please note these are 2022 prices relevant to a 4-seat taxi and should only be taken as a guide. 8-seat taxis can be booked at a higher rate. Ashbourne Taxis, our current recommended taxi company, can confirm prices on booking and will arrange shared taxis wherever possible. Please pre-book your taxi at least 7 days in advance by contacting:

Ashbourne Taxis*

Tel: +44 (0) 1335 345198

Mob: +44 7811 196686

Email: ashbourne-taxis@hotmail.co.uk

Station transfer by bus From Buxton take the 442 bus service to Ashbourne, then change to the 101 bus to Thorpe village. From Derby take SW1 service to Ashbourne and then the 101 bus. Alight by the bus shelter in Thorpe village, from where it is a 500 metre walk along Wintercroft Lane to the Peveril of the Peak. Please contact Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or visit traveline.info for details of bus times. Hotel Telephone number: 01335 350 396

If you are having problems finding the centre, please call them directly, or you could call one of these guides: Gideon Wheater: 07809 070257 Andrew Casey:    07748 942263

Tourist Info: http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com/