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.
The Peak District is one of the most popular areas in the UK for climbing. Here in the Southern White Peak the climbs are generally shorter, but they can be technically challenging. Did you know that Hoe Grange has its own little pinnacle to climb? Guests often think the limestone pillar is the remains of an ancient building. Disappointingly it's just a natural rock, but maybe I should make up an exciting ghostly story?
However it has long been a draw for climbing enthusiasts as it features in the climbing guidebook, The Peak Limestone South by the BMC (British Mountaineering Council)
The Derwent Mountaineering Club are always on the look out for new challenges and unusual places to climb. One of their members came across a wonderful old sepia photo of climbers on Jeffcoat’s Pinnacle in our front field.
This beautiful limestone pinnacle which can be seen from our farmyard is believed to be named after the first person to climb it.
The photo taken in 1942 shows the brave male climbers at the top, with the women looking up in admiration from below; or are the ladies actually just chatting away ignoring the show-offs? The photo is a snapshot in time and a reflection of 1940’s life.
The photo was published in an article from the Midlands Area Mountaineers referring to a visit to “a curious pinnacle about 30 feet high … ” and “a freak of nature ..” in a field near Brassington. The article was by FH Restall, who also took the original photo.
Local climbing enthusiasts from Derwent Mountaineering Club recently decided to re-enact the scene with a modern twist! For 2021 the female climbers were posing at the top of the pinnacle whilst the admiring male climbers were looking up in awe from below!
Apparently, the hardest task was climbing the Ash tree to the left to cut down some of the overhanging branches obscuring the top of the pinnacle. Once the “gardening” was done the climbers had a fun afternoon with everyone having the opportunity to climb to the top after the official photo was taken.
A relaxing afternoon in the Autumn sunshine with traditional home baked scones and fizz; I suspect they drank lemonade at the original photo shoot!
Over the years quite a few people have come to climb the pinnacle here at Hoe Grange as it has featured in various climbing guidebooks.
If you fancy having a go at climbing Jeffcoat’s Pinnacle we are happy to welcome you by arrangement. However you need to be a competent climber and have the proper appropriate gear. Whilst the Pinnacle isn’t all that high, you could have an unfortunate and painful fall if not properly prepared!
The Derwent Mountaineering Club as its name suggests is based around the Derwent Valley. They are a friendly, supportive bunch who organize regular local climbing, walking and social meets. In addition the club ventures further afield for weekends to Scotland, Snowdonia, and abroad to The Alps.
Members have a range of experience from seasoned hill walkers to novice climbers, north face summiteers, and experienced alpinists. There is something to appeal to all ages and interests, but their main aim is to enjoy the outdoors.
Our little Pinnacle may not be enough of a challenge for experienced climbers, but there are some fantastic rock climbing sites close to Hoe Grange.
Harborough Rocks is just a 2 mile walk from Hoe Grange along the High Peak Trail. It's a great place for practising skills, with plenty of short climbs and bouldering.
The limestone crags of High Tor near Matlock Bath are more challenging and the gritstone at Black Rocks, near Cromford are dark and dramatic with amazing panoramic views. You'll find more information on climbing and outdoor activities on our website.
Felicity