10 Best Outdoors Activities in Buxton

Outdoors Activities in Buxton

10 Best Outdoors Activities in Buxton

From climbing, caving, hiking, cycling, rambling, kayaking and more…if you’re looking to get fit, learn new skills, meet new people or get out and see more of our lovely countryside, here’s our pick of 11 best outdoorsy things to do in Buxton and the Peak District.

1. Explore the Monsal Trail with Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire

Hire a bike and explore the beautiful Monsal Trail, with Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire just a outside of Buxton along the A6. The centre is approached by entering the Wye-Dale car park (opposite the Topley Pike Quarry entrance), 8 miles north of Bakewell and 4 miles south of Buxton. The Monsal trail is a disused railway line closed in 1968 and recently converted in 2010-2011 into a new traffic-free cycle track, allowing people to cycle from Blackwell Mill, Nr.Buxton to Bakewell. The eight and half mile trail follows the river Wye, taking you through several newly opened lit tunnels, between steep gorges, surrounding limestone hills and across the spectacular Monsal Dale viaduct making this an exceptional cycling experience. You can of course also walk the trail and do as much or as little as you like. The flora and fauna is lovely along the trail particularly in summer – with plenty of wild flowers, dragonflies, butterflies and more. Don’t miss Hassop Station along the way to Bakewell which serves great food and good cups of tea.

peakblackwellcyclehire.com



2. Buxton Running Club

With a diverse member base of around 80, the club meets regularly for runs around Buxton and the Peak District. They attend lots of running events during the year such as Buxton and Macclesfield Half Marathon’s, Longnor Races and Buxton Carnival Road Race as well as being a really social bunch too having regular nights out such as going to comedy clubs and curry houses and drinks locally. If your new to the area and/or fancy getting more active this could be perfect for you. All ages and fitness levels are more than welcome.

buxtonac.org.uk

3. Go Ape Buxton

All at a knee knocking 1200 feet, Buxton is the highest Go Ape course in England and the woodlands are made up of beech, elm, and sycamore with willow, birch and hawthorn. Go Ape provides fun for all the family whatever the weather, so why not unleash your inner Tarzan and live life adventurously. There’s rope ladders, obstacles and crossings, providing ample challenges for those with a love for the outdoors. The site is in walking distance from Buxton town centre, and you’ll also find the nearby two-million-year-old natural limestone cave Poole’s Cavern, in Buxton Country Park.

goape.co.uk/days-out/midlands/buxton

4. Ring of Trees Hike

This ten mile stroll takes in a number of pretty woodlands on the peripheries of Buxton; some well-known, others less so. You can take in some really nice views and there are some good refreshment stops on-route such as Poole’s Cavern Café and the Cavendish Golf Club. The Buxton Civic Association devised this trail and you’ll find a hand map you can print off on their website. It’s worth looking at covering the entire trail over 2 days, unless you’re really keen – because there’s quite a lot to look at along the way including a working farm where they have a small shop selling produce which was great to see.

buxtoncivicassociation.org.uk/estate-and-map

5. Peak Practice Golf Driving Range

Ideal for the family, couples or a group of friends – this large golfing range has more than 20 bays and is just a 5 minute drive out of Buxton just off the A6.  Have fun and compete with each other on shots! Beginners welcome – they’ll show you everything you need to know. Club hire is available in case you don’t own any and there’s 10% ball discount for University of Derby students (with valid I.D card).  Disabled access is also very good and there’s free parking. Non-golfers and families are made very welcome here – ideal Sunday afternoon activity.

explorebuxtonderbyshire.co.uk/peak-practice-golf

6. Buxton Rambling Club

If you enjoy walking but want to discover and see more of Buxton and the Peak District’s beautiful countryside, Buxton Rambling Club offers a a great way to get fit. They suggest you go along to one or two walks to try things out before joining up. Many of the walks take place in the Peak District but some further afield and well behaved dogs are welcome on walks. Most walks take place on Sundays and there’s a packed programme for 2018 – check their website for more details.

buxtonramblingclub.co.uk

7. Learn to Climb with Buxton Mountaineering Club

Whether you’re new to the area, looking to move from indoor walls to the great outdoors or an experienced climber who simply wants to meet like minded people, the club welcomes all levels of climbers. Originally begun in 1978 by a small group of local friends, the club has thrived over the years and now has over 70 members and is always on the lookout for new members.

buxtonmc.co.uk

8. Learn to kayak with Peak Paddlers

Formed in 2008, Peak Paddlers welcomes people of all ages and all abilities, so if you’re an absolute newbie – these guys will show you everything you need to know. Their outdoor base is the stunning Errwood Reservoir in the Peak District Goyt Valley, just a 10 minute drive from Buxton and the club can also often be found paddling along the many lovely canals in the area. If you don’t have your own kit don’t worry as they can provide everything you need.

peakpaddlers.co.uk

9. Try golf at Buxton & High Peak Golf Club

High Peak Golf Club

With annual free membership for juniors and offers such as the Twilight rate for just £10 per person to play and Super Saver Thursday – golf no longer needs to be an expensive sport, especially if you want to have a go first to see if it’s your thing. The fitness benefits of playing golf have been increasingly discussed in the media with particular focus on golf not only providing a stimulating mental challenge but a walk of 4-6 miles in often idyllic surroundings; the location of High Peak Golf Club offers unrivalled 360º vistas of the outstanding Peak District countryside. Ideal for either a solo outdoor activity or a day out with your mates.

explorebuxton.co.uk/high-peak-golf-club

10. White Hall Outdoor Education Centre

Offering a range of activities for all ages, White Hall offer management team buildings days out, activities for school and young people’s groups, Duke of Edinburgh Award and more – there’s a wide range of activities including rock climbing, kayaking, caving, abseiling, orienteering and more.

whitehall.derbyshire-outdoors.org

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