Being well-known for its tarts and puddings, Bakewell is also a picturesque market town at the heart of the Peak District. We will spend the Spring Bank Holiday weekend here at the end of May - expect three or four days of walking, socialising and generally having a great time.
The weekend is completely flexible, so please feel free to join for whichever walks and meals you like.
Walks
Friday - 5pm
Evening Walk - Thornbridge and Ashford-in-Water (5.5 miles - Leisurely)
Meeting Point: Bakewell Bridge Car Park, Coombs Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AQ
From the centre of Bakewell we will head towards the Monsal trail. We will follow this disused railway line for about two miles and walk past Thornbridge Hall.
From there we will head down towards Ashford-in-Water, and follow the river Wye back to Bakewell eventually reaching Thornbridge Brewery where you can join the evening meal. Alternatively you can walk back to the centre of Bakewell less than a mile away.
Saturday - 10:30 am
Lathkill Dale, Cork Stone, and Nine Ladies Stone Circle (12 miles - Moderate)
Meeting Point: Bakewell Bridge Car Park, Coombs Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AQ
On this walk we will climb over a hill towards Over Haddon, and eventually reaching Lathkill dale. We will walk along the river enjoying the stunning views of the dale.
Another longer climb follows, up to the quaint village of Stanton-in-Peak where we should enjoy our nice lunch break and perhaps a refreshment at the local pub. The climb continues towards Cork Stone. On the way back down we will visit Nine Ladies Stone Circle dating from the Bronze Age! As we head back to Bakewell we will also be able to see Haddon Hall.
Sunday - 10:30 am
Edensor and Chatsworth House (12 miles - Moderate)
Meeting Point: Bakewell Bridge Car Park, Coombs Rd, Bakewell DE45 1AQ
We will head out of Bakewell and visit the village of Edensor, home to more than 50 listed buildings, and arguably one of the prettiest villages in England.
Not far ahead, we find the imposing Chatsworth estate. On this walk we will follow a route inside the estate and then walk along the River Derwent, eventually heading back to Bakewell.
Monday - 11 am
Chee Dale (5.5 miles - Moderate)
Meeting Point: Millers Dale Car Park, Wormhill, Buxton SK17 8SN
This walk starts from Millers Dale Car Park, a 15 minute drive away from Bakewell. If you are not driving, try to arrange a lift with another member.
We will say goodbye to the Peak District in style, doing a little more of the Monsal Trail and walking along Chee Dale.
It is a particularly dramatic gorge, that at one point is completely filled by the river, forcing us to go over stepping stones!
The length of the walk is deceptive, you should expect slippery paths, some steep climbs, and maybe even some scrambling.
Walk Leader: Tiago A
Social Meals
You might want to enjoy up to 3 dinners with the group.
Friday - 7pm
Thornbridge Brewery Taproom. Serving handmade pizzas and locally brewed beer straight from the source! (alcohol-free and soft drinks also available)
Saturday - 8pm
TBC
Sunday - 8pm
TBC
Booking
The weekend is exclusive to current (paid-up) members of Ramblers with Stag Walkers as home group.
Space is limited to 20 people and must be booked via Meetup.
Book your place by clicking the ‘Attend’ button and if the event is full, click ‘join waitlist’ and you will be added if a place becomes available.
Please book only if confident you can attend and remember to update your RSVP if you have to cancel.
Accommodation
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Bakewell and around, including camping, BnBs and Hotels.
Book your own accommodation or arrange to share with other members of the group.
Any questions?
If you've not been to a Stag Walkers weekend away before, they are a great chance to explore somewhere new and to spend some time socialising with other members of the group.
If you have any questions about the weekend, please post on the Meetup event page.
About the organisers
This event is hosted by Stag Walkers - we are a Ramblers group aimed mainly at people in their 20s and 30s but all are welcome and we have members of all ages. We run weekly walks, on Saturdays or Sundays, varying in length from around 5 to 15 miles, and we host regular social nights. Walks and socials generally take place across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and south Cambridgeshire.
For details of how to join Ramblers and how much it costs please see the website.