The first day of spring gave us exactly what we hoped for – blue skies, glorious sunshine, and a group of fantastic MINI lovers ready for a proper adventure. Our Peak District Getaway 2025 was a brilliant way to kick off the new season with engines running and smiles all around.
We met at The Carding Shed, tucked away in the heart of the Peaks. It’s a real gem for car enthusiasts – classic cars, good coffee, and a hearty breakfast to fuel us up before hitting the road. After greeting our guests and plenty of admiring each other’s MINIS (both classic and modern), we popped to the loo one last time and set off.
The route to our first stop – the dramatic Derwent Dam – is one of the best driving roads in the Peaks you could ask for. On a Wednesday morning we had it all to oursleves. It wound through quiet lanes and hidden roads, nestled amongst the tall forest backdrop and the stunning reservoirs glistening in the sun. Some of these roads are private and only open midweek, so it felt like a real privilege to explore them together.
Derwent Dam itself is stunning. With its grand structure and peaceful reservoir, it’s not just a feast for the eyes – it’s steeped in World War 2 history. It’s where the famous Dambusters trained, and it gave our stop there even more meaning. We stretched our legs, took in the views, and soaked up the moment with a few photos before heading on. Not before grabbing another coffee.
Lunch was something special. We drove through more sweeping Peak District roads to arrive at the iconic Chatsworth House. With its elegant gardens and impressive architecture, it made the perfect backdrop for a lunch stop photoshoot. All photography on the tour is complimentary – something our guests really appreciated. Seeing your pride and joy lined up in front of a stately home like Chatsworth is something we won’t forget in a hurry.
But we didn’t hang around for dessert. We had another treat in store – a drive to the Tagg Lane Dairy ice cream farm. Now there's a stop that’s quickly becoming a favourite among our guests. Homemade ice cream, fresh milkshakes, and a proper local farm shop vibe. We all tucked in while the sun carried on doing its job – shining down on a great bunch of people sharing laughs and stories.
The final leg of the day’s route took us to our hotel – a warm, welcoming country house retreat where the fires are lit in the cold evenings and the atmosphere at the bar is perfect for those travelling through. After a long day of driving, everyone appreciated a comfy bed, a glass of wine, and some proper conversation. That’s the thing about these trips – our MINI runs around Great Britain ( & Europe - stay tuned!) are about more than just driving. They’re about the people. And this group? Absolutely lovely. Like-minded folk with a shared love of MINIS, out to enjoy life and make memories.
The following morning, after a strong coffee and a good breakfast, we had one last surprise lined up. A hidden gem of a road that even some locals don’t know about. Twisting between Bakewell and Buxton, it offered incredible views, barely any traffic, and the kind of drive you dream about. The perfect ending to a brilliant couple of days with brilliant people.
These trips are a chance to escape the daily routine, catch up with old friends, and make new ones. We had a mix of regulars and first-timers, all coming together to enjoy the Peaks in a way that only Ultimate Driving Adventures can deliver.
So if you’re thinking of a driving holiday in the UK, make sure you’re on the list for an Ultimate Driving Adventure. We have self-drive and group adventures throughout the year. Whether it’s the winding roads of Wales, the rich heritage of Scotland or the snow-capped Alps, we’ve got more to come – and we’d love to have you with us.
The Peak District Mini Run reminded us why we do what we do. Great roads, great people, and that feeling you get when you look in the mirror and see a line of Minis following you through the countryside. Pure magic.
Join us this June, for our Great Scotland Tour 2025. There is still time to book on with us. For more details or to book your place, click this button...