guided nature walks near me, nature walks near me, wildlife guided walking tours in derbyshire and the peak district

  • Telephone: 07989 218860
  • Email: info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

Mountain Hare Walks – February & March 2024

Mountain Hare Walks – February & March 2024

Did you know that the Dark Peak area of the Peak District holds the most southerly population of Mountain Hares in the UK?

Mountain Hare, Derbyshire April 2023

One of only three native animals to turn white in Winter (can you name the other two? *), the Mountain Hare (Lepus Timidus) was once found over much of Britain but was thought to have died out around 6000 years ago. The current population was reintroduced to the Peaks and much of Northern England in Victorian times by sporting estates for shooting (a practice that thankfully no longer takes place), but whilst the reintroduction was unsuccessful elsewhere a population became established in the Dark Peak. There are thought to be around 3500 Mountain Hares remaining in the Peak District.

Our Mountain Hare walks are always one of our most one of our most sought after tours and we are pleased to confirm that this year we will be running a mixture of both private walks and three fixed date ‘Discover Mountain Hares’ walks where we’ll visit some prime Hare habitat, talk about the biology and history of Mountain Hares in the Peak District and look for tracks and signs as well as try to locate the Hares themselves (along with any other upland winter wildlife which in 2023 included Ravens, Red Grouse, Kestrel, Curlew, Golden Plover, early returning Wheatear and even a stunning full white Ermine!). These proved very popular in 2023 and are likely to book up quickly. These are priced at just £20 per person with a max group size of 6 and the dates for these are:

Sunday 18th February 2024 – 4 spaces remaining.

A damp but happy group of Hare watchers from one of our ‘Discover Mountain Hares’ walks 2023

Sunday 3rd March 2024 – 6 places remaining.

Sunday 24th March 2024 – 6 places remaining.

As in previous years I will also offer private Mountain Hare walks priced at £25 per person, typically on a Sunday or Wednesday, throughout February, March and into early April. If the dates for the ‘Discover Mountain Hares’ don’t suit you or you would prefer not to be part of a group then please get in touch to find out our availability.

All our Mountain Hare walks will typically last 2.5-4 hours, with some walking on established paths but some on open and often very wet ground. We wont be walking big distances but with a challenging terrain and some relatively sharp ascents a reasonable level of fitness, as well as waterproof clothing and footwear, is a must.

If you would like to book a date for a private tour or book space on a group walk, or if you require any

Lying low – a close up Mountain Hare

more information please let me know.

(Please note that due to the nature of the terrain and weather conditions at that time of year all Mountain Hare walks may be subject to postponement or cancellation if walking conditions look unsafe).
* The answer to my little teaser is the Ptarmigan and Stoat

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What Our Visitors Say ...

"I had a half-day walk with Antony, hoping to see a Ring Ouzel, and to see Waders in their nesting habitat. I achieved both of these, and saw several other good birds as well, including an owl and several Pied Flycatchers (another first for me). Anthony was not only very knowledgeable but also good company, and I would recommend his walks for anyone who enjoys wildlife but would benefit from some local expertise."
Tim Bucknall - Dorset.
"Antony's guided tour began in Hartington, and included an upland area, Biggin Dale and Wolfscote Dale. This gave us experience of a great variety of habitats, and a chance to see lots of birds, including ravens, rooks, jackdaws, a peregrine falcon, wheatears and stonechats, dippers and wagtails and chiffchaffs. The weather was variable, but Antony made the whole tour really entertaining and informative. He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of nature, and birds in particular. Just as important, he is a very friendly and approachable guide, always willing to engage in discussion on any aspect of the area. We felt that, in addition to having a most interesting walk, we came away with really useful advice about how to observe birds on our future walks. The weather improved as we walked along the River Dove, and we were treated to some very special moments of bird observation, aided by Antony's telescope and tripod. We would highly recommend Antony to anyone keen to learn more about local wildlife as part of a most enjoyable walk in Derbyshire."
D & C Longson - Derbyshire.
"My mum and I had a fantastic bespoke walk with Antony around the Brassington area and Rose End Meadows in Cromford. Beautiful scenery, glorious sunshine and a wealth of interesting facts about the flowers, birds, insects and butterflies we met along the way. We had a truly magical time watching a Silver-washed Fritillary dancing and gliding around right in front of us for fifteen minutes. The walk was a birthday present for my mum and Antony took the time to find out what her specific interests and level of knowledge were in advance so that he could plan the route accordingly. He even sent us more information afterwards to confirm a couple of butterfly and dragonfly IDs. Antony really knows his stuff and his enthusiasm is infectious. He also has an unbelievable eye and ear for tiny creatures, plants and sounds that would have passed me by completely. A relaxing, hugely informative and very enjoyable day all round. Many thanks again, Antony!"
L Breakwell - Nottingham.
"Thank you ever so much for the Dawn Chorus experience last Saturday. Even though the weather was terrible we really enjoyed it. We all said would do it again regardless of the weather."
J Tagg - Derbyshire.
"Thoroughly enjoyed two fantastic nature walks with Antony in September 2020. Loved our walk on the Eastern Moors spotting moorland birds and lots and lots of red deer, just starting their rut. Our second walk was an early morning exploration of the very different habitat of the Derwent river and Cromford Canal. Spent ages watching a beautiful pair of dippers dabbling in the river, a streaking Kingfisher and tons of little Grebe diving in the clear water. Antony was an absolutely brilliant guide. He has amazing knowledge about every single species of bird, mammal and lots of plants across the Peak District and knows exactly where to find them. He has such a friendly and welcoming manner that you never feel you're not 'expert' enough and he patiently answers every question. I would thoroughly recommend a nature walk with Antony to get to know the Peak District through the eyes of a wildlife fan! Very best wishes and see you next spring!"
N Marshall - London.
"Antony was not only very knowledgeable about swifts but also provided valuable information to participants on the walks regarding support for the various swift habitats in their neighbourhood. Highly recommended."
D Howson - Derby.
"A great evening watching swifts, and learning about other local wildlife. The leader was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave us lots of interesting information about swifts, and how we could help with their conservation. There was plenty of time to ask questions, and the walk was taken at a leisurely pace to enable everyone to keep up and get involved. A lovely evening stroll that everyone seemed to enjoy!"
H Naylor - Derbyshire.

Walking Tours In Derbyshire

  • Walking based wildlife tours in Derbyshire for up to 4 people (walks for larger groups can be arranged).
  • Walks to suit all abilities/fitness’s.
  • Full day, shorter and bespoke walks available.
  • Expert local guide.
  • Prices include use of optics and identification books/charts, a delicious packed lunch (full day walks only) and hot drinks.
  • Transport for up to 4 people available to and from accommodation.
  • 5% of each booking will be donated to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

Contact Us

Contact Us

Telephone:
07989 218860

Email:
info@naturalderbyshiretours.uk

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