The Great Walking Weekend – 2026

An unforgettable Muslim Hikers weekend away.

This isn’t just a hike, it’s a 3-day residential experience of walking, reflection and community in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Set amongst rolling hills, limestone valleys and iconic ridgelines, the Great Walking Weekend brings together a standout guided hike, optional outdoor activities, shared meals and time to slow down, all in one of the UK’s most loved landscapes.

Now in its fourth year, this annual winter gathering has become a much-loved fixture in the Muslim Hikers calendar, a chance to reconnect with nature and with one another, year after year.

A Moment Before Ramadan

With Ramadan expected to begin shortly after this weekend, the Great Walking Weekend offers a timely pause before the month begins.

It’s an opportunity to get outdoors, move your body, clear your head and reset, so you step into Ramadan feeling grounded, energised and intentional.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY — TIME TO SETTLE IN

The opening part of the weekend is about arrival, ease and connection.

You’ll be based at YHA Castleton, a striking Gothic mansion set within 27 acres of land, surrounded by some of the Peak District’s most iconic landscapes and attractions.

Across Friday evening and Saturday, there will be a mix of suggested self-led activities and optional organised sessions, all entirely optional and designed to let you choose your own pace.

Some of the activities we’ll be recommending include:

• Exploring local walking routes such as Cave Dale, Winnats Pass and surrounding village trails
• Visiting Castleton’s underground cave attractions
• A gentle optional trail run for those who want an early start
• Cycling on the Monsal Trail, with bikes available via our partner Hassop Station Cycle Hire
• Time to explore Castleton village, cafés and viewpoints

Back at our base at YHA Castleton, there will also be on-site afternoon and evening activities, which in previous years have included:

• Creative workshops
• Ladies-only yoga sessions
• Relaxed social time, often gathered around evening campfires

Everything across Friday and Saturday is optional, you’re free to take part, explore independently, or simply slow down and enjoy being away.

A full programme and recommendations will be shared with all participants ahead of the weekend.

Arrival & Departure

Arrival at YHA Castleton is from 3:00pm on Friday.

We encourage participants, where possible, to arrive earlier on Friday, take the afternoon off work, settle in, explore the area, and make the most of the extra time to relax and connect before the weekend fully begins.

That said, arrival is flexible, and we ask that you aim to arrive by dinner time where possible. Late arrivals can of course be accommodated.

The weekend will conclude by approximately 3:00pm on Sunday, following the main walk and a relaxed close to the event.

SUNDAY — THE MAIN WALK

Sunday brings everyone together for the headline hike of the weekend.

We’ll explore a new Peak District route (different to previous Great Walking Weekends), taking in some of the area’s most iconic features, including Mam Tor, Winnats Pass, and surrounding local trails.

Route overview:

• Distance: approx. 12km
• Elevation gain: approx. 500m
• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Difficulty: Easy (well-paced and fully guided)

This walk is designed to be scenic, social and accessible, offering a rewarding way to close the weekend together.

Final route details and timings will be shared once confirmed.

ACCOMMODATION & MEALS

• 2 nights at YHA Castleton (Friday & Saturday)
• Fully exclusive booking for Muslim Hikers
• Same-gender shared rooms
• On-site car parking available

Meals included:
2 breakfasts · 2 lunches · 2 dinners

Room share requests and allocations will be processed after registration.

TICKETS

Standard Price: £200
🎟 Early Bird: £175 (available until 12:00pm, 9 January)

Early bird tickets are limited and will automatically revert to the standard price once the deadline passes.

YOUR WEEKEND INCLUDES

• 2 nights accommodation at YHA Castleton
• Full board (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)
• One guided Peak District hike with qualified mountain guides
• Optional activities and free time
• Free bike hire at Hassop Station Cycle Hire (Saturday only)
• Stewardship and support from the Muslim Hikers team
• Access to a dedicated event WhatsApp group for connection and transport coordination

WHO IS THIS FOR?

All are welcome, regardless of background or experience.

Whether you’re a regular hiker or joining one of our residentials for the first time, the Great Walking Weekend is about being outdoors together, moving at a supportive pace, and starting the year, and Ramadan, with clarity and connection.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable
• By signing up for this event, you agree to our Ticket Policy and Attendance Policy.
• Professional photography & videography may be in place
• Adults only (18+)
• Once sold out, a waiting list will operate

Spaces are limited and this weekend has sold out in previous years.
We’d love to welcome you back, or welcome you for the first time, to the 4th Annual Great Walking Weekend in the Peak District.