Introduction

The Peak District National Park is a fantastic place to visit. It's full of beautiful scenery and has some great walking trails. What many people don't know about this area of the UK, however, is that it has some great archaeological sites that very often are located on or very near public footpaths. Timetrekkers has, for the first time, created an expert-led 7-day walking itinerary that explores the best of these archaeological sites - including the prehistoric sites of Arbor Low ('Stonehenge of the North'), Minning Low burial chamber, Nine Ladies stone circle, and Carl Wark and Mam Tor hillforts.

Tour title

Walking through Prehistory in the Peak District

Overview

Price: from £795
Expert-guide: Dr Patrick Skinner (BSc, MA, PhD Archaeology)
Available (start date): May 7th, June 27th, Aug 15th, and September 5th
Activity grade: 3/5 (Moderate)
Accommodation: 3* pub hotels

Summary

Based in Buxton and Hathersage, you walk through stunning Peak District scenery to explore Arbor Low ('Stonehenge of the North'), the mysterious Neolithic burial chambers at Minning Low, the Bronze-age Nine Ladies stone circle, and the impressive Iron-age hillforts of Carl Wark and Mam Tor. Along the way you encounter landscapes with lush green valleys, open farmland, and fresh-water streams. At the end of each day, there's always a nice pub to relax in!

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive

Check in to your hotel in Buxton.

Day 2: Walk 1 – Return walk from Monyash to Arbor Low

Hidden away and almost invisible to the unknowing visitor, Arbor Low (commonly referred to as the 'Stonehenge of the North') is the only Neolithic henge monument in the Peak District National Park. The site was important for rituals throughout prehistory, and today still holds an air of mystery. In the morning, after breakfast, you are transferred from your accommodation to the start of the walk in Monyash. From here, you walk through Lathkill Dale and the rolling hills of the White Peaks to Arbor Low, returning to Monyash via the Limestone Way. In Monyash, relax in the local pub before being transferred back to your accommodation.
Overnight: Buxton.

Walk: 14 km

Day 3: Walk 2 – Return walk from Youlgreave to Nine Ladies

Nine Ladies is a prehistoric stone circle that was used for rituals to do with the dead. There's an abundance of prehistoric burials scattered all around this landscape that mystify archaeologists even today. In the morning, after breakfast, you are transferred from your accommodation to the start of the walk in Youlgreave. From Youlgreave, you walk through green fields and woodlands, through small villages like Birchover, and across Stanton Moor to the Nine Ladies stone circle. From here, you return to Youlgreave via Stanton-on-Peak and Alport. The final part of the walk is alongside the River Bradford; the perfect place to dip your feet after a good day's walk. Transfer back to accommodation.
Overnight: Buxton.

Walk: 14 km

Day 4: Walk 3 - Return walk to Minning Low burial chamber

Minning Low is an ancient burial chamber (more than 5000 years old) surrounded by high birch trees and perched on a hilltop in the White Peaks. After breakfast, you are transferred to the start point. From here, you walk along winding roads and through green fields to reach this important and mysterious archaeological site. The high birch trees that now surround this site provide a quiet and secluded atmosphere fitting for a place of burial. As you return, you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding region. Head back to hotel to pick up luggage. Transfer to hotel in Hathersage. Check in.
Overnight: Hathersage.

Walk: 7 km

Day 5: Walk 4 – Return walk from Hathersage to Carl Wark

Most probably built as a symbolic focal point for local tribes 3000 years ago, Carl Wark hillfort is one of the most important prehistoric archaeological sites in the Peak District National Park. Your walk starts in Hathersage and continues alongside the River Derwent, through Padley Gorge, and across open moorland to Carl Wark. You return to Hathersage via open fields and small woodlands in good time for a late afternoon coffee.
Overnight: Hathersage.

Walk: 13 km

Day 6: Walk 5 – Return walk from Hope to Mam Tor

Overlooking the Vale of Edale and Hope Valley, Mam Tor (also known as the 'Shivering Mountain') was occupied in prehistory during the Iron and Bronze ages. It's home to the largest Iron-Age hill fort in the Peak District National Park, and remains one of the most recognizable and important sites in the area. In the morning, you are transferred from your accommodation to the start of the walk in Hope. From here, you head through the village of Castleton, and on to the summit of Mam Tor for stunning views of the area. Your walk continues along a mountain ridge to Lose Hill, and into Hope via a pleasant descent through green fields. Relax in one of the cafes or the local pub in Hope before being transferred back to your accommodation.
Overnight: Hathersage.

Walk: 14 km

Day 7: Depart

Check out of your hotel and head home.

Bookings and enquiries

Call 01162701644 or visit http://gotimetrekkers.com

Tour page

http://gotimetrekkers.com/gbg027-walking-through-prehistory-peak-district

About Timetrekkers®

Founded by an archaeologist with a passion for the outdoors, Timetrekkers creates inspirational and active archaeological and cultural adventures.

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For Press, contact:
Patrick Skinner
Email: patrick@gotimetrekkers.com 
Tel: 01162701644