Award Winning Self Catering Holidays In the Derbyshire Peak District
Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
With warmer weather and longer days, summer is the perfect time for an accessible adventure in the Peak District. Derbyshire is full of outdoor experiences designed to meet all kinds of access needs. Whether you have limited mobility, live with a long-term health condition, or are neurodiverse, there are more inclusive options than you might think!
From sailing across Carsington Water to climbing quarry walls, we’ve pulled together practical information to help you plan your next accessible adventure – without compromising on the wow factor!
Book an accessible stay at Hoe Grange Holidays and you’ll have the perfect base for trying them all out.
At Hoe Grange, we believe accessibility is about more than ramps and grab rails (though those can help too!). It’s about freedom, dignity and the joy of doing something just because you want to.
We know everyone’s needs and interests are different, so we’ve pulled together a range of inclusive outdoor activities in the Peak District, all within easy reach of Hoe Grange.
Some you can just turn up and enjoy. Some need a bit of planning. All are worth it!
Fancy the wind in your hair as you whip across the water? Carsington Sailability runs adapted sailing sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays all-year round (except January). With boats specially designed for people with limited mobility, hoist access and a friendly, welcoming team, it’s a brilliant way to get out on the water. All sessions are run by volunteers and booking ahead is essential. There’s accessible parking, a Changing Places bathroom, and a wheelchair-friendly path down to the jetty.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a curious beginner, Ladybower Fisheries is one of the most inclusive fishing spots around. You’ll find wheelchair-accessible boats, accessible loos, and even a mountain trike to help you explore more bank fishing. There’s a supportive team on site, including a British Disabled Angling Association instructor, and they will arrange group sessions for your whole party.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
A gorgeous outdoor lido, Hathersage Swimming Pool is nestled in the dramatic hills of the north Peak District. The heated pool provides the perfect swimming spot, come rain or shine. With level access, an accessible changing room and a mobile hoist, it’s a good place for a splash about.
Explore traffic-free trails with stunning Peak District views from nearby Parsley Hay. Both the Tissington Trail and the High Peak Trail cross here. Former railway lines, these are now wide, well-surfaced multi-use routes – ideal for a relaxed cycle at your own pace. You can hire a wide range of bikes, including trikes, tandems and handcycles, and the team will help you find the right fit. As there are a limited number available, we’d always recommend calling to book ahead, especially on a sunny day!
There is a new Changing Places toilet on site and nice picnic spots nearby to enjoy some well-deserved refreshments.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Want to leave the tamer trails behind? If you fancy a more rugged adventure, you can pre-book our all-terrain Boma7 off-road wheelchair for your stay. We’ve got plenty of route maps to choose from, all starting right from your accessible log cabin. One of our favourites is the new accessible route up to Minninglow – a magical spot brimming with history, plus the best views across the White Peak.
Whether you’re a wheelchair user, have limited mobility, or simply prefer gentler gradients and smoother surfaces, there are plenty of great Miles without Stiles options in the Peak District. These routes avoid steps, stiles and steep slopes, and offer confidence and freedom to explore – without having to double-check every path ahead! You’ll find routes through woodland, around reservoirs, and even to Neolithic burial grounds!
These autism-friendly sensory trails are a fantastic way to experience the outdoors differently. Located on accessible Miles without Stiles paths, they invite you to explore your surroundings through touch, sound, sight and smell. Think rustling leaves, buzzing bees, birdsong, and the scent of wildflowers. A great option for slowing down and connecting with nature on your own terms.
Buxton Riding School has a hoist and instructors who are qualified to support riders with disabilities and/or mobility impairments. Depending on your needs, they may ask you to bring a carer or companion with you to provide some extra support. Definitely book ahead, as they already have a busy schedule of group and individual classes!
There’s no hoist at Parkside Stables, so you need to be able to get on using a mounting block, but there are some lovely, well-qualified instructors who have lots of experience offering assisted riding lessons for riders with limited mobility and neurodiverse riders.
Scropton Horse Centre offer both riding and ground-based activities with horses, so it’s a great way to build confidence.
Alternatively, our friendly horses Rocco and Oliver would love to say hello while you’re enjoying your holiday at Hoe Grange. You can even help us give them their dinner at feeding time! Just let us know you’d like to meet them, and we’ll arrange a time to introduce you.
Ready to conquer new heights? Lea Green Centre near Matlock and Dukes Barn Outdoor Activity Centre near Beeley offer thrilling adapted outdoor adventure sessions, mostly focussed on children and young people with additional needs. Imagine the rush as you tackle high ropes, abseiling or even archery. Get in touch with them in advance to discuss what’s best for your group – it’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Image credit: Lea Green Centre
Already know the ropes? Horseshoe Quarry near Stoney Middleton could be your next big challenge. It’s recently had a few improvements to help more people access the site, including a more accessible path and a wheelchair-friendly gate. The quarry walls offer a great range of climbs that will leave you feeling accomplished and exhilarated!
Experience thousands of years of history and geology in the magical Poole’s Cavern. You can explore the first section of this ancient limestone cavern by wheelchair. The main chamber is step-free and well lit, and there are plenty of fascinating stories to discover with the cavern guides. There’s also an accessible café, toilets and parking, though the surrounding Buxton Country Park trails can be steep, and there are steps into the secondary caverns. Remember to bring warm layers – the cave stays a cool 7°C all year round.
Image credit: Visit Peak District & Derbyshire
Staying at Hoe Grange puts you within easy reach of all these activities. Our accessible and autism-friendly log cabins are designed to give you both independence and comfort, and we offer over 40 items of accessibility equipment free of charge so you can relax and enjoy. We’re always happy to help you plan your stay.
Whether you’re planning your first break away or looking for new adventures to try, you’ll find countryside freedom here.
Book your accessible stay at Hoe Grange Holidays and get outdoors your way.
-Caroline
Second visit to the accessible holiday cabins at Hoe Grange. David and Felicity were as helpful and friendly as ever. We had a welcome pack of freshly baked bread, butter,... read more
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