Ultimate Dark Peaks: February 7th-10th
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£120.00
The Dark Peak's Most Iconic Walks
The Edale Skyline is the Ultimate Peak District vantage point. Admire the beautiful Edale and Hope Valleys, while traversing some of the Peak Districts most iconic summits and beautiful terrain from both the epic Great Ridge on the Friday and the iconic Kinder Scout range on the Saturday.
On the Sunday we climb to up to take in the famous elevated views from Bamford Edge and take in Win Hill. We finish by exploring the tranquil banks of the stunning Ladybower Reservoir, passing the impressive Derwent Dam and the captivating giant plug holes.
The trip culminates with more exploring of the majestic Chatsworth Estate on the Monday before returning home.
For this weekend adventure, we have chosen 4 of our absolutely favourite Dark Peak gem for 4 amazing days out! If you haven't seen this list before, you simply must come and discover.
Each hike can be booked separately. Please see individual event pages.
Mam Tor & The Great Ridge
Friday
We set off behind the ruins of Peveril Castle, head through the impressive ravine that is Cave Dale. Then follow the Pennine Way as we round the horseshoe towards the iron age settlement and summit of Mam Tor (517m). We follow the entire length of the famous Great Ridge as we traverse Back Tor, Lose Hill (476m) and Win Hill (462m) with jaw dropping views of the stunning National Park below us on either side.
The Details
Total Ascent: 858m; 2815ft
Kinder Scout & Jacob's Ladder
Saturday
From Edale in the beautiful Hope Valley, we take on a tough climb to reach the plateau of Kinder Scout, famed for the historic mass trespass that lead the way to today's public rights of way and access to so many beautiful parts of the UK.
The Details
Total Ascent: 858m; 2815ft
Bamford Edge & Win Hill
Sunday
A Bamford Edge walk is an absolute must to see one of the best Peak District National Park spots. A stunning rock format that is one of the Peak District’s best natural beauty spots. It runs for over 1 km along the southwestern edge of Bamford Moor, with incredible photo spots worthy of a visit at any time.
We start with a short climb at the start. It doesn’t take long to get to the top of Bamford Edge, where the views are more than worth it, making it one of the most photographed spots in the whole Peak District.
After descending from Bamford, we head to the other side of the reservoir to discover the charm of Win Hill, a beautiful hill nestled around some of the most iconic Peak District spots, known for its steep ascents, panoramic views, and a historic battle from long ago.
Finally we make our way back to the start by crossing the incredible Ladybower Dam, while taking in the awesome sight of the gigantic plug holes. This is one day when plenty of rain gives us the best views of a incredible man-made features in full flow.
The Details
Chatsworth Estate Hike
Monday
No trip to the Peaks is complete without visiting one of Britain's most loved countryside estates. On our final day of this trip we take in a wonderous stroll around the grounds of the spectacular Chatsworth Estate. The main house being a Grade I listed property from the 17th century, that has been chosen several times as Britain's favourite country house.
The estate's land covers over 1,000 acres extensive parkland, glorious woodland and rugged moorland. All of this is open to the public free of charge, except for the Old Park in the south-east, home to herds of Red and Fallow Deer, which also roam freely across the parkland. The 11th Duke, who died in 2004 was an enlightened champion of open access, before whom much of the estate had been restricted.
Our walk starts from the neighbouring village of Baslow, entering the gate next to the Old Park and heading up past the house. We track the River Derwent and climb up in to the hills at Carlton Lees and back via the estate's Edensor Village, with it rich history and fascinating architecture.
We have a close encounter with the house, before heading up through Stand Wood. This takes us above Chatsworth to find the Emperor and Swiss Lakes and the Ring Pond. These man made water features feed the Aqueduct, the Cascades and the Fountain. Our final part of the walk provides a fantastic skyline view above the park, before we descend and return to Baslow.
The Details
Selecting Accommodation:
Accommodation is available to book in shared houses with other members of the group and can be booked by selecting from the drop down menu near the top of this page.
You can book walks without any accommodation; book walks with your own single occupancy room; book walks with a room that you share with a partner friend or another member of the group. Booking a shared room relies on another person also making exactly the same booking in order that you have a roommate. Please let us know if you do have a particular person you would like to share with.
As the houses are reserved for the duration of our stay, it is unlikely we can accommodate anyone wanting to pay for a shorter period (might be worth checking with us by email/message). However, if you would prefer, please feel free to book your own accommodation and join us for the walks you would like to by selecting each one and adding them to your cart from the the drop-down menu.
The accommodation is self-catered, so no breakfast or other meals are included. However we hope everyone will join the group for dinner on at least one evening.
IMPORTANT INFO:
- A WHATSAPP group will be created to share info and photos on the day. In signing up to the event you are agreeing to be added to this group, which will contain other participants. This is necessary so that details can be shared in the run up to the event, including last minute changes, reminders or cancellations.
- Charity involvement: many of our walks are being run in partnership with charities. As such, sign up information is shared with the charity involved for the purpose of running the event and communicating its purpose, which is to help raise awareness and funds for the charity. By signing up, you are agreeing to receive information from Get Outdoors and the charity.
- Booking Terms & Conditions (Including cancellation policy): are found here. PLEASE READ BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING.
- Kit: Packed lunches, walking boots, multiple layers and waterproofs (including trousers!) are essential. The weather could be very cold and wet. Please visit our recommended kit list.
- While on the walk: we ask you to remain with the group and following instructions from Get Outdoors leader(s), who have the final decision in all instances.
- Parking Charges: may apply. Good idea to bring cash/change.
- Problems: on the day call Chris: 07885157903
- Dogs: are welcome on the walks, but are entirely the owner's responsibility, must have a lead and be under close control at all times. Please check your accommodation's policy.
- Livestock: If encountered do not walk too close or get between a cow and calf. If threatened, let go of your dog so it can escape and reduce the risk to yourself.
- Public rights of way: please keep to them and respect the landowner’s property at all times.
- Stiles: are often present on the route to negotiate on this type of walk.
- Countryside walking: can often include hills and uneven terrain. Our group ethos is to support everyone in group to achieve their maximum potential in terms of completing the route. As such, we endeavour to walk at a pace all participants are comfortable with. We apologise if this causes any frustration to fitter walkers.
- Health: please consult your doctor if you are at all worried about your fitness and ability to take part. Please inform the walk leaders, Get Outdoors, of any underlying health conditions that may affect your walking ability before signing.
Health & Safety Application Form:
If you have not already (or if circumstances have changed), please complete the participant health & safety form at this link, so we know how best to look after you.
Kit List:
Please review the Kit List below to help you decide what you need for your adventure. The walk will go ahead even in strong wind/rain and only cancelled if conditions become what we consider too dangerous. Therefore, it is essential to be properly equipped! Tried and tested clothing only - don't want to find out something rubs once you've started the challenge and it's too late to change!
- Rucksack - min 25 litres with cover.
- Walking boots; broken in; NO trainers
- Double layer walking socks.
- Waterproof jacket & trousers.
- Base layer top – breathable.
- Warm fleece and spare fleece.
- Walking trousers - NO jeans!
- Multiple thin tops allowing temperature changes.
- Post-challenge clothes.
- 3 litres of fluid per peak.
- Basic First Aid kit & Sun cream.
- Warm gloves, hat/balaclava.
- Head torch with spare batteries.
- Whistle for sounding the alarm.
- Toiletries, towel.
- Mobile phone & waterproof case
- FULL LIST HERE
We only regret opportunities we don't take!
General Fitness:
We have lots of other walks coming up that are great for training. They also provide an opportunity to ask questions about your upcoming challenge and meet other members of the team. So please browse our website www.getoutdoorsuk.org and come join us soon! We're adding new dates all the time. Taking part in build up events is also a great excuse to push your fundraising page if you are supporting a charity and update supporters about your journey via social media.
If you aren't able to join us for a walk, then great places to train with decent inclines include: The Lake District with 214 Wainwrights; Snowdonia; The Dark Peak District with Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Kinder Scout; the Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains with Pen y Fan and Sugar Loaf Mountains. There's also the Malvern Hills, Chiltern Hills and Cotswolds, which have lots of hilly walks. There may be other hilly areas near you.
The level of training needed depends totally on where you're starting from. Completion is dependent on a mixture of fitness, stamina and determination.
As a rough guide we recommend vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for as long as possible prior to an event. Walk briskly on the hilliest routes you can find, such that you are regularly out of breath. Improve your stamina by including a long weekly walk, building up to 15 miles or more. Improve your cardio by walking your shorter walks as fast as you can.
Jogging uphill is a really good way to replicate the cardiovascular strain needed for ascents.
Strength and condition exercise, such as weight training or Pilates are beneficial for working on your leg power and core strength.
Finally and most importantly, make sure you take it easy during the last week running up to the event. It takes more than 7 days for muscles to recover, rebuild and benefit from any exercise you do. All top athletes do it - 'Tapering off' is your opportunity to exercise lightly and make sure you do not arrive with a build up of lactic acid in your legs that WILL slow you down during the challenge.
Future Walk Info:
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Join us for a hike in beautiful places like the Brecon Beacons, Cotswolds, Malverns, Chilterns, Peak District, Oxford...
Perfect way to start your training for a challenge like the 3 Peaks or simply to get out into the countryside, while being sociable.
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