Walking and Cycling Short Breaks in the Peak District and Derbyshire
It’s time to give yourself some breathing space
Visit the Peak District & Derbyshire and discover a very special area on one of our self-guided holidays. Each has been designed to offer the very best in superb countryside and interesting places to visit.
Edges and Ales (two nights)
Highlights include:
• Trips to real ale pubs
• Superb views from gritstone edges
• A visit to Chatsworth (tickets included)
This relaxing yet invigorating break is based on the eastern fringes of the Peak District; with walk options along high gritstone ‘edges’, tranquil reservoirs and woodland paths. If you wish to explore the area further, discounted entry to nearby Renishaw Hall, Bolsover Castle and Hardwick Hall is available.
Mills and Hills (two nights)
Highlights include:
• Two walks at the heart of a World Heritage Site
• Bargains galore at factory shops en route
• A multitude of museums to visit
Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site offers a wealth of interesting places to visit. Entry to five attractions is included in this holiday – the Peak District Mining Museum, National Stone Centre, Crich Tramway Museum, the Working Textile Museum at Sir Richard Arkwright’s Masson Mill and Strutt’s North Mill.
Puddings and Palaces (two nights)
Highlights include:
• A visit to Bakewell, a bustling market town full of speciality shops
• Two spectacular Peak District Country Houses
• Bakewell Pudding tasting before you even arrive!
If you love historic houses and a good day's walk, then this break is for you. Visit Chatsworth (the nation’s ‘best loved’ stately home) and medieval Haddon Hall on two circular walks which both start from Bakewell town centre (leave the car at home).
Castles and Caverns (two nights)
Highlights include:
• A chance to explore the Georgian splendour of Buxton
• Underground visits to Peak District Caverns
• The highs and lows of ridge and valley walking
Visits to a Norman castle and two caverns are included in this holiday. Enjoy two days of invigorating walking, including the classic ridge walk between Losehill and Mam Tor near Castleton, with far reaching views of the Hope and Edale Valleys. On the second day, you explore the peaceful countryside through the Upper Dove Valley and take in Pilsbury Castle.
Peek into the Past (two nights)
Highlights include:
• “Undiscovered” walking routes away from the crowds
• A National Trust Mansion
• One of the country’s best-preserved 18th century gardens
A time-capsule stately mansion and a former prime minister's home are included in this fascinating short break set in an undiscovered corner of Derbyshire. On the edge of the newly created National Forest, the area offers lovely walks combined with visits to historic places.
The Limestone Way (five nights)
This 46-mile (74 km) route starts from Castleton, and then crosses the lovely ‘White Peak’ landscape at the heart of the Peak District National Park. It then follows the River Dove ending at Rocester in Staffordshire. On the way it passes through delightful villages such as Monyash, Bonsall, Tissington and Thorpe. The walking is varied – including several limestone dales - and the scenery spectacular.
The Derwent Valley Heritage Way (five nights)
This 55 mile (88.5 km) route starts from Ladybower reservoir near Bamford and follows the National Heritage Corridor down to the south of Derby. The scenery along this route changes dramatically – from the beauty of the Peak District through to Belper and Milford, rich in history forming part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The route continues through Derby and finishes at the bustling marina in Shardlow.
Independent Cycling Holidays
Traffic-free paths, quiet rural lanes, pretty villages and unspoilt countryside combine to provide the perfect short break cycling holiday in the Peak District National Park.
The delights of the White Peak Villages trail, offers you the opportunity to visit some of the most picturesque villages in the National Park. The route offers two options depending on how long you want to cycle and is mainly very gentle with some more taxing parts that climb above the Dove Valley.
The 17 mile (27.2 km) Manifold Valley bike ride explores a delightfully contrasting landscape to the White Peak villages ride. The route consists of two loops with a short linear section between them through the village of Hartington. After an easy ride down the track the route returns to Hartington via the picturesque village of Wetton.