For our Spring Walking Break in 2025 we took the opportunity to visit Dovedale and stay at the HF Peveril of the Peak Hotel in Thorpe. Being in the working week and immediately after the Easter holidays the area was very quiet, with the bonus of glorious weather. A “win-win” result all round. Our programme offered walks of two distances on each day, a leisurely shorter walk and a longer, more challenging walk. There was also the opportunity for a day of sightseeing.
Wolfscote Dale on day three. Where are the crowds?
On our first day of walking, both groups visited Dovedale. The leisurely group completed a six-mile circuit circumnavigating Bunster Hill before dropping into Dovedale at Ilam Rocks and returning down the picturesque valley. The other group went east from Thorpe to Tissington, north along the Tissington Trail before turning west to drop into Milldale and then return along the full length of Dovedale.
The long walking group on the footbridge at Ilam Rocks, Dovedale
On our second day there was the choice of a six-mile stroll around the village of Ilam and Ilam Park lead by Jean or a nine-mile walk starting from Hartington following Wolfscote Dale and Biggin Dale lead by Christine and Gerry.
A bridge over the River Dove at the northern end of Wolfscote Dale.
On our final day of walks Christine lead a six-mile walk around Mapleton, whilst Sandy and Jim lead a nine-mile walk to Tissington and Alsop en le Dale.
Lime Kiln near Tissington
After breakfast on our final day, several members couldn’t resist scaling nearby Thorpe Cloud (287 metres) for magnificent views of the countryside where we had spent the last few days.
The impressive Thorpe Cloud
Thanks to Keith for providing tourist excursions and to Christine for organising the trip and Jean, Sandy, Pamela, Gerry and Christine for leading walks. Also thanks to the staff of Peveril of the Peak for looking after us so well.