Peak District Walking Break – Exploring from Buxton

Meeting Locations & Times

Hotel Name & Address:
Premier Inn Buxton
131 London Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9NW

Check-in: From 15:00 on arrival day
Welcome meeting: 18:00 in the hotel bar

Your Large Outdoors host will be at the hotel from 18:00 to welcome everyone, make introductions and run through the plans for the trip.

We'll organise an opportunity to eat together that evening, although evening meals are not included in the trip price.

If you're arriving earlier, Buxton is well worth exploring, with its historic Crescent, Pavilion Gardens, Opera House and independent shops and cafés.

Travelling by Train

Buxton railway station is served by regular trains from Manchester Piccadilly, with connections available from other parts of the UK.

This is a car-free friendly trip, so you're very welcome to leave the car at home.

Station Pickups

We offer a free courtesy collection from Buxton railway station at 17:30 on arrival day.

Please select the station collection option when making your booking so we know to expect you.

Travelling by Car & Parking

If you're driving, please head directly to the hotel using the address above.

Parking is available at the hotel, although charges may apply. Please check the current arrangements with the hotel before travelling.

Transport During the Trip

All transport required for our planned walking itinerary is provided by Large Outdoors, including journeys to and from Castleton, the Monsal Dale area and our final day's walking location.

Once you've arrived in Buxton, there's no need to use your own vehicle during the trip.

Departure & Return Travel

We aim to finish at approximately 15:00 on the final day.

For guests travelling by train, we'll provide a return drop-off at Buxton railway station at approximately 15:00.

We recommend booking a flexible return ticket where possible, as finishing times may vary slightly depending on the weather, walking conditions and traffic.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for three nights at:

Premier Inn Buxton
131 London Road
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9NW

Our hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the Peak District, with Buxton's historic town centre, shops, cafés and restaurants within easy reach.

Accommodation Type

We'll be staying in a comfortable hotel, with en-suite bedrooms and breakfast included each morning.

Rooms & Sleeping Arrangements

The following room options are available when booking:

• Single Occupancy: Your own private room with a double bed.

• Shared Female: Share a room with another female guest.

• Shared Male: Share a room with another male guest.

• Twin/Double: For two people booking together who wish to share a room.

Shared rooms are allocated on a same-sex basis. Depending on the hotel's room configuration, shared and twin rooms may contain two single beds or a double bed and a single bed.

Bathrooms, Bedding & Towels

Bathrooms: All bedrooms have private en-suite bathrooms.

Bedding: All bed linen is provided.

Towels: Towels are provided by the hotel, so there's no need to bring your own.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on all three mornings of the trip.

We'll enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for our walks.

Lunch

Lunches are not included in the trip price.

There'll be opportunities to purchase lunch or refreshments locally, although on some walking days you may need to bring a packed lunch with you.

Your guide will advise on the arrangements for each day.

Evening Meals

We'll organise opportunities for everyone to eat together each evening, either at the hotel or at a local pub or restaurant in Buxton.

Evening meals and drinks are not included in the trip price, so everyone can choose what they'd like and pay individually.

Joining the group for dinner is entirely optional, although it's a lovely opportunity to relax and get to know your fellow walkers after a day exploring the Peak District.

Accommodation & Meals

Included:

• 3 nights' hotel accommodation at Premier Inn Buxton

• Breakfast on all three mornings

• Bedding and towels

• Tea and coffee facilities in your hotel room

Not included:

• Lunches and snacks

• Evening meals and drinks

Guiding & Support

Included:

• Experienced Large Outdoors walking guide throughout the trip

• Three days of guided walking exploring the Peak District

• A friendly, sociable group experience

Transport & Transfers

Included:

• All transport to and from our planned walking locations

• Free pre-booked collection from Buxton railway station at 17:30 on arrival day

• Return transfer to Buxton railway station at approximately 15:00 on departure day

Not included:

• Travel to Buxton at the start of the trip

• Onward travel from Buxton at the end of the trip

• Hotel parking charges, if travelling by car

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not included:

• Personal travel or activity insurance

• Personal purchases and other expenses during the trip

• Any optional attraction entrance fees or activities not included in the planned itinerary

This trip is graded Leisurely.

We'll enjoy three days of walking at a comfortable, relaxed pace, with plenty of time for breaks, photographs, refreshments and taking in the scenery.

Although this is a Leisurely trip, some of our walks involve hills and sustained climbs, particularly around Mam Tor and Lose Hill. We'll take our time on these sections, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Our two full walking days cover approximately 8–10 miles, with a shorter walk of 4–6 miles on the final day.

Terrain

The Peak District offers a wonderful variety of landscapes, and we'll encounter a mixture of countryside paths, grassy hillsides, limestone tracks, rocky sections and riverside routes.

Our Castleton and Mam Tor walk includes some significant uphill and downhill sections, with uneven and occasionally steep ground.

Around Monsal Dale and Chee Dale, paths can be rocky, muddy and slippery, particularly after wet weather. Some riverside sections may also involve stepping stones, depending on the route and conditions.

Fitness & Experience

You don't need to be an experienced hillwalker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable spending several hours walking outdoors.

You'll need to be capable of walking up to 10 miles in a day, including uphill sections and uneven terrain.

We won't be walking at speed, and our guide will allow time for regular breaks and steady progress on climbs. However, you should feel confident tackling hills and managing longer days on your feet.

If you regularly enjoy countryside walks, including routes with some hills, this trip should be a good fit for you.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

• Comfortable walking boots or shoes with good grip and ankle support

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Comfortable walking trousers and suitable layers

• Warm fleece or jacket for cooler weather

• Walking socks and spare clothing

Daypack & Essentials

• Small daypack for your daily walks

• Reusable water bottle

• Packed lunch and snacks for each walking day

• Any personal medication

• Sun protection, including sunglasses and sun cream

• Personal first-aid items

Peak District Walking Conditions

The weather in the Peak District can change quickly, particularly on exposed hills such as Mam Tor and Lose Hill.

Some paths are steep, rocky or uneven, while sections around Chee Dale can be muddy and slippery after rain. We recommend bringing sturdy footwear with good grip and suitable waterproof clothing, even if the forecast looks favourable.

Walking poles are optional but may be helpful on climbs and descents.

Clothing for the Hotel & Evenings

Bring comfortable casual clothing and footwear for relaxing at the hotel, exploring Buxton and joining the group for evening meals.

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Can I join this walking break on my own?

Absolutely. Many of our guests travel on their own, and our small, sociable groups make it easy to meet new people and enjoy the experience together.

Do I need to be an experienced walker?

No. This trip is graded Leisurely, and we'll walk at a comfortable pace with regular breaks. However, some routes include sustained climbs and uneven terrain, particularly around Mam Tor and Lose Hill. You should be comfortable walking up to 10 miles in a day, including hills.

Are the walks suitable for beginners?

You don't need previous hillwalking experience, but this isn't a trip for someone completely new to countryside walking. A reasonable level of fitness and some experience of longer walks will help you enjoy the three days.

Can I travel without a car?

Yes. This is a car-free friendly trip, with a free pre-booked collection from Buxton railway station at 17:30 on arrival day. All transport to and from our walking locations is included, along with a return station drop-off at approximately 15:00 on departure day.

Are all three breakfasts included?

Yes. Breakfast is included at the hotel on all three mornings. Lunches, evening meals and drinks are paid for separately.

Will we eat together in the evenings?

Yes. We'll organise opportunities for the group to eat together at the hotel or in Buxton's pubs and restaurants. Joining us is optional, and everyone pays for their own meals and drinks.

Will we definitely visit Mam Tor and Chee Dale?

These are planned highlights of the trip. However, our guide may adjust routes depending on the weather, ground conditions and group safety. The stepping stones in Chee Dale, in particular, may not be suitable after heavy rainfall.

What happens if the weather is poor?

We aim to walk in most weather conditions, so suitable waterproof clothing is essential. If conditions make a planned route unsuitable, your guide will choose an appropriate alternative.