Our Origins

The High Peak Harriers were founded in 1848 by Mr Thornhill of Stanton-in-the-Peak. He laid the foundations of the kennel using hounds from the Marquess of Stafford’s pack, planting the seeds of a hunting tradition that endures to this day.

Growth & Change in the 19th & Early 20th Century

Mr Nesfield of Castle Hill, Bakewell — agent to the Duke of Rutland — took up the mantle and bred hounds drawing on bloodlines from Sir T. Boughey’s and Colonel Fane’s packs, and later the celebrated Belvoir, Badsworth and Milton kennels. He hunted for a remarkable 32 seasons; the hounds remained his property until their dispersal in 1901.

In that year, Colonel Robertson-Aikman purchased his own pack of hounds from Scotland and hunted the country until 1910, when his hounds were presented to the Dove Valley country.

Entrusted to the Hunt Committee

In 1910, Walter C. Tinsley assumed the Mastership of the High Peak Harriers, bringing with him 16 couples of hounds from the Dove Valley. Despite often working under great difficulties, he hunted the country until his retirement in 1920. At that point he generously presented his hounds to the Hunt Committee. Since then, the pack has been bred entirely as Stud Book Harriers — a pedigree recognised for its quality and tradition.

Heritage & The Modern Day

From their first meets in the upland stone-wall country between Bakewell, Buxton and Ashbourne, the High Peak Harriers have remained deeply connected to the land. The region itself was once part of the historic Forest of High Peak — a Royal Forest of medieval origin — underscoring the deep hunting heritage of the terrain.

Today, the Hunt continues to respect that legacy while operating in full compliance with the legal framework (including the Hunting Act 2004). Our pack, our country and our community ride on a proud line of tradition stretching back nearly two centuries.