Bretton - Peak District Hostel Weekend
16 people attending
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The Hostel
Bretton Hostel (formerly YHA Bretton Youth Hostel) is a private hostel located on Bretton Edge, near Eyam in the Peak District National Park. The hostel sits at 1200 feet above sea level, within three acres of meadows and small copses and is surrounded by fields, with glorious far reaching views over the gritstone edges and moors of the Dark Peak to the north and the limestone plateau of the White Peak to the south.
The nearby village of Eyam is actually known as "plague village" given the degree to which it was decimated around 1665/6, with only 83 of its 350 residents surviving.
The hostel provides simple, comfortable accommodation with three bedrooms, a sitting room, fully equipped self-catering kitchen and a washroom block. A new, eco friendly, timber framed studio has recently been built in the hostel grounds, although I still need to decide what we're going to do with this - suggestions welcome!
Thankfully, the new owner has retained its identity as a hostel and improved it with a focus on its green credentials. Small but perfectly formed, there is space for only 17 so this will be an intimate hostel where everyone will have an opportunity to get to properly know each other in stunning surroundings. There is a pub (the award-winning Barrel Inn) within staggering distance.
Friday
We'll use the evening to get to know each other, have a few drinks and explore the hostel and gardens.
Saturday Daytime
I'll lead a walk from the hostel of somewhere in the region of 10 miles and of moderate difficulty. It is quite hilly around here (and the hostel is at the top of the hill) so you should be reasonably fit!
Saturday Evening
We'll enjoy dinner and carry on socialising... perhaps in the grounds if the weather suits or at the nearby pub.
Sunday Daytime
Depending on the mood/weather, we'll probably take in a short bimble before nipping to the pub for lunch for anyone interested. I'll get in touch nearer the time about booking a table.
Please note that this event is not suitable for dogs.
What to bring
For the Hostel
All bedding and pillows will be provided, although you will need to bring a towel and toiletries. A wise ODLer also brings earplugs!
For the Walk
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Alcohol
If you drink alcohol, make sure you bring some with you! There is a nearby pub which we may frequent after the Saturday walk.
Friday Dinner
The usual ODL Buffet will take place on Friday evening.
For those unfamiliar with this, everyone should bring enough food for one to two people. Try avoid beige food if you can - 17 quiches won't go down well! We usually find we have a healthy selection of savoury and sweet, but if you have dietary requirements, you might want to bring enough to feed yourself fully.
Saturday Breakfast
A selection of cereals, toast, fruit, juice, tea and coffee will be provided.
Saturday Lunch
Please bring a packed lunch.
Saturday Dinner
There will be a tasty meat-free menu on the Saturday evening, lovingly cooked by yours truly (with some welcome assistance from you lot of course)!
Sunday Breakfast
A selection of cereals, toast, fruit, juice, tea and coffee will be provided.
Sunday Lunch
Nearer the time, I'll contact you all to see who's interested in having lunch at the Barrel Inn and get a table booked if there's sufficient demand - perhaps after a bimble on Sunday morning!