Derbyshire Dales, Friday 11th September to Thursday 17th September 2015.

Thirteen of our group were on an hf holiday at Dovedale, undertaking a variety of easy, medium and hard led walks. (A benefit of hf as it caters for all abilities.)This is the first time our group has been on an organised holiday, having in previous years arranged our own accomodation and walks. The total number of guests exceed 40, including from UK, Canada, USA, Australia and Germany.

Saturday was the first walking day, starting wet but improving as the day went on. We walked in an area called The Roaches, along a rocky ridge, including Lud's Church, finishing at Tittesworth Reservoir.

Climbing the Roaches	On the Roaches	Looking back onto the Roaches

On Sunday we walked along the Dales of the river Dove, walking via Hartington where we saw a "well dressing". A brighter day as can be seen from the photos. An optional diversion was to the top of Thorpe Cloud, a high peak with excellent views of the Dove in one direction and our hotel in the other.

Biggin Dale	Well Dressing at Hartington	Dove Dale from Thorpe Cloud	Thorpe from Thorpe Cloud

Monday was a 'rest day' and we all did different things, some 'resting', others 'National Trusting'. The photos are from a circular walk into Ashbourne, with three from our group plus a couple from Canada. St Oswalds in Ashbourne is worth a visit.

Thorpe Church	St Oswalds Ashbourne	On the Tissington Trail near Ashbourne

The Tuesday walk started from the village of Stanton in Peak and climbed up to the Nine Ladies stone circle. Then past New Park quarry and the Cork Stone (not shown) to Birchover and up to the Robin Hood's Stride rock formation, Youlgrave finishing in Bakewell.

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle	New Park Quarry	Robin Hood's Stride	Brdige near Youlgrave

Wednesday 16th started from the 'plague village of Eyam', and we proceeded along the Derwent valley and up to Stanage Edge with its spectacular views.

The Plague Village of Eyam	Stanage Edge Trig Point	View from Stanage Edge

Our final walk on Thursday started from Hulme End, proceeding along the Manifold Valley, providing more great views over the valley. We even had time for afternoon tea at Ilam Park!

The Manifold Valley	Diners along the Manifold Valey	Lunch Overlooking the Dove Dale	Approaching Ilam Park

Evenings were a combination of quizzes, square dancing, an art demonstration and an impromptu sing-along. (All are optional in case you are concerned!) One thing you can guarantee is that you will not lose weight on an hf holiday! The food was excellent. It was also interesting talking to people from Australia, Canada and Germany, all very envious of our footpath network. We are very fortunate, and long may it continue.