Over one weekend, a family hiked, swam, slept in a woodland cabin and camped on a hillside in the Peak District, while also supporting community-run projects. The children fell asleep in a tent to the sound of rain on canvas, while the parents sat outside huddled under a waterproof coat, laughing at the absurdity and beauty of the situation.
With every affordable campsite, yurt and cottage booked for the early May bank holiday, the family reached out to community initiatives. They were welcomed by Vanessa and Max at the Beeches, a former Quaker residential community house in Bamford, which now focuses on community health, social justice and ecological regeneration. The family stayed in a cosy cabin with a wood-burning stove, fairy lights and a giant sofa bed.
During the day, they visited the Anglers Rest, Bamford's community-owned pub, and swam in the River Derwent, where the children covered themselves in river mud. The following evening, they camped at Lockerbrook Farm Outdoor Centre, a hill farm run by Woodcraft Folk, which made an exception to allow them to pitch their tent in the empty camping field.
Despite a broken camp stove and a failed attempt at cold-water macaroni cheese, the family enjoyed the stunning view of the high moorlands and Derwent valley. The warden provided boiled water for porridge, and the trip ended with a sense of adventure and community spirit.
