Peak District Short Break | Macs Adventure

The Peak District Short Break

5 Days & 4 Nights

Contrasting landscapes of craggy escarpments and heather-clad moorlands
Chatsworth House, inspiration of Pride and Prejudice's "Pemberley"
Listen to the sound of bubbling streams on the Derwent Valley Heritage Way
Conquer Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, one of the most iconic walks in the Peak District
The elegant spa town of Buxton, gateway to the Peak District National Park

Escape to the countryside on a short break in Britain's first national park, The Peak District. Based in the classic Peak District towns of Buxton and Hathersage, enjoy walks through landscapes which have inspired famous novelists including Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austen. From the wild and open moorlands of the Goyt Valley and Burbage Edge, to the gritty rock escarpments of Stanage Edge and Mam Tor, this is an area filled with contrasting scenic beauty! No visit to the Peak District would be complete without a visit to Chatsworth House, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and we include a transfer here to allow you time to explore it's manicured gardens and grand estate rooms. Soak up the beautiful panoramas and reward a fine day's walking with a tasty treat such as the local speciality Bakewell Pudding in one of the local tearooms!

What To Expect

Travel restrictions and resources, to and from any destination

The Peak District is a walkers paradise with its contrasting landscapes of craggy peaks and ridges, combined with pretty dales and open heather-clad moorlands. This short break combines the White Peak and the Dark Peak areas, sampling some of the finest walks in the Peak District National Park. You will stay overnight in comfortable B&B's or small hotels in typical Peak District market towns. The terrain can be quite rugged and boggy at times and the footpaths exposed to the wind, so you will need to come dressed ready to protect yourself against the elements should the weather take a turn for the worst.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

As a guide, we would suggest that the minimum age of traveler this tour would be suitable for is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Short Break

Activity Level & Terrain

This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but the terrain may be a bit rugged and tricky at times, with rocks and roots underfoot. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially on the Mam Tour walk, which would be graded more as moderate. The trails may be boggy, so come prepared with good waterproof hiking boots.

Navigation

You will be provided with detailed route notes and maps to help you find your way. There are often waymarks to help you find your way and as always when walking you should be able to read a map and use a compass in case of bad weather.

Experience & Fitness

This tour is suitable for most people that are in good physical condition. It is rated easy to moderate but the terrain may be a bit rugged and tricky at times, with rocks and roots underfoot. There are some elevation gains and losses, especially on the Mam Tour and Kinder Scout walks. The trails may be boggy, so come prepared with good waterproof hiking boots.

Accommodations

On your 6 night, 7 day Peak District self-guided walk in England you can choose to stay in either in 3* hotels or B&B’s. A warm welcome in all accommodation types is assured.

Alternate accommodation

You might be booked into alternative accommodations which are not listed in the description. If those listed are unavailable the alternative accommodation will be of the same or better standard as those described.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable. Solo walkers are also welcome for an additional charge.

Included

4 Nights in either 3* hotels or B&B’s
4 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Transfer from Buxton to Chatsworth House
Luggage transfers from Buxton to Hathersage
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel to Buxton
Travel from Hathersage
Entrance to Chatsworth House & Gardens
Return train trip from Hathersage to Edale
Dinners and lunches
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance

Extras

Additional nights before or after the holiday

When To Go

Due to the Buxton International Festival all accommodation in Buxton is full from the 3th July - 22nd July 2019. Please avoid booking over this time if possible.

Getting to the Start

Manchester Airport is the closest airport to Buxton and the journey by train (via Manchester Piccadilly Station) takes approximately one and a half hours and costs around £15. For more information please consult the National Rail website. Buxton is also accessible from London by train and the journey takes around 3 hours, with one change.

Getting from the End

From Hathersage it is also possible to return by train to Manchester Airport via Manchester Piccadilly. The trains run every hour and the journey takes one and a half hours and costs approximately £15.

Luggage Transfer

All baggage transfers are included. We request that you have only one piece of luggage per person and it should weigh only 20kg.

General Information

The distances and ascent/decents are approximations of the recommended routes.

Equipment

Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Buxton

After flying into Manchester (or London) you can take a train into Buxton, where your tour begins. This spa town has splendid Georgian architecture (reminiscent of the city of Bath) and is famous for its natural spring water and for being the highest market town in England. The discovery of coins indicate that the Romans were here throughout their occupation.

After checking into your centrally located hotel or B&B, why not try one of the local pubs for some traditional food and beer which will give you sustenance for your first day of walking tomorrow.

Overnight Buxton

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Grendon Bed & Breakfast | Bed and breakfast

Grendon is a stunning Edwardian property, built between 1911 and 1914, situated on a quiet road within walking distance of Buxton town centre. Having recently undergone a full refurbishment of all bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms, we now offer luxury Bed & Breakfast for those looking for high class accommodation with a homely, personal touch. All guest rooms in Grendon Bed & Breakfast have a complimentary tea tray including homemade shortbread. All rooms come with a private bathroom with a walk in shower, while some rooms also feature a free standing bath. All rooms come with a silent mini fridge, hairdryer and straighteners as well as complimentary toiletries. A Full English breakfast can be enjoyed at the property.

Roseleigh Guest House | Guest House

Within a five minute walk is the impressive architecture of the Georgian Crescent, built in the 1780s and one of the highlights of the centre of Buxton - it is one of the finest Georgian buildings in the country. The bedrooms are well furnished and decorated in a clean and comfortable style sympathetic to the Victorian era of the building. All double and twin rooms are en-suite and have tea and coffee making facilities and colour television.

Old Hall Hotel | Hotel

In the centre of picturesque Buxton, the Old Hall Hotel features a traditional restaurant, free Wi-Fi and spacious rooms with period features. With individual character and elegant decor, the rooms at Old Hall each have tea/coffee facilities and a TV with satellite channels. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries, and some have cosy seating areas.

Day 2: Goyt Valley and Burbage Edge 9 miles / 15 km

Today’s walk takes you on a circular route through some of the most stunning moorland scenery that this area has to offer. Begin at the splendid Buxton Opera House and follow the trail which winds through farms and atmospheric woodlands.

Make your way up to moorland and around the Goyt Valley before a walk along Burbage Edge, one of the gritstone edges of the Peak District from which there are views towards the county of Cheshire and beyond. Perhaps you can spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring this market town.

Overnight Buxton

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Grendon Bed & Breakfast | Bed and breakfast

Roseleigh Guest House | Guest House

Old Hall Hotel | Hotel

Day 3 Chatsworth to Hathersage 8 miles / 14 km

After a delicious breakfast a transfer is included to Chatsworth House and Estate. You must take the time to visit this great house which is owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and has been handed down through sixteen generations. It also houses a significant and diverse art collection, has over thirty rooms to explore and acres of beautiful gardens. Arguably the most handsome country house in England it was also the supposed inspiration for Jane Austen’s Pemberly in Pride & Prejudice.

After exploring this historic house and gardens take the trail north along the Derwent Valley Heritage Way to the the quaint village of Baslow and along the river valley to Froggat and Grindleford, a nucleated village standing on the right bank of the Derwent River. Take the Hathersage road continuing along the valley all the way into the village, where you check into your hotel or B&B.

Overnight Hathersage

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Plough Inn | Country Inn

This is a privately owned 16th century Inn and is situated in 9 acres of its own land, all the bedrooms are en-suite with either bath or shower, flat screen television, Tea and coffee making facilities and hairdryers. Also, complimentary Hilden Mineral Water and miniature toiletries. In the evening you can relax and take a meal in their cosy bar complete with real log fires. They serve hand pulled ales and a large range of fine wines from around the world. The menu is a mix of modern European and traditional food using only the finest quality produce brought together in an eclectic style.

George Hotel | Hotel

Formerly a 500-year-old inn, this Derbyshire hotel in the heart of the Peak District offers rooms featuring contemporary décor, with a seating area and TV, and en suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. You can enjoy a full English breakfast each morning and award-winning cuisine by chef Helen Prine in the on-site restaurant.

Hathersage B&B

Hathersage B&B provides relaxed, friendly Bed and Breakfast accommodation in a quiet area of Hathersage. The accommodation has three double bedrooms, all with en-suite shower facilities and beautiful garden views.

Day 4 Choice of Walks - Stanage Edge or The Great Ridge & Mam Tor 9 miles / 15 km

For your final day in the Peak District, you can choose from two equally tempting walks.

Your first option take you along Stanage Edge, a mecca for rock climbers from all over Britain and a 4 mile long gritstone escarpment. Head to the farmland of North Lees where the large farmhouse is supposedly the place which Charlotte Bronte based one of the manor houses on in the novel Jane Eyre. Then follow the path up to Stanage Edge from where you can enjoy expansive views over the Dark Peak moorlands and the Hope Valley.

Another option is to take a local train from Hathersage to the village of Edale (a ten minute journey) and from here embark on a walk to the Great Ridge, situated on the border of the White and the Dark Peak geographical areas. Reaching Mam Tour you will have some of the best views in the whole of the peaks.

Mam Tour means “mother hill” so called because there are lots of mini-hills beneath it where there have been landslips on its eastern side. Mam Tour is steeped in history dating back to the Bronze Age and another popular name for it is Shivering Mountain, a reference to its unstable geology. Continue to follow the crest of the Great Ridge until you come to Lose Hill then backtrack from here to Back Tor and along the final stretch back into Edale. Take the train back to Hathersage.

Overnight Hathersage

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Plough Inn | Country Inn

George Hotel | Hotel

Hathersage B&B

Day 5 Onward travel