Druid Camp - Derbyshire Dales
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After 3 years, the Druid Camp is back for Summer Solstice 2019!
Barn Farm campsite lies in a beautiful, quiet location not far from the attractive village of Birchover in the Peak District.
The campsite is within a short walking distance of Stanton Moor, which has been occupied since at least the Bronze Age. The whole of the moor is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, dotted with dozens of ancient cairns, barrows and tumuli, although much of it is hidden by heather, and also contains the remains of two ancient stone circles (Nine Ladies and Doll Tor).
Other fascinating features scattered around the moor include the Earl Grey Tower, which was built to commemorate the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832, and the remains of several old quarries, with piles of abandoned millstones or grindstones. You can also marvel at a number of impressive gritstone rock outcrops, such as the Cat Stone and the Cork Stone, just begging to be climbed.
At the summer solstice (i.e. the weekend we will be here), many pagans, druids, walkers, travellers and hippies descend on the moor to celebrate Midsummer Day at the stone circle and enjoy the atmosphere . . . think drummers, other acoustic music and poi dancers.
We will wander up to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle Friday evening to check out what's happening up there.
The campsite is well placed for walking and the Limestone Way passes close by. Besides Stanton Moor itself, Rowtor Rocks, Robin Hood's Stride and Winster with its historic Market House are all options for walking.
For those who don't need to rush off, on Sunday there is an optional shorter walk and (hopefully) a pub lunch.
Birchover, with two excellent pubs, is only a short walk from the campsite if you don’t fancy cooking dinner, or if you'd just like to wander over for an evening pint.
Campsite Facilities
For more information on campsite facilities, please review the "What to Bring" section below.
NO open fires/campfires are allowed under any circumstances.
Campervans, motorhomes and caravans: Cannot be located on the tent camping field and will need to be pitched on a separate hardstanding area. To enquire about availability, contact the OutdoorLads office on support@outdoorlads.com. There will be an additional cost involved.
Four-legged friends
Well behaved dogs are allowed as long as they are kept on a lead and are looked after by their owners at all times. A fee of £1 per night per dog is payable directly to the campsite on arrival in cash.
What to bring
Walking Kit:
As ever, even though it’s summer, the weather may be unpredictable. Please ensure you have adequate layers to keep warm and waterproofs to keep you dry. Although the paths themselves mostly are well-trodden and maintained, it may be a little wet and muddy underfoot after rain, so you'll need decent boots.
Please review the information provided on the My First Walk Event page on the ODL website for more information on walking kit.
Note that this is only a guide and you will need to consider the weather forecast.
Tent:
A tent is, of course, essential! You should make sure that you have pitched the tent previously, and have all parts, such as poles and pegs. The tent should also be able to stand up to the changeable weather. A 3-season tent is recommended to provide a minimum level of protection. The event leader has a spare 1-2 person tent someone can borrow if they’re keen to camp but don’t yet have a tent.
Sleeping Bag / Mat:
You should look for a sleeping bag that provides adequate warmth, below the temperature that you may expect. A decent sleeping mat is also essential – a ‘thermarest’ inflatable mat or a thick rubber yoga-style mat is essential to insulate you from the cold of the ground.
Cooking / Eating Equipment:
Campers should bring some kind of cooking equipment so that they can cook hot meals and prepare a decent cuppa. Check you have fuel for your camp stove and you know how it works. The bare minimum for eating is a mug, bowl or plate and cutlery. Additional equipment such as chopping board, sharp knife, grater, wooden spoon, etc. depending on what you plan to cook.
Even if you plan to eat in the pub in Hathersage, it’s worth having some cooking equipment to prepare breakfast and hot drinks.
Washing-up Equipment:
Sponge / scourer, detergent and tea towel
Don't forget a torch, or better still, a head torch
If you're unsure about any of the items in the kit list, please contact Skip.
Campsite Facilities:
The campsite consists of several gently sloping camping fields protected by trees all around.
Facilities on site include:
- Flush toilets
- Wash basins with hot water
- Shower facilities, with individual shower cubicles (open 24 hours)
- A disabled/family shower/toilet/washroom
- Several washing up points with hot water
- Washer and dryer
- Waste bins and recycling
- Drinking water is readily available
- Car park for campsite users
Food & drink
As this is a camping event, please bring all your own food and drink for the weekend.
At the very least you will need food for two breakfasts at the campsite and also a packed lunch for Saturday’s walk.
Birchover, with two excellent pubs, is only a short walk from the campsite if you don’t fancy cooking, or if you'd just like to wander over for an evening pint.
The event leader plans to walk into the Red Lion in Birchover for dinner on Saturday evening. You may also want to head into the village on Friday night as well, if you're not keen to cook.
There is no shop in Birchover. The closest shops of any consequence are in Matlock, 3 miles from Birchover.