Dovedale on a walking weekend in the Peak District, the view from Ilam bunkhouse
A group of eight hikers standing on a wooden bridge in front of a large rock formation and green trees.
Group of seven people, wearing backpacks, standing on a wooden bridge in a lush green forest.
Dovedale on a walking weekend in the Peak District
Dovedale on a walking weekend in the Peak District
Dovedale on a walking weekend in the Peak District
Dovedale on a walking weekend in the Peak District
A scenic view of a landscaped garden with green grass, small trees, and stone pathways, surrounded by historic stone buildings, with hills and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
A scenic view of a river flowing through a green valley with grassy banks, trees, and hills covered in grass and sparse trees under a cloudy sky.

New Year's Eve Walking Holiday – Peak District

Start the New Year with purpose on a refreshing 4-night walking holiday in the Peak District's limestone valleys. Stay in a characterful National Trust bunkhouse at Ilam Park, exploring scenic Dovedale, historic Chatsworth parkland, and charming Bakewell with expert guides and a welcoming group of fellow adventurers. Enjoy hearty meals and a special New Year's Eve dinner in a cosy countryside setting – the perfect escape from crowded celebrations and commercial resolutions.

Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration: 4 nights
Accommodation: National Trust Bunkhouse
Group Size: Maximum 15
Level: Leisurely
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs only

What to Expect on Your New Year’s Eve Walking Holiday

  • Four nights away in a cosy countryside bunkhouse with a sociable group of walkers.

  • Leisurely walks exploring the valleys, riversides, and villages of the White Peak.

  • Time to explore Bakewell and enjoy a walk to Chatsworth’s parkland.

  • New Year’s Eve dinner with the group and a relaxed, social celebration.

  • All walks fully guided, with time to relax back at the accommodation each day.

 

A Sociable New Year in the Peak District

If you’re looking for a friendly and low-key way to see in the New Year, this relaxed Peak District break might be just the thing. You’ll stay for four nights in a cosy bunkhouse in Ilam Park, a National Trust estate with extensive grounds and great walking from the door.

Each day, we’ll head out on a guided walk, with the focus firmly on fresh air, good company and exploring the scenic limestone valleys and villages of the White Peak. One day includes time in Bakewell, and a route taking in the grounds of Chatsworth House. On New Year’s Eve itself, we’ll head out for a morning walk, then enjoy a celebratory meal back at base.

There’ll be plenty of tea, hearty food, and sociable evenings – a welcome break from the usual New Year crowds.

A group of walkers pose for the camera, they are in woodlands and enjoying a walking weekend

Suggested Itinerary - Peak District Walking Weekend

Please note: The itinerary may be amended depending on the weather or other circumstances. Some walks may involve a short drive – where this is needed, we encourage car sharing among participants.

  • You’re welcome to arrive from 17:00 onwards. You’ll meet your host and the rest of the group, settle into the accommodation, and enjoy a group evening meal. It’s all about switching off, making connections, and settling in for a sociable few days ahead.

  • We’ll walk straight from the door into one of the Peak District’s most iconic valleys – Dovedale. This leisurely circular route follows the river beneath limestone cliffs, past caves and woodland, with views of Thorpe Cloud. We’ll also enjoy quiet farmland tracks and views of the River Manifold as we loop back to Ilam. Dinner will be ready on our return.

  • After breakfast, we’ll head out on a circular walk from the nearby village of Wetton. This route takes us past Thor’s Cave and into parts of the Manifold Valley. We’ll aim to be back by mid-afternoon, giving everyone time to refresh and relax before the evening meal. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special dinner to mark New Year’s Eve in the company of new friends – expect a warm, sociable evening in a relaxed setting.

  • Today we’ll drive to Bakewell and explore the surrounding area. A route through woodlands and pasture leads to Chatsworth House’s grand parkland, where we can follow walking trails around the estate. There’ll be time for a stroll around Bakewell afterwards, and maybe a visit to one of the town’s tea shops or bakeries before heading back for dinner.

  • After breakfast and packing up, we’ll finish with a shorter walk – perhaps along the Tissington Trail or another local path to make the most of our final morning. We’ll aim to wrap up around midday. There’s usually time for one last coffee or lunch together before we all head off.

 

Essential Information

  • Meeting Time: from 5pm
    You can arrive any time from 5pm - the Large Outdoors host will be at the accommodation to welcome you. Dinner will be served around 8pm so if you intend to arrive later than this, please ensure you have something to eat on the way.

    Meeting Location:
    Ilam Bunkhouse
    Ilam Hall
    Ilam
    Ashbourne
    Derbyshire
    DE6 2AZ

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    Parking: Parking is just 70m from the bunkhouse, in the National Trust’s Ilam Park car park. The pay-and-display car park costs £5 for up to 4hrs/£7 for over 4hrs (CASH ONLY), but is free for National Trust Members (bring your Membership card).

    Please Note: On some days there could be a short drive required - where activities don’t start from the door of the accommodation. We don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish on the final day between 1pm and 3pm - the exact finish time may depend on the planned/chosen activity, group dynamic, weather conditions, whether the group chooses to grab a coffee or lunch together during/after, etc. If you’ve travelled via public transport, please ensure you book onward travel accordingly (i.e. an open return ticket), to allow for flexibility.

  • You’ll stay at the National Trust’s Ilam Bunkhouse. With epic limestone hills, winding rivers and ancient woodland surrounding it, this remote accommodation is ideally placed for exploring the Peak District.

    No bedding or towels are provided (the beds will have mattress protectors only) - please bring bedding/sleeping bag and pillow, as well as a towel and your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    Ilam Bunkhouse
    Ilam Hall
    Ilam
    Ashbourne
    Derbyshire
    DE6 2AZ

    Please note - there is NO mobile signal or Wi-FI in this venue.

    Room Types:
    You can book one of the following options, subject to availability:
    Bed in a Shared Female Room
    Bed in a Shared Male Room
    All rooms at this hostel are Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - usually with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared).

  • Included:

    • 4 nights’ accommodation in the National Trust’s Ilam Bunkhouse.

    • 4 days of guided walking in the southern Peak District.

    • Set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on all evenings.

    • A DIY breakfast each morning (toast, cereals, fruit and yoghurt provided).

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2, 3 & 4’s walk.

    • Teas (including decaf and herbal options), coffee (including decaf option), and soft drinks at the accommodation.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    • A Large Outdoors host/guide to welcome you, deal with meal preparation and the logistics for your experience.

    Not Included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel from the accommodation to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the door. On some days there could be a short drive required - we don't include transport and participants normally car share.

    • No bedding or towels are provided (the beds will have mattress protectors only) - please bring bedding/sleeping bag and pillow, as well as a towel and your own toiletries.

    • Any extra (i.e. not mentioned above in ‘Included’) excursions or activities that you may partake in which incur a cost.

    • Bottled water - tap water and squash are available at the accommodation, so please ensure you bring sufficient water bottles or carriers to fill up and take out with you.

    • Alcoholic drinks - please feel free to bring something with you to enjoy at the accommodation.

    • Any food, drinks or goods you choose to purchase at any shops, restaurant, pubs or cafés visited.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our Residential (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should have the items listed.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This trip is graded as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • I am currently on a specific diet / have an allergy - can you cater for me?
    Unfortunately, we are generally unable to cater for a wide variety of diets or food preferences due to the nature and cost of our catered trips and/or the use of shared kitchens. However, we can offer vegetarian, vegan, and/or provide meals with gluten free ingredients - these options can be selected when booking. Please see our general FAQs for more information about dietary options.

    • What transport is provided during this experience?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience. On some days there could be a short drive required to activity start points and back, where they don’t start from the accommodation - participants normally car share.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this trip, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog on an experience, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment/accommodation, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.