PEAK PILGRIMAGE TRAIL 2026
Price range: £160.00 through £195.00
⛪ The Peak Pilgrimage – A Journey Through the Peaks
📅 Date: Friday 8th – Tuesday 12th May 2026
📍 Location: Ilam to Eyam, Peak District, Derbyshire
🥾 Distance: Approx. 35 miles over 3 walking days
⏱️ Time: 5–6 hours walking per day
About the Adventure
Join Julia for a soulful walking experience through the heart of the Peak District National Park, following the historic Peak Pilgrimage Trail from Ilam to Eyam. This unique route blends breathtaking landscapes, peaceful limestone dales, and stories of courage, faith, and community.
Starting in the tranquil village of Ilam, we’ll journey north through the dramatic beauty of Dovedale, the charm of Milldale, and the serenity of Wolfscote and Lathkill Dales, before finishing in the remarkable plague village of Eyam, a place of self-sacrifice and inspiration.
You’ll collect stickers at each church along the route, enjoy plenty of coffee and cake stops, and end each day back at our cosy base at YHA Hartington Hall, where the log fire and good company await.
Expect laughter, reflection, and some truly unforgettable scenery as you walk one of England’s most meaningful trails. 🌿✨
What’s Included
✅ Three days of guided walking led by Julia Doherty (fully qualified & insured)
✅ Transport each day back and forth from the trail.
✅ Pre-walk safety briefings & daily route briefings
✅ Access to training hikes
✅ Optional group dinners.
Good to Know
Grade: Moderate – expect hills, dale paths, and some rocky sections (nothing like the Dragon’s Back!).
Pace: Relaxed and social (with time to reflect & take photos)
🎯 If you’re seeking a meaningful adventure with beautiful scenery, good company, and a touch of spirituality, this three-day guided pilgrimage is for you.
A journey through limestone valleys, ancient churches, and timeless Peak District charm, the perfect escape for heart, body, and soul. 💫
🏞️ Overview & Itinerary
Embark on a meaningful journey through the heart of the Peak District National Park as you follow the historic Peak Pilgrimage Trail from Ilam to Eyam.
This fully guided, three-day walking adventure combines stunning landscapes, rich history, and the camaraderie of like-minded walkers. You’ll cross rivers on famous stepping stones, wander through peaceful limestone dales, and visit charming villages — all while collecting stickers from ancient churches along the route.
Your home for the trip is the beautiful YHA Hartington Hall, a 17th-century manor house filled with character. Our private minibus service makes logistics effortless, returning you to the hostel each evening for a hearty meal, laughter, and a good night’s sleep.
Day 1 – Friday 8 May 2026
🏡 Arrival in Hartington
Arrive at YHA Hartington Hall, settle in, and meet your guide and fellow walkers. Evening welcome briefing and optional group dinner.
Day 2 – Saturday 9 May 2026
🥾 Ilam → Hartington (12 miles)
Start your pilgrimage at Ilam Church before following the River Dove through Dovedale, crossing the famous stepping stones and continuing to Milldale for coffee and your next sticker stop. Climb to Alstonefield for lunch and a visit to St Peter’s Church, then wind through the tranquil Wolfscote Dale to finish in Hartington.
Day 3 – Sunday 10 May 2026
🌿 Hartington → Bakewell (12 miles)
Depart from St Giles’ Church in Hartington and join the Tissington Trail toward Monyash, stopping for coffee at The Old Smithy Café and to collect your next sticker. After lunch in Lathkill Dale, continue through Over Haddon to reach Bakewell — home of the famous pudding.
Day 4 – Monday 11 May 2026
⛪ Bakewell → Eyam (11 miles)
The final leg takes you through Ashford-in-the-Water, the Chatsworth Estate and pretty Edensor village, then on via Baslow and optional ridge views from Curbar Edge. Arrive in the historic “plague village” of Eyam, where your pilgrimage ends at St Lawrence’s Church.
Day 5 – Tuesday 12 May 2026
💬 Onward Travel & Farewell
Enjoy breakfast and an optional short walk before we say our goodbyes. Minibus transfers provided to onward connections.
✅ What’s Included
Everything you need for a seamless, supported, and memorable Peak Pilgrimage experience is taken care of.
From comfortable accommodation and friendly guidance to private minibus transfers — you just need to bring your boots, a smile, and a sense of adventure!
- ✅ Three full days of guided walking along the complete Peak Pilgrimage Trail (Ilam to Eyam)
- ✅ Private minibus transport for daily transfers along the route
- ✅ Fully qualified and insured guide (Julia Doherty) leading each stage
- ✅ Daily briefings, navigation support, and local stories shared along the route
- ✅ Regular café stops and opportunities for reflection
- ✅ Private WhatsApp group for trip updates, car shares, and connection with fellow walkers
- ✅ Pilgrimage book guidance – where to collect your church stickers along the way
- ✅ Pre-trip packing list and fitness preparation tips
❌ What’s Not Included
- ❌ Travel insurance (recommended)
- ❌ Accommodation (recommended)
- ❌ Travel to Hartington Hall (recommended)
- ❌ Lunches, dinners, and drinks (unless stated)
- ❌ Personal hiking kit and clothing
- ❌ Travel to and from the Northamptonshire pick-up point
We take care of all the details so you can simply walk, connect, and enjoy the journey.
🏡 Accommodation & Meals
There are a few options, but we will be starting each day at Hartington Hall YHA. Please book your accommodation as soon as we give the green light for this trip. Hartington Hall is a 17th-century manor house set in the heart of the Peak District.
It’s one of the most characterful hostels in the UK — complete with stone walls, cosy lounges, and a welcoming atmosphere after a full day of walking.
All rooms are modern and comfortable, with access to showers, communal areas, and a licensed restaurant and bar.
You can choose from shared rooms, or upgrade to a twin or private single room for extra comfort.
Our private minibus service makes life easy — you’ll return to the hostel each evening, where hot showers, hearty food, and good company await.
🍽️ Meals
Breakfast is each morning at YHA Hartington Hall, giving you a great start to your walking day.
Lunches are not included, as there are plenty of café and picnic opportunities along the route.
Your guide will let you know in advance where the best stops are each day.
Evening meals can be enjoyed at the hostel’s restaurant, or you can join the group at one of Hartington’s lovely pubs —
The Devonshire Arms or The Charles Cotton Hotel — both within walking distance.
Tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available at the hostel, and there’s a bar for anyone who fancies a local ale or a glass of wine to celebrate the day’s walk!
💬 Is This For Me?
You don’t need to be super-fit or a seasoned hiker to enjoy the Peak Pilgrimage — this trip is designed for anyone with a good general level of fitness who enjoys a steady pace, fresh air, and great company.
We’ll be walking around 10–12 miles each day, mainly on well-marked paths, bridleways, and country lanes.
There are some hills and uneven ground (it is the Peak District after all!), but plenty of breaks for photos, snacks, and café stops along the way.
If you can comfortably walk for 4–5 hours at a relaxed pace, you’ll be absolutely fine.
The focus isn’t on speed — it’s about enjoying the journey, connecting with others, and soaking up the scenery.
Our friendly guide will make sure no one is left behind, and the private minibus support means you can take a break or skip a section if you ever need to.
This is a social, inclusive, and supportive adventure — perfect for solo travellers, friends, or anyone looking for time out in nature with a lovely bunch of people.
🏕️ Grade & Pace
Grade: Moderate – some hills, occasional uneven terrain, and daily distances of up to 12 miles
Pace: Relaxed and social – regular stops for photos, snacks, and reflection
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