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Although only three nights in an upmarket hotel in the lovely village of Ashford-on-the-Water we really packed in an enormous amount over the four full days. For me after dinner on the first evening when we ventured out again looking for Nightjar, Woodcock & Snipe was the most special. Although we heard all three in a short space of time, we also saw Woodcock circling in great arcs with Nightjar also taking flight. On the drive back a Barn Owl on a post seemed unphased by the head lights, after a while hovering just above and back from the post a bit, really incredible to see how fast the wings move, then after diving down to collect it's dinner flew off across the road in front of us. Amazing to have such a prolonged view of this bird and so close. Lots of other highlights too many to mention, Wood Warblers, Redstarts, Pied Flycatchers, etc. Naturetrek is a reliable and professional wildlife adventure specialist company. I have always found them to be well organised, informative, relaxed and friendly. They pay a lot of attention to detail yet are able to view the whole picture so that the tour package runs smoothly. Pre-departure information is excellent with guides being extremely knowledgeable and willing to share their knowledge freely.
J.B. Midlothian, May 24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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The Peak District in Spring
Tour Code: GBR67A 4-day exploration of the stunning Peak District National Park, focusing on the best of England’s upland wildlife in spring.
£950
Highlights
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Summary
Britain’s oldest national park, the Peak District, is home to some of England’s most stunning scenery and iconic upland wildlife. Its varied landscapes and habitats support a rich diversity of species, many of which have become rare, or even disappeared, in much of the rest of the country. On this tour, we’ll search the wooded valleys, thriving wetlands and open moorlands of the Peak District for their fascinating birds, including a number of special spring migrants, as well as plenty of other wildlife. During the tour we’ll be based in the lovely village of Hathersage, in the beautiful and historic Derwent Valley.
- View stunning landscapes and classic upland wildlife.
- Look for Ring Ouzel, Pied Flycatcher, Redstart, Tree Pipit, Whinchat & other summer visitors.
- Bittern, Avocet & other wetland birds in the Dearne Valley.
- Red Grouse, Dunlin & Golden Plover on the moors.
- Mammals could include Red Deer and Mountain Hare.
- Learn about the area’s fascinating history, including links to the Dambusters’ raid.
- Led by expert local naturalist Matthew Capper.
Grading
Grade B. The distances covered are up to around 3km at a time, and approximately 8 kilometres maximum each day, all taken at a steady pace. Please note however, that the terrain on the moorland walks is particularly rocky and uneven and is therefore only suitable for confident walkers.
The Peak District is one of England’s most scenic and wildlife-rich regions, as well as being the UK’s oldest national park. Its rolling hills, wetlands and wooded valleys are home to a fascinating variety of birds, mammals and other natural history and on this exciting new short break we will explore these iconic upland landscapes in depth.
Our tour will begin in the pretty village of Hathersage – in the valley of the River Derwent – where we will stay for three nights in the comfortable George Hotel. After an introductory talk and an early dinner, we will set out in search of Nightjar, and, with luck, perhaps Long-eared Owl. The following day we will visit the National Trust’s Longshaw Estate, where Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts, Tree Pipits and a host of other summer migrants will be proclaiming their territories in the oak woodlands. In the afternoon we will move to the spectacular Upper Derwent Valley, where we will look for such birds as Siskin, Dipper and Common Crossbill. While here, we will also learn about the area’s human history and links to the famous wartime Dambusters’ raid. Early the next morning, we will offer an optional dawn chorus walk, during which we will hope to find Ring Ouzel, Whinchat and Pied Flycatcher. We will then spend the rest of the day at a series of RSPB reserves in the Dearne Valley, where Bittern, Avocet and a variety of waders and wildfowl breed. Once part of one of Europe’s most polluted industrial wastelands, we will hear the remarkable story of how these reserves were transformed into nationally important habitats for wildlife.
Our final day will be dedicated to the Peak District’s picturesque moors, and the classic upland species that they support, amongst them Northern Wheatear, Whinchat, Ring Ouzel and Red Grouse, alongside such breeding waders as Dunlin and Golden Plover. We will also hope to see Merlin, whilst mammals could include Red Deer or some of England’s only Mountain Hares. The tour will be led by local naturalist Matthew Capper, who spent eight years with the Peak District Ranger Service and 10 years as RSPB site manager for the Dearne Valley. His superb local expertise will ensure an unforgettable experience and a highly enjoyable tour.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Accommodation:
We stay at the George Hotel, Hathersage, where all rooms are en-suite.
- Food:
Breakfast and dinner are included in the tour cost; lunches are not. We will have breakfast at our hotel each morning, and dinner will either be back at the hotel or at a local pub in Hathersage. We will stop at a local tea room or pub most days for lunch, though there should also be the opportunity for anyone that wishes to stop at a shop to pick up a sandwich if preferred.
Reviews
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Matthew's knowledge of where to find Ring Ouzels, as well as the Dambusters raid, and of general environmental issues (particularly regarding the moorlands), made the trip for me. The visits to the Derwent Moors and the Dearne Valley were also highlights.
A.P. Twickenham, May 23
Dates & Prices
2026
Tour Leader: Matthew Capper
Matthew was born in Stamford and has had a lifelong interest in birds and other wildlife. He grew up with Rutland Water on his doorstep and volunteered on the reserve during his teenage years. After a Geography degree at Sheffield University, he settled in the Peak District and was soon involved in bird of prey protection, the National Park Ranger Service and the local birding scene. A varied conservation career has included time with the RSPB managing nature reserves and as Conservation Manager for Yorkshire and the Peak District. He is passionate about connecting people with nature and having previously served on their board of trustees, spent five years as Head of Public Engagement and Communications for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. More recently, he took up the post of Conservation Adviser at Doddington Hall estate near Lincoln, helping to manage a flagship rewilding project.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
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