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
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £5.00 |
| Child (11+) | £2.00 |
The basics
- Booking number
Call 0344 249 1895
- Accessibility
The route will go onto public footpaths and uphill.
- Meeting point
Meet in the stableyard, where you will also find directions our Manifold Tearoom and the toilets.
- Suitability for children
Event suitable for adults and children over 11.
- 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.
- 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.
Upcoming events
Ilam Park: Little Explorers Club
Step into the countryside with your little one at Ilam Park’s free monthly preschool nature club. Each session is set in the Coach House, with gentle adventures into nature, hands‑on seasonal crafts, and cosy story time.
Ilam Park: 2026 Guided Walks: Map Reading for Beginners
Join us for the day and learn a skill that has been used to travel the world for thousands of years!
Dovedale Big Litter Pick
Join us for a few hours at Dovedale and get your steps in, picking litter along the valley so the National Nature Reserve remains a great place for nature and people alike.
Ilam Park: Highlighted Event: Earthly Delights Art Installation
A new and exciting art installation is coming this summer! Celebrating the 200 year anniversary of Ilam Hall, Earthly Delights intertwines the stories of the past and present with an hub of plantlife.