7 Night Bridge & Walking Holiday in the Peak District

7 nights

Grades 1 & 2

107kg CO2

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Call to Enquire

020 3974 8865

Stay in the comfort of our characterful country houses and exercise both mind and body with this classic combination. You’ll have a choice of two guided walks a day (one short and one longer) followed by a bridge competition each evening.

What You’ll Love

  • Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders  
  • Playing bridge in a relaxed and friendly environment  
  • Meeting like-minded people   
  • Being surrounded by the stunning landscape of Peak District
  • Evening bridge competitions 
  • Staying in the comfort of our country house 

What's Included

  • All bridge-related materials
  • En-suite accommodation in our 3-star country house
  • Cream tea on arrival day
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
  • Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently

Trip Suitability

This holiday is suitable for regular players of Duplicate Bridge at club level.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Enjoy a choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below. 

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information:

Day 2 - Industrial Derwent Valley

Option 1 - The Cromford Canal

Distance: 3½ 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 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 - Middleton Top to Arkwright's Mill

Distance: 4½ miles (7km)

Ascent: 300 feet (100m)

In summary: Today's walk starts at the imposing former engine house at Middleton Top and follows the old trackbed of the Cromford and High Peak Railway to travel back in time at the National Stone Centre. The route continues descending the old railway line to the Cromford Canal to end at Arkwright's Mill.

Highlight: The chance to visit the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site of Arkwright’s Mill - a cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution.

Day 3 - Tissington

Option 1 - Tissington Circular

Distance: 4½ miles (7km)

Ascent: 400 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

Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)

Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: From Thorpe we walk along the scenic Tissington Trail (former London and North Western railway) north to the estate village of Tissington, famous for its well dressings. After looking round this charming village we return to the house following the Limestone Way, again with superb views of the surrounding countryside.     

Highlight: Fantastic views of Thorpe Cloud, ‘the mini Matterhorn’ from the Tissington Trail.

Discover more about Peveril of the Peak and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.

Enjoy a choice of two walks each day, with a free day on all 7-night holidays. You can choose either an easier route of around 4-6 miles or a harder route of around 6-8 miles to explore the local area. Your optional walks will take you out to explore the countryside surrounding your HF country house, and sometimes further afield. The walking options are outlined below. 

We'll return to the house in time to relax before your evening Bridge competition starts at 5pm.

Walks information

Day 5 - Ashbourne  

Option 1 - Tissington Trail to Ashbourne

Distance: 4 miles (6km)

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 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.

Day 6 - Chatsworth Park

Option 1 - Baslow and Chatsworth Park

Distance: 3½ miles (5.5km)

Ascent: 250 feet (80m)

In summary:  Starting in the estate village of Baslow we will enter the beautiful Chatsworth Park. We explore the grounds before descending to the house and then to the village of Edensor.

Highlight: Take time to admire magnificent Chatsworth House and its expansive landscaped grounds.

Option 2 - Curbar Gap and Chatsworth

Distance: 4½ miles (7.5km) 

Ascent: 650 feet (200m)

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 and  the village of Edensor.    

Highlight: Admire the grandeur of Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and its surrounding parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Day 7 - Dovedale

Option 1 - River Dove and Coldwall Bridge

Distance: 2½ miles (4.5km)

Ascent: 400 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 - Ilam Circular

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 600 feet (180m)

In summary: Taking a route round iconic Thorpe Cloud we then cross the River Dove (bridge) and follow pasture land to the unique village of Ilam. There will be plenty of time to explore the grounds of Ilam Hall before returning by the river on the Manifold Way and then ascending back to Thorpe on an old coaching track now the Limestone Way.

Highlight: Beautiful Ilam Park with its Hall and the pseudo Alpine village of Ilam.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Accommodation

The Peveril of the Peak

Named after Sir Walter Scott’s Peak District-set novel, this characterful country house is less than a mile from the famous Dovedale Stepping Stones and on the doorstep of Thorpe Cloud – a cone-shaped limestone hill that offers impressive views over the rolling green landscape that forms the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. Both are easily accessible from the rear of the property.  There are plenty of big-name walking destinations nearby including the Roaches, the impressive Stanage Edge, and the Twelve Apostles - a group of rock spires best viewed from the limestone promontory known as Lover’s Leap.

 

A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out). 

Evening entertainment

While evening entertainment varies from house to house, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house. 

Check in & check out

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team. Check out 10am.

•  46 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 63 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm •  Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Boot room and drying room  •  2 travel cots & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounges  •  Extensive grounds  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

Designed with your comfort in mind, The Peveril of the Peak has 46 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior. 

Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV. 

Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.

The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply. 

 

Room supplements

Superior Premium single Premium double/twin Choose your room
£25 pppn £20 pppn £20 pppn £30 per room

 

*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for The Peveril of the Peak

More Information

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Bridge

All your Bridge stationery and equipment will be supplied. You may, however, like to bring a notebook and pen to make your own notes. EBU Members - don’t forget to bring your EBU membership number to earn Master Points on this holiday.

Walking

To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Britain is famous for its changeable weather, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities.

Bring a rucksack, a thermos flask for a hot drink, a water bottle (at least 1 litre) and spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar, a small torch (in spring, autumn and winter) and first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed). Many guests find walking poles useful, particularly for descents. Insect repellent, sun hat, sunglasses and protection cream and a camera are all optional extras you may choose to bring.

Carbon Footprint

Carbon Footprint - 107kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Dates & Prices

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Back to dates
Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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