Peak District walk: Intro to the White Peak (Ilam Hall > Dove Dale > Thorpe)
Details
📍 Meeting Location & Time
- Meeting Location: Ilam Hall, Ilam, Ashbourne DE6 2AZ
- Meeting Time: 9:20 AM
- Start Time: 09:30 AM
🥾 Walk Overview
- Distance: ~11 miles (17.5 km)
- Elevation Gain: ~1794 ft (546 mt)
- Duration: around ~6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Route Type: Circular
- Walk Leaders: Matt & Lisa
🐇🐢 Pace & Fitness Requirements
This is a medium sized walk intended for those in good physical condition. We won't be stomping as fast as we can go, but neither will we be dragging our feet. The walk is not physically demanding, but given that we will be walking along the River Dove, good study waterproof footwear is advised. Expect mud given it's February!
⛰️ Route Highlights
- Ilam Hall
- Hall Dale
- Dove Dale
- Thorpe
- Blore
📲 Route Links
🚆 Public Transport
Unfortunately there is no public transport, due to the remote start, so car sharing is the only option.
🅿️ Car Parking
We will meet at the National Trust car park. Parking is free for National Trust members; otherwise, the fee is £8 for up to 4 hours.
🌦️ Weather & Clothing
The weather on the hills can be highly variable, windy, and cold— even during the summer months.
Please wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good grip to handle muddy and slippery terrain. Avoid flat trainers or jeans.
Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions:
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers
- Waterproof outer layers
Useful links for weather forecasts:
🎒 What to Bring
- Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip (no flat trainers)
- Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (avoid jeans)
- Sufficient food and water for the entire day
- Waterproof jacket and warm layers
- Gloves and woolly hat
- A comfortable backpack
- Optional: hiking poles, sunglasses, hat, camera, power bank, phone (or watch) with the route downloaded
🐶 Dogs
Fit and friendly dogs are welcome! Please keep them on a lead near livestock.
📢 Notes
- The route has been planned by Matt and not pre-walked, so expect possible muddy or slippery sections.
- This event may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsafe. Updates will be posted in the comments, so please enable email notifications for any changes.
📌 Bookings
- Please only book if you genuinely intend to attend.
- If you reserve a spot but can no longer make it, please cancel your booking or let the organiser know. It only takes a moment to update your booking, and it really helps everyone: the organiser, the walk leader, and your fellow attendees.
⛑️ Disclaimer
You are fully responsible for your own safety, health, fitness, and equipment. The group has no insurance — by RSVPing, you agree to these terms.
📬 Questions?
Feel free to comment below or message the organiser privately.