A magical WAY summer break in the Peak District

August 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Dovedale House proved to be the perfect base for three days of friendship, understanding and support for members of WAY Widowed and Young who went along on a summer break organised by the charity.

With its spacious gardens, homely atmosphere and close links to National Trust-owned Ilam Hall – complete with café, bar and ice creams – it offered a haven where members could relax, connect and create memories together.

The group arrived on Monday afternoon and quickly settled into their surroundings. A hearty home-cooked meal set the tone for the trip, followed by an evening gathered around the fire pit, toasting marshmallows and star gazing.

Tuesday brought adventure in the form of a day trip to the historic spa town of Matlock Bath and the famous Heights of Abraham. Travelling by cable car, members explored ancient caverns, enjoyed sweeping views of the valley, and even encountered nostalgic exhibits such as a pair of Wombles.

Back at Dovedale House, the group enjoyed another delicious dinner before being treated to an unexpected spectacle: a meteor shower lighting up the night sky.

On the final day, the group set out on a gentle hike to the iconic Dovedale Stepping Stones. Some picnicked on the banks of the River Dove, while others cooled their feet in the stream. Izzy the dog made the most of the water, splashing in with great enthusiasm. After one last ice cream at Ilam Hall, it was time to say goodbye.

“As ever with WAY, ultimately the company is even more important than the surroundings,” said WAY member Mark. “And it was a huge privilege and pleasure to spend time in this calm and beautiful residential setting with fellow members in differing personal situations – some widowed within the last year and some more than 10 years ago, some with young children on the trip and some with grown-up children back at home, and so on – helping each other through relaxed and unhurried conversation and simple companionship.”

“The whole trip felt distinctly magical, even before the marvels of the meteor shower: the house, Ilam Hall and the village, Dovedale itself with the stepping stones, and Matlock Bath and the Heights of Abraham – all very special places,” he said. “But, of course, a trip like this works its magic in a positive way only if the company is good, and I feel blessed to have been fortunate enough to spend those three days with such a wonderful group.”

WAY member Jamila echoed Mark’s reflections: “Spending time and connecting with people who ‘get it’ is so therapeutic. Being able to just be open and honest with your feelings in a way you can’t truly be with people who haven’t experienced such a loss makes me feel lighter,” said Jamila, who joined WAY following the sudden death of her husband in 2023. “We sat around the campfire eating s’mores, star gazing and just enjoyed a feeling of togetherness – sharing our stories in a safe environment with tears and laughter along the way. A group of people who arrived as strangers but left as friends.”

Jamila added: “WAY has been a lifeline to me since my husband Alun died suddenly in February 2023 and having an opportunity to spend quality time with people who understand truly is invaluable. Thank you, WAY, for providing these opportunities and I would highly recommend attending WAY events if you can, for support and friendship from people who completely understand.”