Peak District Walking Weekend - Eyam

Enjoy an social mini break by joining a friendly group of walkers for a weekend of guided walks in the superb surroundings of Derbyshire’s Peak District. 


Experience Type: Multi-Day Experience
Duration:
2 nights
Accommodation: Hostel
Group Size: Maximum 28
Level: Leisurely & Active (subject to participant numbers)
Age: 18+
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

In a Nutshell:

  • Stay in a Victorian folly in the historic village of Eyam. 

  • Enjoy the sociable side of mixing with a group of fellow walkers, whilst your Large Outdoors guide takes care of route planning and navigation. 

  • A weekend of good company, fresh air, great views and time to relax.

  • Discover the delights of Derbyshire’s Peak District. 


 

How do we grade our walks?

A weekend getaway in the Peak District filled with walking, exploring and a lovely sociable vibe. 

For this weekend’s stay we have exclusive occupation of a YHA hostel which was once a Victorian folly and resembles a turreted castle perched on a hillside in Eyam (pronounced ‘eem’) in the Hope Valley. 

Back in the 17th Century, Eyam was dubbed the ‘plague village’ because its residents isolated themselves from surrounding communities to stem the progress of the Black Death. Needless to say, today the village has a much cheerier presence but the history is worth seeking out during our weekend here. 

So what to expect? Well on both the Friday and Saturday nights we provide evening meals enabling the members of the group to simply relax, get to know one another and enjoy mingling. Then on both Saturday and Sunday we have experienced Large Outdoors guides leading walks with varying levels of activity and length of route depending on whether you would prefer a leisurely wander or more active day out (subject to participant numbers).

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

Feel free to arrive any time after 5pm when our Large Outdoors host will be serving cups of tea, making introductions and generally helping people settle in. 

Once the conversations are in full flow, we then turn our attention to cooking the evening meal which we serve around 8pm. When we’re round the table we outline the walking plans we have for the next two days. 

Day 2

We’ll have breakfast and then make our packed lunch, pack our bags and get our kit together for the day’s walk. The Large Outdoors guides will choose different route options, a leisurely wander and more active walk (subject to participant numbers), taking account of the day’s weather forecast.  

From the hostel there are plenty of routes to take: everything from a wander along ancient paths between Eyam and another historical village Stoney Middleton; to riverside trails beside the River Derwent following part of the Derwentwater Valley Heritage Way. There are also the fabulous and dramatic landmarks of Froggatt and Curbar Edge and the moody Eyam Moor which provide excellent walking terrain. 

Once back at the hostel, there should be plenty of time to relax - whether that’s chattering to others in the lounge, having a stroll through Eyam to discover more about its history or popping into the local pub or tea room. In the evening we serve another home-cooked dinner for the group to enjoy.

Day 3 

Today, after breakfast, we pack up our belongings and check out of the hostel, before venturing out for another walk. 

Again, there will be walk options available (subject to participant numbers). Routes may include a wander through the Longshaw Estate where gritstone edges, heathland and the sight of red deer all make for a variety-packed day; or we may drive a short distance to stroll through the grand surroundings of the impressive Chatsworth House. 

There’s then one last chance for the group to meet up and have a final lunch or grab a cuppa together if desired, before we go our various ways and head home. 

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.

Peak District Adventures 

Explore the beauty of the Peak District National Park with Large Outdoors! This adventure is one of the many captivating walking experiences we offer in this stunning landscape.

Good to Know

  • 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:
    YHA Eyam
    Hawkhill Road
    Eyam
    Hope Valley
    S32 5QP

    Parking: There is parking available at the hostel. This is located as you turn off the road - there’s a steep tarmac driveway from the car park up to the hostel, approx. 50m walk.

    Public Transport: YHA Eyam is located 3.5 miles from Grindleford Train Station, with services to/from Sheffield and Manchester Piccadilly.

    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.

  • Our base for this walking experience is the YHA’s hostel at Eyam. The building is a Victorian folly resembling a tiny turreted castle, perched on the hillside above the historic village.

    Bedding is provided - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    Accommodation Address:
    YHA Eyam
    Hawkhill Road
    Eyam
    Hope Valley
    S32 5QP

    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
    Twin Room (bunk beds)

    At this hostel there are primarily Shared Rooms, where you’ll be sharing a dorm room - with bunk beds - with other participants (room sizes vary and bathrooms are shared). There are also some Twin Rooms - with bunk beds - which sleep up to two participants booking together (bathrooms are shared with other rooms).

  • Included:

    • 2 nights’ accommodation at YHA Eyam hostel.

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

    • Guided walks on two days (Day 2 and Day 3) in the Peak District.

    • Home-cooked set 2-course dinners at the accommodation on both evenings.

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

    • A DIY packed lunch (sandwich and snacks) for Day 2’s walk. Please ensure you bring a lunch box or dry bag - to reduce waste, we do not supply cling film or sandwich bags.

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

    • Bedding - but please bring a towel and don’t forget your own toiletries.

    • 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.

    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.

    • 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 and Active (subject to participant numbers), as we will definitely offer a Leisurely walk and, subject to participant numbers, will also offer an Active route option(s). 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.

 

 Book your Peak District Walking Weekend - Eyam


 

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