Autumn in the White Peaks & Dales - Peak District National Park - 4 Days

Join us for a 4-day Peak District escape exploring the softer, limestone landscapes of the White Peak, a land of peaceful riverside trails, dramatic valley walls, rolling green hills, and timeless stone villages.

This trip is all about variety, from the iconic beauty of Dovedale to the quiet charm of Wolfscote Dale, the sweeping moorland views above Eyam, and the gentle riverside paths of Youlgreave. November is a magical time to explore this area, with crisp autumn air, colourful foliage, and quieter trails.

We’ll be based at Ilam Hall YHA, perfectly placed for our walks, with comfortable rooms and social spaces to relax after a day outdoors. Evenings will be spent enjoying hearty food in local pubs.

Dates: Saturday 15 – Tuesday 18 November 2025
Base: Ilam Hall YHA, Peak District
Overall Grade: 3 / 5 – Moderate - Challenging with varied terrain Suitable for walkers with a reasonable fitness level. Includes some hill climbs and uneven ground.

Day 1 – Hartington, Wolfscote & Biggin Dale
9.6 km | 214 m ascent | ~3 hrs | Grade 2/5
We’ll meet in the picturesque village of Hartington before setting off along the clear waters of the River Dove. The path winds through the steep-sided limestone gorge of Wolfscote Dale, with its dramatic rock faces and peaceful atmosphere, before continuing into the quieter, more open Biggin Dale. A gentle introduction to the White Peak, giving us time to chat, take in the views, and settle into the weekend.

Day 2 – Eyam & Sir William Hill
15.2 km | 509 m ascent | ~5 hrs | Grade 3.5/5
Starting in the historic plague village of Eyam, this route combines fascinating history with big open landscapes. We’ll climb steadily to the moorlands around Sir William Hill, where sweeping views stretch across the Peak District, then follow ridge-top paths and gritstone edges. The return journey takes us through farmland and quiet lanes back to Eyam, where you can explore the village’s story.

Day 3 – Dovedale & Milldale from Ilam
16.9 km | 470 m ascent | ~5.5 hrs | Grade 3/5
A classic Peak District walk right from our doorstep. We’ll cross rolling fields to the iconic Dovedale stepping stones, then follow the River Dove through towering limestone cliffs, woodland, and open meadows. The route leads us to the picture-perfect hamlet of Milldale before looping back via higher ground for panoramic valley views. This is the White Peak at its most photogenic — perfect for capturing those autumn colours.

Day 4 – Youlgreave Circuit
10.5 km | 247 m ascent | ~3 hrs | Grade 2/5
Our final day’s walk is a gentle circuit through the beautiful Bradford Dale and surrounding countryside. The route follows a crystal-clear river past stone bridges and along grassy banks before climbing gradually to open fields edged by drystone walls. It’s a peaceful, relaxed way to finish the trip, with plenty of time for goodbyes before heading home.

Accommodation:
We’ll be staying at Ilam Hall YHA, a striking gothic-style building set within 84 acres of National Trust parkland. Our group will have exclusive use of cosy bunk rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom.

Comfort Grade: Level 3 – Group Accommodation
Simple, comfortable and sociable.
Expect shared bathrooms and relaxed common areas. Please note, the hostel will also have other guests during our stay.

Price: £265 P/P
50% Deposit to secure your space £132.50 (Plus Meetups Booking fee - OR pay by direct HERE

Balance due by 4th October 2025 Once your deposit is paid, we’ll send you an invoice for the final balance. You can either pay in one go or use Clearpay to split your final payment into 4 interest-free instalments over 6 weeks.

What’s Included?
✔ 3 nights accommodation in YHA Ilam.
✔ 4 fully guided walks with an experienced qualified guides
✔ Outdoor first aider present for all activities
✔ Detailed trip pack to help you prepare
✔ WhatsApp group for pre-trip chats and coordination
✔ Pre-trip Zoom call for any questions
✔ Adventure Women guide on hand throughout

What’s Not Included?
❌ Meals & Drinks – Bring your own food for breakfast & lunch. Evening meals will be at local pubs & restaurants, or you can cook in the accommodation.
❌ Transport – You’ll need your own transport to and from the hikes. Participants typically arrange car sharing amongst themselves.
❌ Personal hiking kit (boots, waterproofs, etc.)

💬 What Past Adventurers Say:

“Fabulous walks and company. I had a great time.”

“I had the most wonderful weekend – I hope to see everyone again on another walk one day. Enjoyed every moment.”

“A wonderful weekend of hiking. I loved our walks, feeling the wind in my hair, and being amazed at what nature has to offer. Loved our little chats and giggles too – I left feeling inspired.”

Come Solo or Bring a Friend - Most women come on their own — and always leave with new friends. This is a safe, supportive space where you’ll be welcomed just as you are.

Important Note:
By RSVPing "yes" to any event, you agree to the group's terms and conditions and payment policies. All payments are non-refundable, and any deposit and reserved spaces will be forfeited if the full balance is not paid on time.

Visit Adventure Women T&Cs:
https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs for more details.

You acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, and medical emergencies, serious injury and death and voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Min 8 people needed to run this trip. You will need to complete a waiver and provide a uk based emergency contact details before joining.

Note:
The itinerary and activities are subject to change for the overall safety of the group due to weather, group competence, or other circumstances.

About us:
Adventure Women is an outdoor pursuits club for women united by a shared passion of exploration and an unwavering spirit of adventure. We believe that the outdoors is a canvas for personal growth, camaraderie, and unforgettable experiences. We empower women to push boundaries, embrace the unknown, and create lasting memories in the great outdoors. Our community is a supportive network where women of all backgrounds can bond, learn, and thrive together. Join us to embark on journeys that inspire, uplift, and redefine what it means to be an adventure woman.