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Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.

Best Peak District walks for every kind of weather

May 1, 2025
May 1, 2025 - Best Peak District walks for every kind of weather
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Peak District walks that work whatever the forecast

An umbrella outside a cosy glamping pood on a rainy day in the Peak DistrictWe all know that British weather loves to keep us on our toes, especially at this time of year. Sunshine in the morning, a breeze by lunch, and a sudden downpour just as you’ve reached the top of the hill. But that’s all part of the charm - and around here, it’s never a reason to stay indoors!

With stunning countryside in every direction, Hoe Grange is the perfect base for a walking break - whatever the weather throws your way. Enjoy your adventures in the knowledge that you’ve got your cosy cabin or gorgeous glamping pod to retreat to when you get back, with a glass of wine or perhaps even a dip in the hot tub to soothe those achy muscles.

Here are our favourite Peak District walks that work in sun, cloud or drizzle, all within easy reach of the farm.

Cosy pub walks for rainy days

A damp day isn’t a lost day - it’s just an excuse to end your walk by the fire. These pub walks give you fresh air and countryside views, with the promise of a pint, a pie and a warm welcome at the end. And if the sun is shining? The perfect excuse to enjoy the beer garden instead!

Hoe Grange to Brassington – Old Gate Inn

A couple dining at the Gate Inn, Brassington, a romantic traditional countryside pub in the Peak District

Wander straight from your cabin door over rolling fields towards the ancient village of Brassington. Pause for a well-earned pint or local ale by the fire at the Old Gate Inn, where dogs are welcome and muddy boots are part of the décor. On a clear day, look out for glimpses of Carsington Water as you go.

Hoe Grange to Parwich – The Sycamore Inn

Sycamore Inn at Parwich - dog-friendly pub

This scenic route leads through gentle green fields and quiet lanes to the picture-postcard village of Parwich. The Sycamore Inn is a proper Peak District gem - friendly, traditional and with a menu worth walking for. Dogs and walkers are welcomed, and if you're here on horseback, it's a great ride too (there's even a hitching rail in the car park!).

Cake, coffee and countryside

A café stop can brighten even the greyest walk. These routes pair gentle walking with good coffee, sweet treats and somewhere to sit and warm up – or cool down with an ice cream! Perfect for days when you want to take it slow.

Carsington Water loop

A couple walking around the reservoir in the sunshine at Carsington Water

  • Distance: Up to 8 miles (with shorter loops available)
  • From Hoe Grange: 10-minute drive
  • Plan your route: Explore different options on the Carsington Water website

With surfaced paths, open views across the reservoir and bird hides dotted along the way, Carsington Water is a gentle favourite for mixed-weather days. The visitor centre café has plenty of indoor space, and there’s dog-friendly seating outside with water bowls provided. Bring your camera - it’s a great spot for wildlife too.

Cromford Mills to Scarthin Books

Restored 19th-century brick mill buildings in the sunshine at Cromford

Flat, firm and full of charm, the Cromford Canal is a gentle amble perfect for a damp afternoon. Start at Cromford Wharf, then wander along the towpath for a while. Turn back past old mills and mossy trees to Scarthin Books – our favourite ever bookshop, full of quirky nooks and crannies. The café inside is cosy, vegetarian, and just right for warming up.

Town trails with a weather-proof twist

When skies look uncertain, towns give you the freedom to walk, explore, and dip indoors whenever needed. These routes combine scenic trails with market town charm - galleries, shops and cafés never too far away.

Wirksworth market town loop

The quaint and charming market town of Wirksworth, with bunting hanging across the streets - perfect for a wet weather walk

Start in the town square, pop into the independent shops or grab a takeaway coffee, then climb the hill to the StarDisc - a modern stone circle with sweeping views and a bit of magic even on a cloudy day. Wind your way back via narrow lanes and finish with lunch at one of the many independent cafés or a pint at The Feather Star.

Ashbourne and Tissington Trail loop

Mock Tudor black and white building with a gingerbread shop on the ground floor, based in Ashbourne, Peak District

This loop combines peaceful countryside with the charm of Ashbourne’s Georgian streets. The Tissington Trail section is flat and firm, perfect for wet weather, and the town offers plenty of places to duck into if the heavens open - from tearooms to antique shops and even a vintage sweet shop. David's top tip is to stop off at the Gingerbread Shop (pictured) - they sell the most delicious caramel doughnuts!

Dry(ish) feet guaranteed

When the fields get muddy, you’ll want a path that stays firm underfoot. These trails are well-surfaced and weather-resilient, so you can enjoy the outdoors without sinking in the mud.

Looking for routes with accessibility in mind? Check out our Miles without Stiles guide for more firm trail ideas you can explore with confidence.

High Peak Trail from Hoe Grange

A sunny view of the High Peak Trail just above Hoe Grange Holidays

  • Distance: Variable - up to 17 miles (linear)
  • From Hoe Grange: Access from the door
  • Plan your route: Our favourite loop takes in Minninglow Neolithic burial ground too – get the route map or download the gpx file

Right on your doorstep, this former railway line offers a solid, stony surface that holds up well in all weathers. It’s ideal for walking, cycling or hiring one of our e-bikes. You’ll pass open fields, traditional lime kilns, old engine houses and the odd curious sheep - and it’s just as lovely on a moody grey day as in full sunshine.

Hassop to Monsal Head

A couple walking hand in hand down Monsal Trail, with an old railway tunnel visible behind them

One of the most iconic trails in the Peaks, and for good reason. Start at Hassop Station (with a café and bike hire) and head through old railway tunnels towards the dramatic viaduct at Monsal Head. Great for photos, even better for picnics, and the firm paths make it walkable all year round.

If you’re wet anyway…

If the weather’s soggy, why not lean into it? These walks end in beautiful wild swimming spots where you can take the plunge, rain or shine - just bring dry clothes for the walk home.

Youlgreave wild swim loop

wild swimming pool at River Bradford near Youlgreave in Derbyshire

Follow the River Bradford through a peaceful limestone dale, with gentle spots for a wild dip if you're feeling brave. Even on a grey day, the water is crystal clear, and there’s something joyful about giving in to the elements and going for it. Just bring towels and dry socks for the way back.

Three Shires Head & Panniers Pool

Three Shires Head where you can go wild swimming

A little further afield, but worth it. Walk across open moorland to where Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire meet - marked by a stone packhorse bridge and tumbling waterfalls. If you’re already soaked, why not wade into Panniers Pool? It’s a spot you won’t forget.

Time to pack the waterproofs?

The beauty of the Peak District is that it never really stops being beautiful - no matter what the weather is doing! With so many brilliant walks just beyond your door, plus hot showers and a warm welcome back at Hoe Grange Holidays, you don’t have to plan around the weather. Just lace up and go.

Book your walking break at Hoe Grange Holidays and explore the Peak District your way – rain or shine!

-Caroline


Image credits: Thanks to Visit Peak District & Derbyshire for the images of Carsington Water, Cromford Mills, Wirksworth, Ashbourne Gingerbread Shop and Monsal Trail

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019

    star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020
  • star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

    star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019
  • star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019
  • star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020
  • star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020
  • star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019
  • star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019

    star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019

    star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019
  • star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020

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