The vision of volunteers from the Crookstone Adventure Trust have turned an isolated stone barn in the Peak District into off-grid accommodation, now available to groups of outdoor enthusiasts, clubs, friends and families.
Vision, passion and sheer hard work by volunteers from the Crookstone Adventure Trust have converted a remote stone barn near Edale into hostel accommodation for groups who would not normally have chance to experience the outdoors. To fund this aim, fee paying groups of outdoor enthusiasts, clubs, friends and families are welcome to stay and experience this unique off-grid location.
Crookstone Barn sits on the shoulder of Kinder Scout 1200 feet above sea level. It is a stone building with a 400 year history. Oliver Cromwell reportedly stayed in the Barn during a campaign.
It is among some of the most popular walking trails in the country but most hikers have never seen it. There is no road to Crookstone Barn. There is no postal address, post code, mains electricity or gas. Water is from a natural spring that was once the main supply for Hope village.
It is still part of a working sheep farm and it is that family of farmers who have, for three generations , supported the work of the Barn’s volunteers. Crookstone’s aim is to provide a base for outdoor activities for those who would not ordinarily get the chance. For over 50 years the Barn has provided memories and inspiration to people from every walk of life.
Starting in the 1960’s the Barn was first used to provide outdoor experiences for apprentices from the Rotherham steel industry, located 30 miles away. People from that time are involved with the” Crookstone Adventure Trust” to this day.
The decline in the steel industry led to a gradual reduction in use and the building fell into disrepair. However, a number of people who had experienced the Barn and its benefits got together and in 1988 the Crookstone Adventure Trust was formed.
Over the next five years the Barn was rebuilt . Led by two police officers a group of volunteers including two experienced builders were recruited. Without funds or appropriate transport the initial challenge was daunting. Tools were carried up Kinder Scout in rucksacks. Nails were straightened for re – use. Bags of sand and cement – basics for rebuilding – were towed by whatever means possible. Access was, and still is, via a track built by the Romans and which has received little maintenance since. The weather in winter was always a factor and still is. The Barn is closed during the winter months and this time is used for maintenance and upgrading the facilities.
Slowly the Trust began fundraising, recruiting more volunteers and asking local businesses and organisations for help. A well used Land Rover and generator were donated. Money was raised from sources as varied as jumble sales, scrap metal collection, sponsored walks and canalside relay runs, up to grants from the European Social Fund and the National Lottery.
Hundreds of volunteers have been involved including the Territorial Army and the Royal Air Force. Tradesmen gave freely of their skills and the two builders barely missed a week end over the five years.
Volunteers from all walks of life including people recovering from alcoholism, drug abuse and/or homelessness along with police officers, social workers, teachers, accountants and many others all worked together. Some for a few days, some for a few years and some for decades.
Today there is electricity from a modern generator, and gas in bottles and the fuel for the generator is towed up Kinder by a modernish Land Rover.
Getting generators up to the Barn proved a major logistical headache. Until the R.A.F. flew in ! First using a Sea King helicopter operating at the limit of its lifting power and more recently by an enormous Chinook helicopter. Fittingly two members of the Chinook crew were making a return visit having already stayed at the Barn as air cadets. One is now Chair of the Trust!
Water is still from the old Hope village supply and Trust members have recently secured it after repairing a leak high on the moor.
Now there is a fully equipped kitchen, 5 separate upstairs rooms for sleeping, a comfortable area for relaxing and eating, storerooms and a ” boot corridor”. Both male and female washrooms, toilets and showers are fitted out to a high standard.
Historically users of the Barn have mirrored the inclusivity of its workforce. Predominately aimed at young people, groups from schools, scouts and guides, cadets and youth organisations from across the spectrum have enjoyed the experiences Crookstone can provide. Groups from across the country and from overseas have visited -people from Bellorussia, Romania, Spain and even Mozambique have spent time in the Barn as a part of wider activities.
People who would not normally get the chance to experience the outdoors and its related activities remain the prime focus of the Trust. Other groups and families are also welcome and it is their fees which support those groups who need financial assistance.
Crookstone Adventure Trust still raises funds, has benefactors and is totally dependent on volunteer labour. It is not a business and remains to provide the experiences not normally available to many disadvantaged people.
A stay at the Barn is undeniably different. Its isolated position in some of the country’s most pictuesque countryside affords access to Edale, the Hope valley and Ladybower reservoir amongst many other attractions. Just getting there is an adventure and an achievement for many.
As a group you will be expected to be self sufficient and respect the countryside and the workings of the farm. Other than that you are free to organise you stay. The Barn is not staffed. All groups are expected to look after each other and the building. It is part of the experience.
To get there a group leader, food and kit will be transported in the Land Rover. The rest of the party usually follow on foot, using the same route. By the time they arrive the leader will be confident about hot water, electricity and the fire regs! It is not complicated.
There is a good phone signal but no screens of any sort. Normally time is spent in planning activities, sharing communal tasks and making friends.
We don’t need to sell Crookstone Barn. Everybody takes something from it – a memory, an experience -it sells itself. And here is the BUT – could you bring something TO the Barn. Could you organise a group who would get maximum benefit and who meet the Trust’s aims ? Do you know somebody who already is involved in such groups. Fees will not be an issue.
Crookstone Adventure Trust will provide the building and the opportunity. If you can provide the leadership, then together we can create a unique experience.