Peak District Self Guided Walking Week
Two days guided and three days self guided largely following the itinerary of our Classic Peak District walking week. This spans the rugged remoteness of the Dark Peak to the tranquil lowlands of the White Peak. Exploring some of the areas best walking.
Beyond the Edge are one of the UKs most experienced providers of mountain experiences and courses. All of our team are both hugely experienced and highly qualified and will make the week both fun, friendly and highly informative. We take great pride in the very high percentage of individuals who return for further adventures and courses.
As our team are also top class instructors we are happy to help you learn some navigation or other skills as we go along. This might be useful for the last three days!
Classic Peak District Walks – Course Format
We meet on the Sunday evening to say hello and make sure everyone is ready and raring to go for the Monday. Over dinner we get to know one another and discuss the week and of course the all important weather!
In outline:
Day 1 – After looking at the weather and a quick session on equipment and emergency procedures we hatch our plan for the day. We often try and start in the Dark Peak. Perhaps heading up the Derwent river to the moors above the trio of dams made famous by the Dam Busters and their bouncing bombs. As with all days we take some time to examine the social and natural history of the area. By the end of the week you will be able to tell rabbit poo from mountain hare poo!
Day 2 – Depending on the weather, this is often another day exploring the Dark Peak. Either looking at some of the many aircraft wrecks that dot Kinder Scout and Bleaklow or a more esoteric walk taking in a quieter side of the Dark Peak.
Day 3 – Your first day on your own. We drop you off with a map and route guide and wave you goodbye (but you can always call us if needed). We recommend exploring Chatsworth at your leisure before strolling back either by the high route or the low route along the banks of the Derwent.
Day 4 – A short hop into Hathersage, where you can explore the village and Little Johns grave before heading through picturesque woodlands to Stanage Edge and Robin Hoods cave. From there its a scenic walk along the edge and back down through the National Trust Longshaw Estate (and resident ice cream van)to the hotel.
Day 5 – Depending on energy levels, we can drop you at either Monsal head or Millers Dale. In spring, the myriad of wildflowers around Millers Dale are amazing (but we are probably biased). If desired we can also arrange a bridge abseil as an optional extra from here. A variety of options take you along the old railway that is now the Monsal trail to the historic plague village of Eyam and its delightful coffee shops. A short walk from here along the river sees you back at the hotel.
Course Details
- Location: Peak District
- Cost: from £665 full board
- Duration: 5 days
- Ratio: 1:8
- Level: Introduction
More Information
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Bespoke Dates and Locations
If you would like a mix of guided and unguided walks in The Peak District, please contact the office and we will arrange some dates to suit your diary.
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Meeting Point
We normally meet at our hotel in Hathersage or Grindleford at around 7pm.
Grindleford and Hathersage have good bus and train links with Sheffield and good train links to Manchester. There is also ample free parking at the hotel.
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Equipment Required
A full kit list with recommendations as to what works best for Peak District walks is contained in the Joining Instructions. These also contain a host of helpful tips and links to articles and videos to help you get the most out of the course.
We can provide OS maps and a compass, in addition to the route guides please just let us know if you require this.
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Fitness Level
You certainly don’t have to be super fit to enjoy this walking adventure. Average fitness is all that is required. We spend between five and seven hours walking each day, and there are usually options to shorten the days if required.
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Accommodation Options
Classic Peak District walks is offered as full board with en suite accommodation on a twin share basis. We base ourselves in a comfortable hotel in the village of Grindleford. A single supplement is £130.
