This once listed but abandoned farm on the southern edge of the Peak district was restored by Hertfordshire Scouts and Guides in 1982. It provides a perfect base for a wide variety of walking, climbing, caving, and water activities. Situated between Leek and Ashbourne in the picturesque village of Cauldon nr Waterhouses, some 9 miles from Alton Towers.

Location and Directions

OS MAP REF (Sheet 119) SK 082494
Postcode is ST10 3EJ
Orchard Farm is in the village of Cauldon between Ashbourne and Leek some 130 miles from Hertfordshire.

Accommodation

The farm sleeps up to 60 in 6 rooms. There are two common rooms, dinning room and kitchen, toilets (including a downstairs facility for disabled persons) and washing facilities, drying room and parking for 20 cars or vans. The adjoining field can be used for camping or other activities.

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Activities

The Peak District - the nations first National Park was created with much controversy and many bitter battles having taken place during the 1930s. The scenery is very mixed which adds to the overall interest of the area. In places it is awe inspiring with areas of outstanding natural beauty and boasts many SSSIs (Sites of Special Scientific Interest). Other areas show vestiges of earlier social and industrial activities.
Visitors to Orchard Farm have an enormous range of places of interest to visit and these will appeal to a wide range of age groups, irrespective of gender. Whether a visit is planned for a weekend or for several weeks, there is always something new to discover.

We offer some suggestions to help you plan what to do during your visit:-

Walking of all varieties from easy trails to difficult hill-walking.
Easy - Dove Dale, Manifold Valley, Hamps Valley, Tissington Trail.
Moderate - Goyt Valley, Axe Edge Moor (White Peak).
Tough - Edale, Kinder Scout (Dark Peak).
OS 1:25 Outdoor Leisure Maps: I Dark Peak and 24 White Peak.
Cycling - Bicycles can be hired from in Waterhouses for use on the nearby trails.
Brown End Farm Cycle Hire, Waterhouses.
Tel:(01538) 308313 Fax:01538 308053
Open 930am - 7.OOpm most days. Booking recommended.
Waterhouses is on the Tissington Trail that goes from Ashbourne to Buxton.
Rock Climbing at TheRoches and Ramshaw Rocks (30 minutes drive), along with many other climbs within a reasonable driving distance.
Pony Trekking is available in the Hartingdon area.Try Mount Pleasant Riding School, Biggin.
Canoeing at River Churnet and Rudyard Lake.
Also Matlock Slalom Site (BCU owned)
Fishing at Rudyard Reservoir, fee from Bailiff (01538) 306280
Carsington Water Education Centre Tel: 01629 540696. Sports and Leisure Centre includes Water Sports (Hire and Tuition)and Cycle Hire Tel: 01629 540478
This is a large recreational area to explore, have a picnic or to plan an organised activity.
Alton Towers Theme Park - for the young at heart is 10 minutes drive away.
Important - Any activity undertaken must be supervised by suitably qualified Leaders/instructor

More things to do
Abraham Heights and Cable Cars at Matlock Bath
Arkwright Mills and Canal at Cromford
The American Theme Park at Alfreston
Blue John Mines at Castleton
Butterly Railway Museum at Ripley
Chatsworth House, Gardens, Waterfall and Fountain at Rowsley
Chesterfield Cathedral with its twisted spire at Chesterfield
Clearwell Caves at Buxton
Cnch Tramway Museum at Crich
Darley Dale and Carriage Museum at Ambergate
Eyam Plague Village at Eyam
Gulliver's Kingdom at Matlock Bath
Matlock Bath inland Resort at Matlock Bath
Millers Dale
Monsal Dale Viaduct and Wye Valley at Ashford in the Water
National Stone Museum
Riber Castle and Gardens at Matlock
St Anne's Well at Buxton
Tideswell - the Cathedral of the Dales at Millers Dale
Tourist Information Centre Offices at Bakewell 01335 343666 will be have details of all the above any many other attractions.