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 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.

Contact info

White Peak Estate Office

Upcoming events

Ilam Park: Autumn: Stranger Folk Halloween Trail App 

Join the Old Crone for a spooky exploration of Ilam Park, where strange folk have been causing mischief. Only your team can help put things right through magical activities.

Event summary

on
24 Oct to 30 Nov 2026
at 09:30 to 15:30+ 37 other dates or times

Ilam Park: October Half Term: Journey Through Time Trail 

Step into the past this Halloween and embark on a spellbinding Journey Through Time Trail at Ilam Park.

Event summary

on
24 Oct to 31 Oct 2026
at 10:30 to 15:00+ 7 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Autumn: Kids Broom Making Workshop 

Calling all young witches and wizards! Join us for a magical Halloween workshop where you'll learn the secrets of broom making. Create your very own broomstick to fly through the night sky and cast spells.

Event summary

on
28 Oct 2026
at 11:00 to 12:00+ 2 other dates or times

Ilam Park: Tales at Twilight Family Guided Walk 

As the seasons change and the nights draw in, join us to walk the darkening paths of Ilam Park and hear our strange and mysterious tales.

Event summary

on
30 Oct 2026
at 17:30 to 19:00