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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.

Roles reversed – girls up top

October 26, 2021
October 26, 2021 - Roles reversed – girls up top
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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)

Climbing Jeffcoat's Pinnacle

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!

Jeffcoat's Pinnacle at Hoe Grange Farm

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.

Derwent Mountaineering Club

A relaxing afternoon in the Autumn sunshine with traditional home baked scones and fizz; I suspect they drank lemonade at the original photo shoot!

Rock Climbing at Hoe Grange

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!

Derwent Mountaineering Club

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.

Climbing in the White Peak

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 

Climbing at Black Rocks

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Hoe Grange Holidays Tripadvisor Comments...

  • star rating  What a wonderful find. As our first experience of needing accessible accommodation we could not have wished for better. Beautiful well equipped lodges in lovely surroundings. We stayed in both... read more

    L9943KBlesleym
    April 3, 2020

    star rating  We spent four nights at Hoe Grange and had a lovely time. The location is fantastic and right next to the High Peak Trail. The cabin was very clean and... read more

    Big_Al_0000
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  What a lovely weekend away! We stayed in the lovely gypsy caravan, which was a wonderful and really unique experience. We took along our two horses, who also had a... read more

    rachelthomas2015
    June 18, 2019
  • star rating  Stayed last week, from 6th to 13th September in the log cabin called Hipley. This was amazing, it was our first visit but certainly not our last. Gold standard disability... read more

    548julie
    September 14, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    dghiggs61
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  Another great holiday at Hoe Grange - such a great place for us all to holiday as a family - this time with a baby, a 3 yr old, a... read more

    Thesamps
    October 4, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed for a night in one of the cabins . The cabin was spotless and very well equipped , lots of extra touches were added like fresh eggs and... read more

    Ajtravels14
    February 3, 2020

    star rating  Felicity and David made us feel very welcome right from our booking. The pods are well equipped and spotlessly clean. The area is very peaceful with great views and we... read more

    Adventurer_12121
    January 30, 2020

    star rating  We had a lovely time staying in one of the incredibly well equipped pods. I bought my pony along and we had some great rides on the high peak trail.... read more

    plopster1
    June 7, 2019
  • star rating  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

    Charlotte M
    August 7, 2019

    star rating  On arriving at Hoe Grange in a downpour, we doubted if we’d made the right decision to go glamping, but after the warm welcome from David and a quick tour,... read more

    karenmD4738KD
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  Lovely place to holiday near to interesting locations and easy access to the High Peak trail and Carsington Water. Part of a working farm with fresh produce to enjoy during... read more

    Angie B
    August 3, 2019
  • star rating  We stayed in Skylark, one of the two glamping pods available at Hoe Grange in February 2020.

    Felicity & David welcomed us when we arrived to show us around... read more

    HelenLCarter
    February 6, 2020

    star rating  We have just returned from a short stay in one of the pods on site at Hoe Grange Holidays. We couldn’t recommend them enough. The pod has everything you could... read more

    Catboy86
    August 17, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Pinder cabin and had a lovely stay, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, nice and warm after cold days out. The children loved meeting the animals and... read more

    Tiggywinkle15
    November 5, 2019
  • star rating  It's been three years since we last visited but once we arrived it certainly didn't feel like it!
    We stayed in Hipley again which had had a refurbished wet... read more

    ElizabethA717
    September 21, 2019

    star rating  We love this place. Very wheelchair friendly, really well equipped and comfortable, with easy access by car to lots of places of interest particularly Crich Tramway Village, Chatsworth, Bakewell and... read more

    David H
    October 25, 2019

    star rating  lovely surroundings real farm country with chickens paying you a visit nice decking area to chill at the end of the day accommodation very good plenty to do nearby... read more

    vincent s
    July 28, 2019
  • star rating  We wanted a complete break and some peace and quiet and this was perfect. The caravan was secluded with beautiful views over the countryside. Everything was spotlessly clean and well... read more

    joanne B
    June 4, 2019

    star rating  Recently spent a week in "Pinder" and had a lovely time. The location is stunning - the site is nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Peaks... read more

    Peachey167
    July 16, 2019

    star rating  Loved every minute of our stay, and so did the family and friends that came to stay. Excellent facilities in our cosy Hipley log cabin. By far the best... read more

    krimpenijssel
    October 25, 2019
  • star rating  For the second year running, we have had a great family holiday at Hoe Grange. We had one cabin for the week, for two sisters and our elderly wheelchair-using... read more

    EJYork2013
    June 25, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in the Skylark pod last October (2018) and had a lovely time. There was homemade, rustic goods (bread, biscuits etc) when we arrived. Felicity and David who run... read more

    KBarry
    September 15, 2019

    star rating  We stayed in Rainster cabin for a long weekend 6 th to 9 th September. This was my 5 th visit to the amazing Hoe Grange. I had visited before... read more

    Jan Horsman J
    September 17, 2019
  • star rating  Myself and my sister travelled to Costa Rica and Panama via Viva Holidays Ltd. The holiday was exceptional and one to be treasured forever. Andrew at Viva Holidays... read more

    Paula C
    July 4, 2019

    star rating  A beautiful place to stay! Amazingly run family business! Everyone were very welcoming, friendly and cozy! The skylark pod we stayed in was very clean, cozy and well equipped! The... read more

    sophiee249
    January 2, 2020

    star rating  We've just returned from our second visit to Hoe Grange. The suggested riding routes with stunning scenery were enjoyed by my daughter and I while the menfolk were delighted with... read more

    Jdrichie12
    July 11, 2019
  • star rating  What can I say?
    Absolutely superb!
    We have just returned from a family weekend staying in Daisybank cabin and the Skylark pod.
    It was our first trip away with my... read more

    Wheelieuser
    June 13, 2019

    star rating  Arrived and was shown to our pod, fantastic location and the pod was very good indeed plus we had home made bread and milk and tea and coffee. A... read more

    mickvfr
    July 28, 2019

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