Chiltern Walks: guided walks and holidays

A long weekend in the Mendips, we will be staying in the Wookey Hole hotel right next to the Wookey Hole caves. This is located in-between Cheddar and the historic cathedral city of Wells, allowing is to explore both after the walks.

Meals

No meals are included but breakfast can be bought at the hotel and I will arrange group restaurant bookings in the evening in Wells and Cheddar.

Itinerary:

Saturday: arrive for Stonehenge walk at 11am. After the walk we continue the journey of approximately an hour and a half onto our accommodation for check in at 4pm and I'll arrange a booking for a group evening meal for those that wish for approx 7pm.

Sunday & Monday: the walks, see below

Monday: Check out by 10am and head out to do the walk before heading home.

The walks:

All the walks require you to drive the short distance to the start point and the drive is a good way to see some of the surrounding area.

Stonehenge: 8 miles (4 hours)
The highlight of this walk is the sudden view of Stonehenge ahead, dominating the skyline of Salisbury Plains and approached on foot across the downs, where its location can be fully appreciated.

Cheddar Gorge: 5 miles (3 hours)
At almost 400ft (122m) deep and 3 miles (4.8km) long, this is England’s largest gorge, and with its weathered crags and pinnacles, one of our most spectacular natural sights. The walk is a circular 4 mile walk taking in the breathtaking views of Cheddar Gorge after the walk you can explore Cheddar town or the Cheddar caves.

Wells, Ebbor Gorge and Wookey Hole: 6.5 miles (3 hours)
Two of the major characteristics of the Mendip landscape: caves and a gorge, are featured on this walk. Much of the route follows the West Mendip Way and the views from the higher points are superb. There is plenty of climbing but the views of Wells Cathedral on the final stretch make it well worth the effort.

Payment
The holiday is 2 nights for £295 and includes sole occupancy of double ensuite room, (no meals are included) and the 3 walks. If you wish to share a twin room please message me and I'll check prices for you.

A deposit payment of £100 deposit is required when signing up for the trip, with the balance due 28th February. If you cancel the deposit is none refundable and a cancellation less than 7 days of the trip all payments are none refundable so please ensure you have travel insurance in case you are unable to make the trip.

Please make all payment by bank transfer:

Name: David Jackson

Sort code: 070116

Account number: 11883226

Legal Disclaimer Please read the Legal disclaimer

By participating in any walk led by Chiltern Walks I understand that I am responsible for my own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. I agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen on the walk.

This is a lovely walk from Lane End through beautiful Chiltern woodland and fields and has the bonus of visiting the pretty village of Fingest.

Approx 5.5 miles (ascent 600ft) - 3 hours.

The charge for the walk is £10 and only refundable if the walk is cancelled.

Payment details are by either bank transfer:

Name: David Jackson
Sort code: 070116
Account number: 11883226

Or by using the bank transfer mobile app paym using my mobile number:
07754914851.

Please include your name in the payment reference.

Midweek holiday of walking and socialising in the beautiful Peak District.
We will be staying in Buxton surrounded by the Peak District National Park, the spa town of Buxton boasts some stunning scenery, magnificent architecture, a thriving arts scene and plenty of shops. Known widely for its spa water, Buxton is home to a geothermal spring which rises from the ground at a constant 28°C. Some of the water from the spring is directed to St Anne's Well (in the centre of town), this pours freely around the clock.

Accommodation
The Queen’s Head Hotel offers rooms in a converted stable block, situated at the rear of the premises.

Itinerary: All the walks require you to drive to the start point, but they are all under 30 minutes drive and the drive is a good way to see some of the surrounding area.

The walks
Monday noon before checking in at the hotel, after the walk we will head on to the hotel and check in.

Three dales: Biggin, Beresford and Wolfscote dales
After its wide valley north of Hartington, the River Dove flows through the narrow and steep-sided Beresford and Wolfscote dales before reaching Dovedale proper. Without doubt this is a superlatively beautiful walk starting in Hartington one of the loveliest Peak District villages and has outstanding sweeping views from the higher points and some long stretches of glorious riverside walking through the dales themselves.
Approx 6 miles/3 hours

Tuesday-Thursday
Edale and Jacob's Ladder:
This walk starts from the hamlet of Edale and rises, gently at first, up the spectacular valley of Grindsbrook Clough before becoming almost a scramble to emerge onto the southern flank of the remote Kinder Scout plateau above the Vale of Edale. There are some splendid views and a sense of wilderness as the next stage skirts the head of the dale, passing some fantastically shaped gritstone boulders. After descending Jacob's Ladder there is an easy final stretch across the valley fields.
(Approx 8 miles/5 hours - incl lunch stop)

Five Dales walk
Each of the attractive five dales in this walk have their own distinctive character. As the walk predominantly follows the dales, the going is relatively easy with just a couple of sharp climbs. The section of the walk along the banks of the Wye through the adjacent Water-cum-Jolly and Miller's dales is outstandingly beautiful.
Approx 6.5 miles/3.5 hours

Ashford in the Water and Monsal Dale: This superb woodland and riverside walk through Monsal Dale links an idyllic village to one of the finest viewpoints in the Peak District. The two ascents involved are not overly steep, making this an easy and most enjoyable ramble.
Approx 6 miles (3 hours)

Friday 10am check out

The holiday is 4 nights (bed only - breakfast is available separately) for £475 and includes sole occupancy of a double room including all 4 walks, a discount can be had if you book for 2 people and wish to share the room, please contact me for details.

For dinner you can either make your own arrangements or asked to be included on the group booking at one of the restaurants in Buxton.

Payment
A non refundable deposit of £100 is required to secure your place, with the balance due 31st May 2026.

Please make all payment by bank transfer:
Name: David Jackson
Sort code: 070116
Account number: 11883226

Legal Disclaimer
By participating in any walk led by Chiltern Walks I understand that I am responsible for my own preparedness and well-being and will hold no one else liable in case of injury or mishap. I agree not to hold the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, or any other members responsible for any injuries, mishaps, or any other situation that may happen on the walk.