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Buxton & The High Peaks

The north side of the Peaks. Superlative walking and some history and culture to boot! The Peak District can be divided into two very distinct areas. The north side offers superb walking, historic monuments dating back through the mists of time and a walk up perhaps the most famous peak of all.

  • England

  • 5 nights
  • Half Board
  • Landscape

  • Jun

    Aug

    Sep

Challenging

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Tour codes: 73355

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Walking grade

Grade 6

This holiday is offered at Grade 6. There will be full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent (of no more than 550m) and longer distances (of around 10 miles each day). Whilst you will be mainly on paths, these may be rough, steep and loose at times. Expect to be out for 8 hours most days, though that will include your breaks.

Walks average - Distance: 10 miles; Ascent/Descent 500m; Walking Time: Full Day walks.

Please ensure to read each holidays 'Proposed Itinerary' for a more accurate depiction of daily walks.

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Walk along The Great Ridge above Castleton.
  • Discover the delights of Kinder Scout; perhaps the most famous of the peaks.
  • Enjoy views over Ladybower reservoir where the Dambusters practised!
  • Walk out from Buxton to Castle Naze, an extraordinary hill fort.
  • Stay in a contender for the oldest hotel in England.
  • Explore the delights of Buxton’s Georgian heritage.

The Peak District is renowned for its outstanding walking opportunities. Within a short distance, the terrain undergoes remarkable shifts, promising a fresh adventure without the need for extensive travel. From your comfortable base in the charming spa town of Buxton, you'll embark on an exploration of the lesser-known treasures of the northern peaks.

Our carefully selected walks encompass many of the area's highlights. We ascend Kinder Scout, a place steeped in history, notably known for the pivotal 'Mass Trespass' event in the 1930s. The grand Ridge walk ranks among the finest ridge routes in the country. Derwent Ridge unveils unparalleled vistas, while Castel Naze adds an ancient touch with its Iron Age remnants against a backdrop of awe-inspiring views.

Prepare for an exhilarating adventure and what is arguably one of the most splendid ridge walks in the country, offering one of the most breath-taking views in the Peak District. Our route leads to Mam Tor, aptly named the Shivering Mountain, overseeing the picturesque Hope Valley. Here, you'll have the chance to gaze upon the Vale of Edale, with the imposing silhouette of Kinder Scout in the distance. As the highest point in the Peak District, a walk along Kinder Scout's southern edge promises to be the most demanding, yet the views of the moorland and rugged gritstone tors make it an unforgettable experience.

Each day, you'll return to the historic Old Hall Hotel, reputed to be the oldest hotel in England. This establishment serves as both a welcoming retreat and a living piece of history, ensuring that your evenings are as enriching as your days of exploration.

  • En suite three-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis
  • All local transport required for the itinerary by private coach
  • Services of a Classic Tour Leader
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Lunches
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival day

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

Independent travel to the Old Hall Hotel in Buxton. Check in at the hotel is from 3pm. Meet your tour leader and your walking companions at approximately 7pm in the hotel bar area before your evening meal. 

Dinner each evening is in the hotel restaurant.

Day 2

Buxton to Castle Naze

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    10.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    370m

Castle Naze must be one of the most extraordinary hill forts in Derbyshire. This is due to its ditched entrances, of which two are visible. Castle Naze is situated about two kilometres to the west of Dove Holes (the village famous for the Bull Ring henge) atop a steep gritstone escarpment at 427m (1400ft) above sea level. Castle Naze on Combs Moss is seen as a well-known landmark but is rarely climbed. It is a great example of gritstone and moorland with some very fine views. 

This walk ends with a brief circuit of Buxton, taking in St Anne’s Well, Pool’s Cavern, The Pavilion Gardens and the iconic Opera House.

Day 3

The Great Ridges

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    5 hours

  • Distance

    10 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    500m

An exhilarating walk including one of the best ridge walks in the country, with superb views of the Edale and Hope Valleys and the edge of Kinder Scout. This is one of the classic walks of the dark peak. This walk takes you onto Mam Tor, meaning ‘Mother Hill’, a 517-metre-high hill near Castleton in the High Peaks and is one of those walks that deserves a place on the list of best walks in the Peak District. The views from the ridge are magnificent. The walk passes Peveril Castle, a former Norman Stronghold.

Day 4

Kinder Scout Southern Edge

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    4.5 hours

  • Distance

    9 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    546m

If you’re seeking some of the most famous, challenging and rewarding walks in the Peak District National Park, then look no further than Kinder Scout. As the highest point in the Peak District, Kinder Scout boasts unforgettable views, unique moorland and gritstone tors. It offers one of the most challenging but rewarding walks in the Peak District, where you’ll encounter gentle streams, dark gritstone, steep rocks to scramble up, unique peat and the glorious Kinder Downfall. Kinder Scout is also one of the most significant areas in the National Park as the site of the 1932 Mass Trespass - when ramblers from nearby cities peacefully protested on what was then private land, contributing to the change in legislation allowing people to freely walk on access land. 

The Mass Trespass was a key event in the campaign for open access to moorland in Britain which eventually led to the formation of Britain's National Parks; the Peak District was the first National Park, founded on 17th April 1951. Today, this breath-taking moorland plateau is a walker's paradise: at 636m above sea level it offers some of the best views views in the county. This walk starts at the very beginning of the Pennine Way.

Day 5

Derwent Edge and Ladybower Reservoir

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    5.5 hours

  • Distance

    10 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    360m

A walk along Derwent Edge offers some of the best views in the Peak District, in a somewhat lesser- known location than Kinder Scout and the Hope Valley. Derwent Edge is a wide vast moor with several tors. This walk takes you from Ladybower Reservoir onto Derwent Edge, first passing the iconic Wheelstones on Derwent Edge, then onto the Salt Cellar. 

Take in the beautiful views from Dovestone Tor and Back Tor, then begin heading down past Lost Lad on Howdon Moor to Derwent Reservoir. Follow the reservoir back to Fairholmes via the Derwent Dam. The RAF’s celebrated 617 squadron flew practice sorties here with their ‘bouncing bombs’ in preparation for their epic 1943 raid on the dams of the German Ruhr. The twin-towered dam is at its most impressive when the water cascades over it.

Day 6

Departure day

Meals

Breakfast

Independent departure from Old Hall Hotel after breakfast. Check out is by 11am. 

We hope you have enjoyed your holiday and look forward to welcoming you on another soon.

Departure dates for your selected tour

16th Jun 2024 - 21st Jun 2024 (5 Nights)

4th Aug 2024 - 9th Aug 2024 (5 Nights)

22nd Sep 2024 - 27th Sep 2024 (5 Nights)

Travel Details

All transport to and from the trailheads, when necessary, is included in the price of your holiday.

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Old Hall Hotel

The Old Hall Hotel dates back to 1573 and is a possible contender for the oldest hotel in Britain. It has been suggested in 1576 Mary Queen of Scots stayed at the hotel and sampled the healing properties of Buxton’s famous spa water. The hotel features a traditional restaurant, free Wi-Fi and spacious rooms with tea/coffee facilities and a TV with satellite channels. The popular wine bar offers a range of beverages and snacks, and full English, award-winning breakfasts are served daily.

There is no car park at the hotel, so parking is limited to street parking only. A permit can be obtained from reception on check in. The cost to park for a full day costs £3 and for a half day ticket it is just £1.50. Parking is free of charge between 6pm - 8am daily. 

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This holiday is offered at Grade 6. There will be full day walks with appreciable amounts of ascent and descent (of no more than 550m) and longer distances (of around 10 miles each day). Whilst you will be mainly on paths, these may be rough, steep and loose at times. Expect to be out for 8 hours most days, though that will include your breaks.

Walks average - Distance: 10 miles; Ascent/Descent 500m; Walking Time: Full Day walks.

Please ensure to read each holidays 'Proposed Itinerary' for a more accurate depiction of daily walks.

Walks & Excursions

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Optional Excursions

At your destination, you may have the option to book various local excursions and activities through a local operator. It's important to note that we are not involved in these activities or excursions, and we do not operate, supervise, or control them in any way. Your contract will be directly with the local activity supplier, and we bear no responsibility for their actions or omissions.

Spending Money

Holiday Budgeting

When budgeting for your holiday, you will need to consider drinks, non-included entrance fees, optional excursions you may choose to participate in locally and any souvenirs or additional services such as laundry. 

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Tour Leaders & Local Guides

Tour Leaders

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations.  Your tour leader takes care of all the local administration, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leader's Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the program for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organized group program, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Your Travel Details

Check-in at the hotel is from 3pm. Our leader will meet with you prior to your evening dinner for a group welcome meeting. 

To reach the hotel by car: 

Buxton is on the A6 between Manchester and Derby. The hotel is in the centre of the town. There is no car park at the hotel, so parking is limited to street parking immediately opposite and down the side of the hotel. Once parked, speak to the reception team on check in and they can issue you with a parking permit, which you can pay for on your check out. Parking is free between 6pm - 8am daily. For chargeable hours, please check with the hotel for the current prices which are payable locally. 

To reach the hotel by rail: 

The nearest railway station from the hotel in Buxton. There are direct trains from Manchester every hour. It is a 5 minute walk from the train station to the hotel. 

Route planning to and from Buxton:

The AA and RAC both offer free and detailed on-line route planning facilities on their websites which may help you find our hotels. 

You may also wish to look at the following website for advice on the best way to travel to the accommodation: www.rome2rio.com

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Meals

We take breakfast and dinner in the hotel. Food is prepared daily by the chefs using fresh local produce and the dinner menu has a wide range of food offerings and naturally caters to any special dietary requirements. Wine and beers are hand selected by local wine merchants and breweries.  

Lunch is not included in your holiday however there are various supermarkets and shops within walking distance of the hotel for you to purchase supplies. 

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Lightweight waterproof walking boots with a good moulded sole (such as Vibram or similar) and a deep tread and which provide ankle support are strongly recommended and may be essential for some walks.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Lightweight quick-drying trousers
  • Walking T-shirt/shirts
  • Walking socks
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun block
  • Warm hat and gloves (if appropriate)
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the day's activity)
  • Day sack liner
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity (more than 1 bottle may be required)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)
  • Sit mat

This list is not exhaustive and every walker is different and may have their own preference.

Travel Documents Checklist

Documents and Information to take with you:

  • Holiday money
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Holiday booking confirmation document
  • Travel insurance details (if applicable)
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Maps, Guidebooks & Other Information

Maps, Guidebooks & More

Our intended walks are covered by the following maps:

OS Explorer OL1 The Peak District Dark Peak Area 1:25,000

OS Explorer OL24 The Peak District White Peak Area 1:25,000

The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Weather

Visit the following websites for an idea of the climate in your destination:

Staying Healthy On Holiday

Health requirements in destination can change, and it's crucial for you to take responsibility in staying informed. Ensure that you consult a professionally qualified source and comply with any health requirements at least 6 to 8 weeks before your departure. Your GP can provide advice on vaccinations. Stay proactive about your health preparations to ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Health Advice for United Kingdom

No compulsory immunisations are required for holidays in the UK although you should be up to date with the usual immunisations recommended for life in Britain. Tetanus immunisation is recommended.

Further Travel Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.


Personal Safety

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is your go-to for the latest info on security, local laws, and the nitty-gritty of passports and visas at www.gov.uk/travelaware. Make sure to take a quick peek at the current advice for your upcoming destination—it'll only take a few minutes.

When you're out and about, stay aware of your surroundings. Take smart precautions with your credit cards and passport, and maybe tone down the flashy accessories. Less is more, especially when it comes to carrying cash—just enough for the day will do. Consider using a money belt for that extra layer of security. Stay alert, stay safe, and make the most of your travels!

Cultural Awareness

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritize the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. See our website for more information and details of some of the projects we support.

Staying In Touch

Mobile Phones

Kindly share a mobile phone contact number with us. We'll utilize this solely for crucial communication pertaining to your holiday arrangements.

Ensure your mobile phone remains switched on and easily accessible when en route to the airport or during transit delays. This way, we can promptly reach you with any last-minute updates concerning your travel plans.

In consideration of others, we request that you switch off your mobile phone during walks or make an effort to limit its usage. Additionally, during group meals, please minimize the use of mobile devices. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone on the journey.

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