Winter wanders in the White Peak

Ilam Park - 'a very good place to start'

Ilam Park makes for an ideal base to start any walk in the surrounding areas and gives visitors the opportunity to pop in to our shop to ask our friendly staff for any walking advice and pick up any maps to enhance your adventures. For families, school groups and friends that want more of a challenge, we also have a permanent orienteering course in Ilam park. The map is also available to buy at the shop which is open daily. The course inlcudes steps, uneven slopes and passes through areas with livestock so please keep all dogs on leads to prevent any disturbance to them and other wildlife.

Families with younger children can pick up a free '50 Things' wallchart from the shop or visitor centre at Ilam Park and see how many activities you can complete on your walk in the White Peak.

If you enjoy walking with others then join us on a Monday or Friday morning for a free walk in the limestone hills. A team of friendly volunteers will take you on a 2hr or 3hr walk, starting at 11:00am in the stableyard at Ilam Park. Dogs on leads are welcome to join in too.

After a refreshing winter wander around the beautiful countryside, warm up and relax in the Manifold Tea-room at Ilam Park with a comforting brew, seasonal lunchtime dishes and if you have room, a hearty slice of cake.

For anyone wanting to plan a winter getaway filled with scenic walks, wildlife spotting and to create new traditions, then find out more about our cosy bunkhouse in the stableblock at Ilam Park, as well as the large family friendly YHA Youth Hostel in Ilam Hall.

Peace in the limestone hills

Make time for peaceful walks through the historic limestone hills of the White Peak, during the winter season. Discover far reaching views towards Thorpe Cloud, across the Manifold Valley and peaceful strolls by the River Manifold. Look out for robins and other woodland birds, dippers on the River Manifold and River Dove and listen for owls swooping overhead.

When exploring Dovedale we encourage visitors to remember that this popular spot is a National Nature Reserve that is a special place for wildlife and is rich in historic woodland. Walkers can look out for the limestone pinnacles and caves along the 3 mile route between the famous stepping stones and Milldale. Many visitors choose to start walking from Ilam Park, across the fields to Dovedale, then along the riverside to Milldale. View the suggested route here.