News

Highly acclaimed Peak District hotel and restaurant, The Maynard in Grindleford, is now announcing full details of its latest selection of local walks, newly designed by George the dog and with a lot of help from celebrated Peak District guide Sally Mosley. The walk can be downloaded free of charge from The Maynard's website at www.themaynard.co.uk

As the hotel is dog-friendly and your pooch can stay overnight in boutique hotel luxury, there's no need for you and your hound to go anywhere else for your short break this year.

Known as 'George's Walks' after Maynard director Paul Downing's Labrador George, three new walks have been designed so there is something for all abilities and with a start and finish at the hotel. The paths vary in distance and difficulty, ranging from a gentle 3.5 miles, to the more demanding 8.5 mile routes for the fitter dog and owner!

The 'Gorge Walk' via the Longshaw Estate to Padley Gorge, is the first one to be published, and at 3.5 miles, it is the shortest of the new trails, but while still moderately strenuous, is a good route for the beginner new to the area.

While some of the route involves roadside walking, the ultimate descent through Padley Gorge is a well trodden path and should pose no difficulty for regular ramblers.

Unlike many hotels of its calibre, The Maynard prides itself on being both dog and walker friendly and of course; dogs are welcome to stay overnight. Each walk starts and finishes at The Maynard, so on completion man and his best friend can both enjoy a well deserved drink.

"The George Walk is a wonderful leisurely stroll through some breathtaking scenery," said Paul Downing, director of The Maynard and sister venue Whirlowbrook Hall. "At just over three miles it is not too taxing and is perfect for those new to walking or the area to have a sample of the picturesque and panoramic landscapes to be found close to The Maynard."

An initial short ascent takes walkers into the Longshaw Estate and close to the Lodge itself. Built in 1827, it has seen many famous visitors including George V and the Duke of Wellington of Waterloo fame. From the Lodge, the route takes in Fox House and Burbage Brook, before turning downhill in the approach to Padley Gorge. The return trip to The Maynard takes you by Totley Tunnel, which at over

3 miles long is the second longest tunnel in England, (beaten only by the Severn Tunnel); but from here it is now just a short return trip to the hotel.

The Maynard remains a magnet for walkers and ramblers and continues to make hikers and their pets welcome. These new walks designed by Sally Mosley have been developed to help visitors get the most out of some of the most spectacular scenery to be found in the UK.

Sally Mosley is a well known local figure and with over 50 years of knowledge of the National Park, she has been successfully guiding people in the Peaks for decades and in 2006 established 'Sally Mosley Guided Walks', making her the natural choice to help George in compiling these new routes to and from The Maynard.

All George's Walks from The Maynard have been designed so even the novice should have no difficulty, but as with any trip into the countryside, people should ensure they are dressed appropriately, including stout footwear. Uneven terrain is to be expected and while the paths to be taken are outlined in detail, it is always recommended they be followed in conjunction with an OS Explorer Map

(OL24) for the White Peak area as well as a section of the walk being on OS Explorer Map (OL1) for the Dark Peak area.

Other walks of different lengths and difficulty are available from reception or from the Maynard's website www.themaynard.co.uk and full details of all three new walks will be announced soon. Details of the services Sally Mosley offers can be found by visiting her website at www.sallymosley.co.uk .

If all that walking has built up an appetite, The Maynard has a menu to tempt both regular and new diners alike. With all dishes reasonably priced, eating at one of the few restaurants in the whole of South Yorkshire and north Derbyshire with two AA rosettes has never been so affordable. To book a table at The Maynard or book into the hotel, telephone 01433 630321 or email restaurant@themaynard.co.uk Further information on Whirlowbrook Hall can be found on the website at www.whirlowbrookhall.co.uk

ENDS

Photographs and captions

Medium resolution Photographs of the walk taken by Sally Mosley are available direct from BeyondPR www.beyondpr.co.uk

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Ref: MAY232 - Maynard Dog Walk 1 - Gorge Walk