On the 17th April 2021, our beloved Peak District celebrates its 70th anniversary as a National Park! To celebrate the occasion, we're taking a moment to look back at our time in the Peak District, alongside our favourite walks, attractions and views.
The Peak District became the first National Park in Britain in 1951, created at the same time as the world-renowned Serengeti National Park in Africa. We opened our doors in the Peak District back in 2007, when owners Paul and Kathryn first brought Losehill House to life. The building you see today was built as Moorgate Guest House by the CHA in 1914, meaning that the accommodation has been dedicated to hosting holiday-makers and staycationers since its establishment.
Walks
Upon buying Losehill House, Paul and Kathryn said their favourite part of the Peak District is most definitely “the unique countryside” which embraces the hotel grounds.
The area is famous for its walks, and we are lucky enough to have access to a sweeping series of trails and routes for hiking, climbing and rambling straight from our front door. You could venture in any direction and be guaranteed to find picturesque scenery and incredible vistas.
We’ve included two of our favourite local walking routes below to inspire your Peak District adventures, or you’ll find plenty more recommendations here.
Stanage Edge Walk
Stanage Edge, a 6km gritstone ridge near the Hope Valley, is the main attraction of this popular Peak District walk. Take a bus from Hope to Hathersage, a medieval village where Charlotte Bronte once stayed, drawing inspiration from the region for her novel Jane Eyre. This walk provides exceptional views and you’ll have the chance to marvel at some of the adventurous rock climbers, clinging to the face of the ridge.
Guide to the Stanage Edge Walk.
The Great Ridge and Win Hill Walk
A spectacular ridge, arguably one of the finest in the country, connects the twin peaks of Lose Hill and Mam Tor. It’s possible to scale Lose Hill directly from Losehill Hotel & Spa, and walk along the Great Ridge, descending from Win Hill via Twitchill’s Farm. This beautiful circular walk is one of the best routes close to the hotel, and makes for a wonderful afternoon out hiking in the Peak District.
Credit: John Finney Photography
Attractions
The Peak District is also home to an exciting array of attractions, with caves, castles, historic houses, reservoirs and more located a stone’s throw from Losehill House.
In the charming village of Castleton, only 10 minutes from Losehill, you’ll discover a network of underground caves, each with their own story, character and offering for tourists. Treak Cliff Cavern, once a lead mine, contains a wonderland of stalactite and stalagmites, while Speedwell Cavern offers boat tours through its winding and mysterious tunnels. Peak Cavern hosts thrilling underground concerts and film screenings as Blue John Cavern, the deepest of all of the caves, showcases the semi-precious stone Blue John, unique to Castleton and the Peak District.
The ruins of Peveril Castle tower above Castleton, offering spectacular views over the Hope Valley. Built in 1086 for a favoured knight of William the Conqueror, the Norman fortress preceded the village, which became an important source of income for the castle estate and was once the control centre for hunting and mining in the area.
Credit: Alexey Fedorenko
Other nearby attractions include the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs, all of which offer wonderful walking and cycling routes, as well as rich and fascinating histories. Derwent Dam, for example, was used as a practice ground for the Dambusters during WWII; the connection is commemorated within the Derwent Valley Museum, housed in one of the dam’s towers.
Guests of Losehill House also benefit from reduced access to the grand Chatsworth House & Gardens - the most renowned historic house in the Peak District. You can explore more nearby castles and historic houses in the area here.
Views
In the Peak District, breathtaking rural landscapes come as part of the package, whether you’re hiking, cycling, driving or exploring local attractions. Here are a few of our favourite spots for spectacular views and perfect photo opportunities, all on Losehill House’s doorstep.
Mam Tor
National Trust Car Park - 15 minute drive from Losehill House
Known as the “shivering mountain”, Mam Tor stands over the village of Castleton, with the aforementioned caves at its base. The rolling hills that embrace Castleton and Losehill House, including Lose Hill and Win Hill, are what makes this view so special, and many choose to reach the summit as the sun rises for a magical early morning experience.
Kinder Scout
Edale Village Hall Car Park - 10 minute drive from Losehill House
As the tallest peak in the Peak District, the views from the top of Kinder Scout are wide-reaching and truly beautiful. On a clear day, the city of Manchester can be seen from the plateau, as well as the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales.
Alport Castles
Fairholmes Car Park - 20 minute drive from Losehill House
The views from Alport Castles are perhaps some of the most unique in the whole of the National Park. Thought to be the largest landslide in the United Kingdom, the beauty spot gets its name from the gritstone mounds formed from debris, which resemble striking castles from a distance.
Credit: Peter G Lawson
Bamford Edge
New Road, Bamford - 15 minute drive from Losehill House
The vantage point at Bamford Edge provides the most beautiful view over Ladybower Reservoir. This spot can be particularly enchanting around sunset as the last of the day’s light bounces off the water and hillsides which surround it.
Other highlights:
Chrome Hill
Higger Tor
Win Hill
Dovedale
Surprise View
Heights of Abraham
Burbage
The Peak District will always lie at the heart of our identity as a hotel, and we are so grateful to be embraced by such a treasure trove of adventure, history and natural beauty. As a hotel located at the heart of this incredible National Park, Losehill House will always strive to be a hub for those wishing to discover, explore and fall in love with the Peak District, as we do more and more each day.
