Headquarters - Local Activities


The 1st Taxal Scout Group' headquarters is an ideal base to explore the Peak District, in particular the Shining Tor ridge, the Mam To ridge and Kinder Scout. The attractions of the Peak District are what can often make the area a challenging place to be. Please make sure that you have enough experience, the right equipment and the necessary authorisations / qualifications before you attempt any of the adventurous activities suggested below. It is YOUR responsibility as a group leader.

Please note that the selection below does not indicate any recommendation. They have been presented as programme ideas for you to look at.
To Run Yourself

Hiking - there are too many routes to suggest but the Goyt Valley is on our doorstep and it is quite easy to complete a challenging full day's walk without using any transport. Further away the Peak District is your oyster but Kinder Scout and Mam Tor are obvious suggestions.

Rock Climbing - Windgather Rocks is an ideal training ground for the beginner or novice (and it is within walking distance of the headquarters). If you have transport then The Roaches and Hen Cloud (on the road from Buxton to Leek) with provide other challenges.

Water Activities - We have canoed and sailed in the past on Toddbrook Reservoir with permission from British Waterways. The High Peak canal terminates in Whaley Bridge and has been used by groups for canoeing. Again you will need to get permission from British Waterways.

Orienteering - There are a number of permanent Orienteering Course set up close by including Lyme Park nr Disley, Poole's Cavern Country Park in Buxton and Brabyns Park in Marple. Visit the Greater Manchester Orienteering Activities website for further information on these and other courses (including how to get hold of maps).

Cycling - There are a number of good cycle routes around the area. If you need to hire cycles then they are available from Derbyshire County Council Countryside Service at Hayfield. See their website for more details.

Sports Centres / Swimming Pools - There are council run sports centres at New Mills and Glossop. The High Peak Borough Council website has details. The nearest swimming pools are at Buxton and New Mills. These are both traditional type swimming pools. There is a 'fun' pool at Hyde.
Instruction Provided

Rock Climbing - There is an indoor climbing wall at Marple. They will provide instruction although you can lead the activity yourself if you are qualified. Phone 'Rope Race' on 0161 426 0226 or visit the bmc website for further details.
Places To Visit

Lyme Park - Owned by the National Trust. There is a fee to park in the estate (per car) and then further charges to visit the garden and the house (NT members free). There is a large permanent orienteering course in the grounds. Further details on the National Trust website.

Poole's Cavern - Natural limestone cavern visitor attraction. See their website for details.

Speedwell Cavern - Cavern that is visited by boat. See their website for details.

Peak Cavern - Another cavern to visit. See their website for details.
Local Amenities

The Headquarters is approximately fifteen minutes walk from the centre of Whaley Bridge where you will find a Co-op Local store, post office, fish and chip shop, other takeaways, off license, chemist, butchers, bakers, greengrocers etc.

Closer to the headquarters (near the traffic lights) is a fish and chip shop, post office, off license and a butchers.

Further through the village towards the roundabout with the A6 at Bridgemont is a Tesco supermarket with filling station. Other supermarkets are located at Chapel-en-le-Frith (Morrisons), New Mills (Co-op), Buxton (Morrisons) and Macclesfield (Tesco and Sainsburys).

There is a doctor's surgery in the village which can be contacted on 01663 732911. The nearest hospital is at Buxton but this only has a minor injuries unit with no Doctor on site. Full A&E facilities are provided at Macclesfield Hospital and at Stepping Hill Hospital (on the A6 between Hazel Grove and Stockport).