BIG Peaky Weekender 2025 (Camping)
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One of our favourite events of the year - we cannot wait for our return to the Peak District for BIG Peaky Weekender!
There are three accommodation options for this event:
This weekend is a celebration of all things outdoors. This outdoor centre is quickly becoming an OutdoorLads favourite, perfectly located in the heart of the Peak District for walking, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, and paddlesports - it's just so ace in so many ways!
In terms of evening entertainment, this event will be a relaxed affair, designed for chatting to others and being sociable rather than dancing the night away. We'll have our bar-in-a-teepee again of course, but rather than a late night disco, it's more about having a space to chat, catch up with old and new friends, and maybe even play a few games!
OutdoorLads will have exclusive use of the site, designed for large groups like ours. You can be sure that everybody you meet over the weekend will be an OutdoorLad or a member of staff at the venue.
You can do as much or as little as you desire over the weekend (but we do advise you to get stuck in!).
Events
Our events are now available to book onto; here's the current full programme.
Any leaders wishing to add to this list, please get in touch with the office - always room for more events!
Saturday
08:00 Bakewell parkrun
09:15 1000m Peaks of Monsal Monster Challenge
09:30 Caving & High Ropes Course
09:30 Absail, Cargo Nets & High Ropes Activity Day
09:45 Stanage Edge Circular from Grindleford
10:20 Kayaking
10:30 Leisure Cycle and Brewery
10:30 Queens of the Bakewell Tart
10:30 Outdoor Trad Climbing, beginners welcome
10:45 All aboard to Cheedale NEW!
10:45 Monsal, Magpie and Meander
11:00 Chatsworth House and Gardens
11:30 Thornbridge Brewery via the Monsal Trail
12:20 Stand Up Paddleboarding
12:20 Kayaking - afternoon NEW!
18:30 Standing Yoga
20:00 Evening Board Games
Sunday
11:30 Thornbridge Hall Tour
12:30 Sunday Lunch at Hassop Cafe
All meeting points are in the sheltered area near the large yurt / bar, where you will also sign in to the event.
Food
Continental breakfasts, packed lunches and cooked evening meals are available to pre-order! It is important to pre-order, as there will be very few extras available to purchase over the weekend. If pre-ordering food, make sure the dietary preferences on your OutdoorLads account are correct.
The canteen is in the building closest to the teepees. We'll also put meals on sale nearer the time, but Friday is likely to be jacket potatoes and a range of fillings, and a hot cooked option, including veggie and vegan alternatives, on Saturday.
Those camping are obviously welcome to cater for themselves by their tent, but will not have use of the hostel kitchens and dining areas. Please ensure that any BBQ's are raised off the grass.
Dogs: This event is not suitable for dogs, they are not allowed on site.
Campervans, caravans, motorhomes: Due to the venues restrictions, we are unable to accept campervans, caravans and motorhomes.
Images: Aerial shots kindly supplied by and used with permission from Will Allaway. Other photos taken by and used with permission from OutdoorLads Members.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
What to bring
If you haven’t been camping since you were in the Scouts here is what you need. If it’s your first trip you are likely to want to get away with the bare minimum.
- Tents start off relatively cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. These tend to start from £10 upwards (‘festival tents’) that are light and do the job – but only just. You may find that they leak, break or blow away.
- A thin foam ‘carry mat’ is good to sleep on (under £10) and you can use your clothes to make a pillow. Or if you have the room places like Tesco often sell air beds that cost as little as a fiver.
- Don’t forget you will need something to sleep in. You can buy a sleeping bag from as little as a tenner. This will tend to be thin but will do the job at most summer camps. At camps later in the year you will want something warmer though.
- Some places such as Argos/ASDA sell camping sets where you can buy a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a lamp for approx. £50-£60.
- If you have friends that camp you may find it beneficial to talk to them first and they may even lend you some kit.
- You can easily beg a cup of tea from more seasoned campers on the campsite – but it helps if you have a cup, and don’t forget a plastic glass if you like your wine! If you are coming by car, a folding chair (£10) is great. As you may be sitting outside late into the evening. Some proper warm clothing always comes in handy – even in the summer. Don’t forget a torch, or you may never make it back to your tent. Finally, ear plugs are always a great idea.
Once you have been once or twice you will know what kit you need to be able to cook a full English breakfast and host a party for 8 in your tent. Until then the above basics will see you right.
The above information will help you with the camp its self, depending on the activities you choose to do you may need to bring further kit. However its worth noting that any of the activities where special kit is need it will be provided, in most cases all you will need is walking boots, clothes, and a small back-pack (bring a few changes of clothes and footwear).
Food & drink
If you plan to cook for yourself, those staying in the hostel are welcome to use the self-catering kitchen, but you must clean up after yourselves. If camp cooking outdoors, please ensure stoves and BBQs are kept raised well off the grass (around 1 metre) so as not to damage it. Campfires are not permitted at this campsite.
Tea and coffee will be available free of charge all weekend on a self service basis - please bring your own mug!
The bar will be open from 3pm on Saturday for your use.
For a reasonable cost, you can also book some or all of your meals to avoid the faff of cooking. Details will be made available ion due course, but pre-booking is essential.