Skip to content
Skip to content

Ilam Park: Family Guided Walk: Geology, Archaeology and Landscape

Ever wondered about how this magnificent landscape was created? want to learn more about the people who first called it home, and how you can spot their marks on the landscape? This is the walk for your family!

  • Booking essential

This is an opportunity to explore the geology, archaeology and landscape in an area to the west of Ilam and enjoy the splendid views of Thorpe Cloud, Bunster Hill and Dove Dale. The walk is roughly five miles and roughly four and a half hours, with lots of stops where you'll discover fun and exciting facts about this ancient landscape!

This walk is packed with information, stunning views and hands on history for all the family to get involved in! Join us for a wonderful walk in the White Peak to see and understand the incredible landscape through a whole new lens.

Walk summary: Ilam Park Stable Yard meet 10am for briefing. Walk through Ilam Park, cross St Bertram’s Bridge, ascent towards Blore. Path around south Hazelton Clump to first site: Carboniferous limestone anticline & Lime Kiln in small quarry. North to Musden Low, a Bronze Age Tumulus. Views of other tumuli. Discuss origins, age, 19th-century finds. Gentle descent to Upper Musden, east views of Bunster Hill, Thorpe Cloud, Dove Dale. Ridge path views across Ilam Park to Bunster Hill & Thorpe Cloud. Near Musden Grange, vertical limestone outcrop (fault-deformed strata, scarp to River Manifold). Descend steep fault scarp to Manifold bridge, back to Ilam Park. Detour to small quarry: complex faulting. Another anticline by path returning to Ilam Tea Room.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

Ticket typeTicket category
Adult £5.00
Child (11+)£2.00

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Event suitable for adults and children over 11.

Meeting point

Meet in the stableyard, where you will also find directions our Manifold Tearoom and the toilets.

What to bring and wear

Wear sturdy shoes and come prepared for the weather, that might be sunhats or raincoats. Bring a snack or something to eat as the walk runs over lunchtime.

Accessibility

The route will go onto public footpaths and uphill.

Other

There is no admission charge for entry to Ilam Park and for our guided walks your car parking is included in the price of the ticket.

Contact info

White Peak Estate Office

Upcoming events

Ilam Park: YHA Kids Creative Nature Writing Drop in 

Drop in and get creative! Write a wonderful story about your adventures or the perfect nature poem.

Event summary

on
25 May 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00

Dovedale: May Half Term Nature Journaling 

Slow down and discover nature in Dovedale National Nature Reserve this May half term and capture it all in your own nature journal! We'll provide everything you need, just bring your imagination!

Event summary

on
26 May to 31 May 2026
at 10:30 to 14:30+ 5 other dates or times

Ilam Park: May Half Term Nature Creators! 

Escape into nature at Ilam Park this May half term and capture it all in your own Nature Journal! Sketch the stunning views, colour in wildflowers, and collect found treasures.

Event summary

on
26 May to 31 May 2026
at 10:30 to 14:30+ 5 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Meet the Moths Drop in 

Come along on the 29th May and meet some of the fluffy winged inhabitants of Ilam Park. Do you think all British moths are brown and boring? Think again!

Event summary

on
29 May 2026
at 10:30 to 14:30