Organiser:  Richie
Where:  YHA Ilam Hall, Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 2AZ
When:  25-27 October 2019 (Fri-Sun)
Cost:  From £139.00 (includes 2 nights accommodation, YHA Supper Club Meal on Saturday evening and guided walks)

White Peaks Autumn View

Summary

For this weekend we will be visiting the Peak District National Park (White Peak), an ideal location for a late summer / autumn weekend away.

We have accommodation booked at YHA Ilam Hall – a 17th Century gothic manor which sits in 84 acres of National Trust parkland next to the river Manifold, with Dovedale just on its doorstep. The beautiful Youth Hostel is full of character and nestled near the church and quaint village of Ilam.

Illam Hall

It is only a 3-4 hour drive from West London, meaning a decent arrival time on Friday evening.  The hostel is ideally located for our planned hikes with all bed linen provided (just bring towel and toiletries).  There is a well-equipped self-catering Kitchen (fridges, freezer, oven, kettles, toasters, microwave, cutlery & crockery) a Dining area, Lounge, Games Room, Drying Room, Showers and Toilets.

If you need a car share transport option for this weekend, we can organise this for those who need it, details of this option will be announced nearer the time (please indicate this as a requirement when booking your ticket).  You are welcome to make your own way to the accommodation and the starting points, if you prefer.

Thor’s Cave

On Saturday after breakfast we start the Manifold walk (18km) from our accommodation.  This is an easy low level walk (3/10).  We initially follow the River Manifold walking west before joining the Manifold Way pathway and heading north up the Manifold Valley Trail.  We pass Thor’s Cave and head towards Wetton village before heading south above Castern Wood Nature Reserve before joining the River Manifold and tracking that back into Ilam.  The route provides stunning scenery and wonderful picture opportunities.

Thorpe Cloud and Bunster Hill

Once back at the accommodation, we will have showers before our evening meal (Ilam Hall Club Supper), but self-catering is also available for those who want this option.

Stepping Stones

On Sunday after breakfast, we start the beautiful Doveldale walk (14km) from the front door of our accommodation. This is an easy low level walk (3/10).  We initially head through Ilam village and track around Bunster Hill tracking through Dovedale National Nature Reserve.  We follow Dovedale Wood north, before heading down across the footbridge across the River Dove.  We follow the river south through Dove Dale and reach the Stepping Stones.  We then pass Thorpe Cloud and track back into Ilam.  Once back at the accommodation, we will depart back to London – you can expect to be back in London by about 7pm on Sunday evening.

Autumn Colours