Activities

On and Off Site Activities and Facilities…

Climbing

The best routes at the Roaches are generally VS and above. It is split into three main areas, the Lower Tier, Upper Tier and Far Skyline. At VS there is Valkyrie plus Black and Tans, at HVS The Sloth and Saul’s Crack are the most famous and testing.

There are a good number of epic struggles on the Lower Tier, Valkyrie direct and the Mangler spring to mind. Whether you are teaching beginners the art of climbing, or abseiling or seeking adventure as an experienced climber, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the Roaches.

Need help? The Derbyshire Climbing (Activity Team) offers a selection of rope based activities for all ages. This includes indoor & outdoor climbing, abseiling, crate stacking, training and assessments for permits.

Walking

Whether you are a long distance walker, a mountaineer, a gentle stroller, walking in the Peak District is for you.

Walking in the Peak District offers a diverse and delightful mixture of countryside from which to choose.

You may prefer to trek across exposed moorland where walkers now have more freedom to roam, thanks to the recently introduced Access rights.

Alternatively there are easier paths to pursue, especially around the White Peak where walkers can descend into the Derbyshire Dales and follow riverside paths, woodland tracks or simply cross fields and stiles over an undulating landscape with glorious far-reaching views.

The Gradbach area is covered by the White Peak O/S map.

Sailing, Windsurfing & Kayaking

Tittesworth Water Sports and Activity Centre is a British Canoeing Accredited Centre. Bordering the Peak District National Park.

Tittesworth offers visitors a range of water sports activities (including Raft Building, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding as well as, fishing and other tailored activities).

Pot Holing

Pot Holing and Caving tours and instruction is provided by a number of local organisations including Peak Activities and Outdoor Instruction. Alternatively, everyone can explore Poole’s Cavern in Buxton, a 2 million year old natural limestone cave situated in the beautiful woodland of Buxton Country Park.

Pony Trekking

Northfield Farm Riding & Trekking Centre is about 2.5 miles away at Northfield Farm, Flash Village, Quarnford, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 0SW. Tel: 01298 22543

Hacking and trekking on an hourly or daily basis. British Horse Society Approved. Weekend trail rides through the Derbyshire Dales and Chatsworth estate, with overnight stay in Bakewell. Horses for all ages over 7 years. Groups and disabled riders welcomed. Open all year round. Telephone for current rates.

Cycling

The terrain around Gradbach is a favourite destination for cyclists of all types; the ruggedly diverse landscape provides an excellent challenge for road cycling and, Mountain biking alike, and supports many scenic cycle-routes which run through the heart of the breath-taking countryside.

Visit PeakDistrictOnline for details of some popular routes.

A wealth of activities – on site and off!

Many groups choose Gradbach for a taste of the outdoors. Whether this means rope bridges across the River Dane, den building or orienteering around Back Forest, Gradbach has it all.

Others use our beautiful site as a base to explore the magnificent Peak District, such as to experience climbing at the famous ‘Roaches’, pot holing, hang gliding, canoeing or sailing at nearby venues.

Here we hope to give you a taste of some of the many activities available either on the site or within easy reach for weekend and longer term visitors alike.

If you have any specific requirements, please ask. Our friendly and experienced staff will be delighted to share their extensive local knowledge with you.

Derbyshire Scouts Activity Support Unit – looking for some assistance or support with your camp activities? Please follow this link for activity contacts and events in Derbyshire.

Pioneering Poles

We have a small selection of pioneering poles available. If you wish to use them, or require them transporting to a camp site, please ask a member of the Camp Staff. For safety reasons we do not supply ropes with the pioneering poles, you will have to bring them along with you.

Camp Chapel

St George’s Camp Chapel was officially opened and dedicated in 1966 by Reverend Craven of Buxton. Situated off the lane behind the Cottage, it is unique in that it is an open air chapel and is ideal for all types of services, we have even had two weddings conducted there! Even if you are not religious, it is well worth 5 minutes of your time, especially in the summer months when it is at its most peaceful and tranquil.

Go Ape is located by Poole’s Cavern and Buxton Country Park which is 1/2 mile from Buxton town centre on Green Lane.

From A6 and A53 follow brown direction signs for Poole’s Cavern to B5059 / A515 junction and follow Green Lane for 1/2 mile.

Orienteering Course

Orienteering courses of varying difficulties are set out within the camping ground boundaries. Originally mapped out by Business and Leisure students from Buxton’s High Peak College and recently updated by the University of Derby, the orienteering course is ideal for passing a couple of hours away whilst learning practical skills.

Camp Fire

Want to participate in a traditional camp fire ? Close to Site 6 (see camp site map) we have a unique camp fire circle. Constructed in an old stone quarry crescent shaped hollow, the terraced seating area gives an ideal location for an evening activity around a camp fire.

Nature Trail

In association with the Peak National Park, the site has its very own nature trail, which takes in the various types of flora, fauna and wildlife that can be found at the Camp Site. Leaflets are available from the Camp HQ.

Camp Providore

The Camp Providore is located at the left hand end of the Farmhouse accommodation. It stocks a wide range of souvenirs, sweets and drinks. There is no set opening time, it is just a case of asking a member of the Camp Staff if they will open it for you at a pre arranged time, or there and then.