When is the best time of year for outdoor activities in the Peak District?

Most of our activities run all year round. Climbing and mountain biking are at their best from spring to autumn, caving goes ahead in any season because it's underground, and the autumn and winter months are a great time to sharpen your navigation skills. Every course page shows its upcoming dates.

Outdoor activities in the Peak District

Climbing, caving, navigation, mountain biking and group adventure days across the Peak District National Park. Expert-led, with kit provided, for complete beginners through to future instructors, all year round.

10 activities★ 5.0 TripAdvisorSince 2006AALA licensed

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Rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor Qualified, expert instructors Technical kit provided AALA licensed (R2331)

Outdoor activities in the heart of the Peak District

The Peak District is one of the best places in the UK to get outdoors: gritstone edges, limestone caves, open moorland and miles of trails, all within easy reach of Sheffield and Manchester. Since 2006 Pure Outdoor has been introducing people of all ages to outdoor activities in the Peak District, with expert-led days from our base at The Adventure Hub in Bamford, in the Hope Valley.

Something for everyone

Whether it’s your first time outdoors or you’re working towards a qualification, there’s an activity for you. Try a half-day taster, learn a new skill over a weekend, or take things further with an NNAS navigation award or instructor training. Courses run all year round and suit individuals, couples, families and friends.

Bring your group

We also plan outdoor activity days for groups: team building and away days, stag and hen weekends, school and youth trips, family celebrations and charity challenges. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll put together a day that fits.

Everything you need

Our instructors are qualified and experienced, technical kit is provided, and we’re licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA, R2331). With free parking and Bamford station five minutes away, getting here is easy too.

Choose your activity

Every activity runs as scheduled courses you can join on your own, or as a private day for you and your group.

Navigation Courses

Map reading and compass skills, from your first walk off the path to NNAS Gold.

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Climbing Courses

Outdoor rock climbing on Peak District gritstone, from taster sessions to learning to lead.

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Bouldering Courses

Rope-free climbing on the Peak's famous boulders, for beginners and improvers.

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Mountain Biking Courses

Mountain bike skills courses, from taster days to improvers on Peak District trails.

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Caving Courses

Underground adventures in Peak District caves, horizontal and vertical.

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Trail Running Courses

Trail running courses to build confidence, skills and fitness off-road.

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Winter Skills Courses

Winter mountain skills weekends in the Scottish Highlands.

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Private Booking

Any course or activity on your dates, just for you, your family or your group.

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Qualifications

Rock Climbing Instructor and Mountain Leader training and assessment.

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First Aid Courses

8-hour and 16-hour outdoor first aid courses for leaders and adventurers.

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Three ways to get outdoors

Join a coursePick a date on any scheduled course and book online in a couple of minutes.Go privateYour dates, your group and a plan built around you, with an instant quote.Give it as a giftE-gift vouchers for any course, valid for 2 years and emailed instantly.

Activities for groups

Families, schools, celebrations and charity events, planned around your group.

Families Schools & youth groups Stag do activities Hen do activities Charities Corporate & team building

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities can I do in the Peak District with Pure Outdoor?

Pure Outdoor runs navigation courses, climbing courses, bouldering courses, mountain biking courses, caving courses, trail running courses, winter skills courses, private booking, qualifications and first aid courses in the Peak District, from our base at The Adventure Hub in Bamford, Hope Valley. Courses run year-round for complete beginners through to instructor qualifications.

Are your courses suitable for beginners?

Yes, we run courses for all abilities, from complete beginners to people training for qualifications, and many courses are designed specifically as an introduction. Each course page lists any pre-requisites.

What are the age limits?

From 13 years old, you can book onto our standard courses open to the public. Children aged 4-12 can take part through private bookings or tuition, with or without parents, by arrangement with our team. We're licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Service to work with under 18s.

What equipment is provided?

We supply all technical and safety equipment except climbing shoes. On navigation and hillwalking courses we ask you to bring your own map and compass. Check the kit list in your course information and get in touch if you can't get something you need.

Can I book a private instructor?

Yes. Any of our courses can be run privately, or we can plan a bespoke adventure for you, ideal if you have limited time but big ambitions. We work with individuals, couples and groups.

How do I book a course?

Choose a date on any course page and book online, you can pay by card (or PayPal) at checkout. You can also book over the phone on 01433 424164.

What if the weather is bad?

Our courses run in a range of weather, that's part of learning in the UK hills, so come prepared for the conditions. If the weather is genuinely dangerous we may modify or cancel a session, in which case you'll be offered a refund or an alternative date.

How do gift vouchers work?

Buy a cash-value e-voucher in £10 steps (e.g. 10 x £10 for a £100 voucher), or buy a specific course as a voucher using 'Buy as a gift' on its course page. E-vouchers arrive instantly by email, ready to print or forward, and can be redeemed against any Pure Outdoor course.

Where are you based?

At The Adventure Hub, Unit 1 Hope Valley Garden Centre, Bamford, Hope Valley S33 0AL, just off the main road through the Hope Valley between Hathersage/Bamford and Hope/Castleton, in the heart of the Peak District National Park. For sat nav, the coordinates 53.340239, -1.693461 are the most accurate (the postcode is only a guide).

More answers in our FAQs or call 01433 424164.

Not sure where to start?

Call us on 01433 424164 (Mon–Sat, 9am–5pm) or email support@pureoutdoor.co.uk and we'll help you choose.

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Outdoor Activities in the Peak District with Pure Outdoor

Experience the best of the Peak District with Pure Outdoor – Award Winning Outdoor Activities in this Peak District national park. Whether you’re after a new challenge or a fresh perspective on familiar landscapes, we offer expert-led adventures for all levels.

Choose from rock climbing, caving, hiking, trail running, navigation skills and more – all guided by qualified, passionate instructors. Our activities run year-round and cater to individuals, families, groups, and corporate teams looking to explore the outdoors safely and confidently.

With a base in the heart of the Peak District, we’re perfectly placed to help you discover the area’s iconic crags, trails, and hidden gems. Whether you're a complete beginner or building on existing skills, we’ll help you make the most of your time in the outdoors.

Get outside, get inspired – and make your next adventure one to remember with Pure Outdoor.

Navigation Courses

Climbing Courses

Bouldering Courses

Mountain Biking Courses

Caving Courses

Trail Running Courses

Winter Skills Courses

Private Booking

Qualifications

First Aid Courses

Gift Vouchers

Tripadvisor Reviews

What Our Customers Say

★★★★★ Rated 5/5 · 963 reviews

★★★★★

We did a day of outdoor bouldering with Pure Outdoor. Our instructor Joe was absolutely brilliant. He really took the time to understand what we were looking to get out of the day and tailored it to suit us and our ability level. He was very friendly and easy to get along and gave plenty of encouragement. As well as giving first class instruction, he made the day fun and enjoyable. One aspect I particularly liked was the attitude towards ethical climbing outdoors, good etiquette, respecting the environment and preserving the rock. I would definitely recommend and look forward to doing more courses with them in the future.

Ryan AOutdoor Bouldering · July 2025

My son and I booked a climbing day. Our guide was Oli. Believe me I could go on and on (and on) about how good the day turned out. Professional, if you put your loved ones safety in the hands of a stranger it really is reassuring if they are clearly professional. That's a big green tick! Friendly. Another tick. Good value. Tick. And the last test, would you do the day again... Tick! Thanks Oli and Pure Outdoor.

Chris SStanage Edge Climbing · September 2025

Loved it and learnt so much. Excellent, tailored, expert instruction for three improving climbers learning to lead climb. The instructor, James, was a brilliant communicator and teacher with clear expertise and passion for climbing.

David PLearn to Lead Climb · August 2024

The caving course with Chris was brilliant. A nice mix of confidence building routes for 5 hours underground. Chris shared his experiences and knowledge of the geology of the cave system. Will return next time with the wife and kids.

Graham JCaving Course · June 2025

We've just done a beginners caving day, it was absolutely amazing! Chris was brilliant, having such an experienced leader was very reassuring and meant we could push ourselves out of our comfort zone whilst knowing we were in safe hands. We loved it, we'll be coming back and we'll be requesting Chris when we do!

Axle NevBeginners Caving Day · May 2025

Excellent experience on the Introductory Caving course. A very different but highly enjoyable day crawling, walking, squeezing and climbing over, under and between rocks. Led by Chris this was a fantastic way to explore what's under your feet in Derbyshire. Chris was an excellent guide, always encouraging, guiding us through the caves and puddles. He was very informative and also entertaining with his wealth of stories about caving exploits. It was hard work and muscles ached the following day. Highly recommend.

BedsAndFoodIntroductory Caving Course · July 2024

Great course for someone who had no idea how to use a compass and read an ordnance survey map. Rick was welcoming from my arrival, as were the other course attendees. He went through all what we would be doing during the day, allowing time for questions before we went off on to the moors to use the techniques he had taught us. During the whole day Rick was professional, so knowledgeable and also had the patience of a saint. The views when we reached the highest point were stunning, with carpets of purple as far as the eye could see of heather. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and learnt so much, would definitely recommend.

JWRight Way in a Day · August 2023

I recently attended the NNAS Silver navigation course at Pure Outdoor. I wanted to improve my navigation and this seemed to be the right course. The course was excellent, excellently led by Paul who fostered a very positive attitude to learning and a great group dynamic. I came away having fulfilled my personal objectives from the course. I will definitely be going back for another course with Pure Outdoor.

BootieNNAS Silver Navigation · August 2023

I did the 2 day Navigation Course with my wife, which was money and time very well spent. Stephen, our instructor, somehow gave us skills and confidence in navigation which is a testimony to his teaching. More than that I was enriched by his knowledge and the whole experience. I have struggled to read OS maps for years but now, following this course, I can't wait to get the OS map for a nearby area and get out there to navigate my way through the countryside. I cannot commend the Navigation Course enough.

Mike H2-Day Navigation Course · September 2023

I had an amazing one-day mountain biking experience. The day was very well organised, with all necessary information sent to me in advance and prompt responses to my questions from Pure Outdoor. The staff were very kind and helpful. On the day, the technical guidance provided by instructor Mark was extremely valuable, and the bike route was planned through the beautiful scenery of the Peak District. I highly recommend this experience.

Edyta KMountain Bike Day · May 2025

Great day out with Adam as our guide and instructor. He spent time with us before our ride to assess what we wanted to achieve from the day. We started going back to basics, looking at ride position, weight transference and cornering. A session on Hope pump track preceded an awesome ride around the Upper Derwent, where we broke off at intervals to practice the skills learned. Adam was the perfect instructor, very friendly and with an easy manner that put us very much at ease, whilst still being extremely professional and imparting his extensive knowledge in a clear and understandable way. The whole day was the perfect mix of pleasure and challenge!

Jacqui BMTB Improvers · October 2022

TAVerified reviews from Tripadvisor · 963 reviews · ★★★★★ 5.0