Peak District – White Peak Walking Weekend

Organiser – Gary Box
Where – Sheen Bunkhouse, Peakstones, Sheen, Derbyshire SK17 0ES
When – 23rd-25th November 2012 (Fri-Sun)
Cost – £69.00 (includes 2 nights accommodation and all guided walks)

Summary

The Peak District was the UK’s first ever National Park and being only 3 1/2 hours drive from London makes an ideal destination for a 2 night winter weekend escape from busy London life. Our last visit to The Peak District concentrated on the Dark Peak area so this time I decided we should visit the White Peak limestone part.

Our accommodation will be Sheen Bunkhouse which is a modern looking barn conversion that sleeps 14 people (one room of 8 and one room of 6). There is a self catering kitchen, toilets & showers and a large TV lounge. There are a number of busy towns close by including Buxton (8 miles), Leek (10 miles) and Bakewell (12 miles). On Saturday night we can either self cater at the accommodation or eat out at the local pub which is called The Staffordshire Knot Inn. The pub name might have some connection to the fact that the farmers of Sheen are well known as one of the countries best tug-of-war teams.

The planned walks are a couple of Peak District classics, both White Peak walks close to the accommodation. On Saturday we will drive to Meerbrook for the start of our 8 mile (13km) walk that will provide extensive views from The Roaches and Hen Cloud.  The Roaches are a popular area for walkers and climbers and it’s also well known as an area where wallaby sightings occur (but rarely).

On Sunday our walk will be just under 10 miles (15km) starting from Thorpe. With less ascent than Saturday’s walk we will visit Dovedale following the River Dove until we reach the pretty village of Milldale which is an ideal lunch stop. Our route back to Thorpe is via the Tissington Trail. This scenic walk will take about 4 1/2 hours to complete so you can expect to be back in London at 7pm at the absolute latest.

What to Bring

• Towel
• Toiletries
• Hiking boots and clothing
• Food for breakfasts and packed lunches