Peak Wesley Way challenge Pilgrimage
Pilgrims set out on a Hope Walking Pilgrimage
Join us for a four-day 46-mile modern pilgrimage from Matlock to Edale through stunning natural Peak District scenery and six chapels, for up to six pilgrims of any or no faith.
Date: Thursday May 14- Sunday May 17 2026
Pace: Moderate, around 2.5 miles per hour.
Price: £350 inclusive of accommodation and guiding. Meals and refreshments at own cost. £45 minimum funds raised for charity Africa’s Gift.
Walk leaders: Faye Smith & Dr Ken Dunn MBE
About the walk
Starting in the spa town of Matlock, we will journey north from the gentle White Peak to the more austere Dark Peak. Having walked together for four days sharing three nights simple chapel accommodation, we conclude our pilgrimage in the village of Edale in the Hope Valley. Our journey will take us through some England’s most breathtaking natural beauty, and yet still a landscape that bears the marks of generations of farmers, industrialists and travellers who have trodden these paths before us. The travellers included John Wesley’s Methodist preachers, ordinary people who made extraordinary journeys to bring their good news to the villages you will visit. People who founded the chapels, still in use as places of worship to this day, in which we will be personally welcomed to find overnight sanctuary.
*Though chapel spaces are sadly limited, there is a option for more pilgrims to join us for the whole or day stages, who wish to travel daily from home or book their own accommodation. Please state your preference on booking.
Enjoy some of the most stunning scenery this country has to offer
Walk itinerary
We assemble outside Matlock Station 10am to set our intentions for our journey and begin our pilgrimage
Day 1: Matlock to Youlgrave 11 miles
Ascend the medieval Limestone Way northwards from the spa town of Matlock, incorporating the 14th century Hermitage at Cratcliffe Tor, concluding at Youlgrave, a village of 500 dwellings served by its own private water supply.
Overnight in Youlgrave Methodist Chapel
Day 2: Youlgrave to Great Longstone 10 miles
A day of beautiful countryside views and riverside walks, incorporating the “shy” River Lathkill, Victorian weirs, the market town of Bakewell (home of the famous pudding) and the stunning Monsal viaduct.
Overnight in Great Longstone Methodist Chapel
Day 3: Great Longstone to Hathersage 14 miles
Travelling through the last of the limestone White Peak and its ancient lead mining Rakes, until it meets the harsher grit of the Dark Peak at Baslow. The churches and chapels you pass all have stories to tell, of famous and not so famous residents, as does the toll bridge controlling the entrance to Baslow.
Ascending to the top of Baslow, Froggatt and Curbar edges affords spectacular views of the Hope Valley. Points of interest include memorial to Catholic priests martyred days before the Spanish Armada was spotted off the coast of Cornwall. If you pack your swimwear you may even be able to take a dip in Hathersage Lido.
Overnight in Hathersage Methodist Chapel
Day 4: Hathersage to Edale 12 miles
A journey through the Hope Valley, with Mam Tor the “Shivering Mountain” in view for much of the day. Along the picturesque route you will encounter many clues to the changing ways people of the valley have lived, worked and made meaning of life.
Castleton was once a prolific mining area, including semi-precious Blue John Stone. This area was also the site of the 1932 Kinder Scout Mass Trespass, fighting for the “right to roam”. Your final push includes a short but steep ascent and a visit to the recently restored Methodist chapel in Barber Booth, built within a few years of the death of John Wesley.
We reach Edale station where we revisit our intentions and say farewell to our journey companions. We depart revived and restored with some special pilgrim practises to bring peace and comfort into our everyday lives, knowing our own minor hardships have made a life changing and saving difference to some of the world’s poorest in Southern Africa.
Enjoy the peace and history of sacred spaces
Walk Summary
Date: Thursday May 14- Sunday May 17 2026
Description: A four day Challenge Pilgrimage from White to Dark Peak
Grade: Moderate
Price: £350 inclusive of accommodation and guiding. Meals and refreshments at own cost. Min £45 raised for charity Africa’s Gift.
Walk guides: Faye Smith & Dr Ken Dunn MBE
Deposit: Full payment on booking please to secure minimum numbers- no bookings will be taken after 48 hours before the event.
What’s included:
Services of pilgrim guide throughout your walk
Pilgrim candle and scrip
Journey book
Chapel accommodation
What to bring: Please bring refillable water bottle, any necessary medications and pack for the weather. You will need stout footwear and walking poles.
We recommend you practise with your pack weight in advance, which should not exceed 10% of your body weight. Every kilo is a kilo of misery! There are refreshment stops and toilets along the way.
Travelling to the route start:
We always recommend the greenest option of public transport where possible.
By train: We start from Matlock Train Station | EMR and return from Edale Station | National Rail.
Customer review
“I wasn’t a big walker before I met Faye. My first walk was joining her walking group for a Boxing Day stomp and boy did I love it. The nature, the views, the company and not forgetting the pit stops, were all fabulous while we shared stories and put the world to rights.
I also took time to walk quietly alone and to just breathe and observe the wonderful surroundings. Since this time we have walked all over the Peak District, ensuring that I took time to exercise and enjoy Faye's insightful and inspiring company.”
ALEX
Why not start your journey today?