Railway Tracks and Walking in the Peak District

Make your own way to our hotel in north Derbyshire where you meet our Tour Manager and enjoy a relaxing evening with dinner.

After breakfast we head to Wye Dale where we step onto the Monsal Trail. The Trail goes from Wye Dale to Bakewell and includes the former Midland railway line that linked Matlock to Buxton. Built in the 1860s, it ceased operating as a railway line in 1968, and by 1981, an eight-mile stretch was opened to pedestrians. There is plenty to see along this former railway line as we pass by old stations, former railway tunnels and the impressive Monsal Viaduct, which was a scenic highlight of the midland line. We complete our walk at Hassop station, which was originally built for the Duke of Devonshire and opened in 1862. Nowadays it is a busy location serving refreshments to those who have walked this wonderful trail. We will return to our hotel by coach and enjoy a well-deserved dinner this evening. **Moderation:** Easy + **Duration:** Approx. 4.5 hours **Distance:**Approx. 8 miles *(There is an option to shorten this walk and your tour manager and local guides will provide details if required).*

We’ll enjoy breakfast at our hotel before boarding our coach to Chatsworth Estate where we begin our walk following the River Derwent towards Chatsworth House. Home to the Dukes of Devonshire for many generations, the land was purchased by Elizabeth and William Cavendish in 1549 for £600 and over the following generations, the house has transformed into what we see today. Our route takes us away from the grand house towards Edensor. This delightful little village is linked to the Cavendish family, with St Peters Church being the main burial ground of the family. Continuing out of Edensor towards New Piece Wood, we will be rewarded with scenic views back towards the Chatsworth Estate. We’ll continue through Calton Pastures until we arrive at Manner Wood where we will descend towards Bakewell. We will cross the River Wye where we arrive into Bakewell, the only true town in the Peak District National Park. You will have plenty of time to explore this market town, and whilst here, why not try the famous Bakewell tart or the more traditional Bakewell pudding? We will head back to our hotel for our evening meal.  **Moderation:** Easy-Moderate **Duration:** Approx. 3 hours **Distance:** Approx. 5 miles

Today we visit the limestone countryside in the southern Peak District. After breakfast we will travel by coach to Alstonefield where our walk begins. We head down to Milldale where we’ll join the path along the River Dove, which marks the boundary between Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Dovedale is a beautiful limestone gorge in the river Dove Valley, and has become a National Nature Reserve due to the number of rare habitats and wildlife found here. This delightful riverside walk passes two caves known as Dove Holes, and travels over lover’s leap. Following the river across meadows to Coldwall Bridge, we pick up the Manifold trail that leads to Ilam Park. Owned by the National Trust Ilam Park has a small visitor centre and tearooms, the perfect conclusion to our walk. Our coach will transfer us to Wirksworth station where we’ll join the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway. We’ll enjoy a picturesque rail journey from Wirksworth to Duffield, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Peak District. Our coach will collect us from Duffield and return us to our hotel for a relaxing final dinner.  **Moderation:** Easy + **Duration:** Approx. 3.5 hours **Distance:** Approx. 6.5 miles *(There is an option to shorten this walk and your tour manager and local guides will provide details if required).*

After breakfast, you are free to check out of the hotel and make your way home at leisure.

All of our walks are of an easy-moderate nature and therefore we recommend that you have a reasonable level of fitness for our Off the Beaten Tracks range of holidays. It is also important to ensure you bring the right equipment with you and for our walking tours we would recommend: - A pair of good quality walking boots - Weather appropriate clothing – including layers - A comfortable rucksack - A water bottle - Walking poles (not essential but can aid climbs and descents)