Red Deer Rutting Peak District Social Walk | 24th October

Join us on an early Autumn morning to try and find red deer in the Peak District

Come and join a peer-led walk to see and hear the mating season shenanigans of Britain’s largest land animal, the red deer. From Curbar Gap we’ll walk up to White Edge and follow a well established route with detours to good viewing spots, returning through fields and woodland. The route is easy but includes some modest ascents and descents, rough paths and boggy bits. The Eastern Moors are home to around 200 wild red deer, and with luck we’ll see stags rounding up their love interests and seeing off the competition – although some experts think that female deer have more say in the matter than is generally assumed!

We’re excited to welcome you for a memorable day in the outdoors!

Margi is an experienced walk leader who’s passionate about connecting people with nature and heritage. She’s done multi-day treks in the UK and abroad and has summitted a couple of 4000-metre mountains, but is more usually found on hills in the Peak District, Scotland or Wales. Margi has been a journalist, communications specialist and university teacher. She’s now a freelance researcher and writer and has done both voluntary and professional work for the Eastern Moors.

Walk Details

Walk Grading: Easy to Moderate

Distance: Approx 11 km (7 miles)

Ascent: 150 m (500 ft)

Duration: Approximately 5 hours

If you or anyone in your party can’t attend after booking, please let us know so we can offer the place to others

Meeting Details

Time: Saturday 24 October, 09:20 am for a 09:30 am start

Location: Curbar Gap Car Park, Clodhall Lane, Hope Valley, S32 3YR

OS Grid Ref: SK 2623 7470

Google map pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jafpRFj5GNZ94DL57

Parking: Pay & display (free to National Trust & RSPB members). Also limited free parking in two laybys downhill from the car park

Please check out the BMC Liftshare service

Facilities: There’s usually a van in the car park serving tea/coffee/cake. The Grouse Inn is a short drive away for post-walk refreshments

What to Bring

We’ll cover a range of terrains, so please ensure you are well-prepared with appropriate gear

Footwear: Sturdy, water-resistant hiking boots or shoes with good grip

Clothing: Dress in layers, including a warm layer and waterproofs, as conditions can vary; bring a hat and gloves

Food and Drink: Bring enough food and water for a full day’s walk; there will be no places to purchase refreshments en route

Other Essentials: Although we plan to finish within daylight hours, carrying a small torch or head torch is advisable for emergencies. Sun cream is advisable on warmer days. Binoculars can be handy when spotting deer

Who Can Attend

Anyone, under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are not permitted on this walk

Health Precautions: If you have any health conditions that might impact your participation, please inform us in advance. Carry any required medications, and let the walk leader know if assistance may be needed in accessing them

If you are unsure of your ability or would like advice regarding kit and suitability for this walk, please email the leader in advance

This walk incurs a £2 donation fee towards our hill walking projects. If you are unable to pay this fee, please contact us in advance, and we will anonymously include you for free

BMC Participation Statement

The BMC recognises that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement

Photographs may be taken by the leader for future communications about the programme. If you do not wish for your photograph to be taken please let the leader know in advance or at the start of the walk

By participating in this walk you agree to act in a kind and inclusive manner. Bullying, discrimination or the use of foul language will not be tollerated

Questions

Feel free to contact BMC Hill Walk Leader, Margi: bryant.margi@gmail.com or 07833 684765 (on day of walk only)