Peak District: Buxton Spa town, Rugged limestone valleys & sweeping dales walks

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.