Central Peak District Self-Guided Walking Tour 2027

Check out the Discovery Point Library at the country house – stocked with maps, walks and local area information. 

For stays of 3 nights, you will have 2 days at your choice.

For stays of 4 nights, you will have 3 days at your choice.

For stays of 7 nights, you will have 6 days at your choice.

Accommodation: Lee Wood Hotel (B, L, D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home. (B)

These are a selection of longer walks on well-graded paths that allow you to discover local highlights and viewpoints. These routes are often further from the house but still offer walks that start and end on the doorstep of the property, plus options for guests travelling by public transport or car. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Buxton range from 4 to 7 miles and visit popular areas such as Mam Tor, Chatsworth, and the Dovedale Stepping Stones.

These walks are ideal for those with more stamina who can push themselves to go that extra mile. Some routes will start from the house, but some may require the use of a car. Public transport may not be possible for every route in this category due to remote locations. The walks you’ll find in our Discovery Point at Buxton range from 7 to 12 miles and visit popular areas such as The Roaches, Tissington Trail, and the Derwent Valley.

Closer to home, Buxton itself is rich in history. As England’s highest market spa town at 1,000 feet above sea level, there’s more to this place than water. The town’s spa heritage and leafy parks make it an ideal place to relax after a day in the hills. Stroll around the elegant Georgian Crescent, explore the beautiful Pavilion Gardens, or visit the historic Opera House to catch a show in an authentic Edwardian theatre. From musicals and stand-up comedy to operatic performances, including the world-famous International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival every August, it’s one of the Midlands’ prime entertainment venues. Poole’s Cavern is also well worth a visit – a two-million-year-old natural limestone cave. 

The surrounding countryside is dotted with picturesque villages, each with its own charm. Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, this magnificent 17th century mansion is set in over 1,000 acres of stunning parkland and formal gardens. Inside, there are over 30 rooms to explore, including the State Rooms, Sculpture Gallery, and Painted Hall. Castleton, located at the head of the Hope Valley, is known for its caves: Peak Cavern, Blue John Cavern, Speedwell Cavern, and Treak Cliff Cavern – and historic Peveril Castle, while Bakewell offers riverside walks and its famous pudding. Closer to Buxton, villages like Tideswell – home to the impressive “Cathedral of the Peak” – provide welcoming pubs, local history, and a slower pace of life. Haddon Hall, overlooking the River Wye, is a fairytale-like manor house with its fortified exterior dates from the 12th century. Every part of the property is steeped in history, but the banqueting hall, chapel, and kitchens are particularly worth exploring.

Part of the UNESCO-listed Derwent Valley Mills, the world’s first water-powered cotton spinning mill developed by Richard Arkwright in 1771 is known as the birthplace of the modern factory system. The mill museum and visitor centre are both worth visiting.

The limestone valley of Dovedale steals the limelight as one of the best-loved – and most visited – beauty spots in the Peak District National Park. Don’t miss the famous stepping stones located about half a mile from the car park (check the National Trust website for news of Stepping Stones opening/access due to repairs).

Enjoy traffic-free walking and cycling along the Monsal Trail, following a former railway line through tunnels and across viaducts with spectacular views. For a nostalgic day out, the Peak Rail heritage railway offers a leisurely journey through the Derwent Valley, while the surrounding area is crisscrossed with gentle routes perfect for guided and self-guided exploration. Crich Tramway Village – a recreated Edwardian-style village and home to the National Tramway Museum is located near the village of Crich. Highlights include the woodland walk, sculpture trail, and collection of over 60 trams built between 1873 and 1982.