The stone buildings scattered around Pindale Farm lend the place a lovely, traditional olde-England feel. The site has led a varied existence, with previous incarnations including a lead mine and a working farm, and some of the buildings date back to the 14th century. The main - reportedly haunted - farmhouse pre-dates 1340 and is now home to campsite owner Alan Medhurst, who has transformed the buildings - a barn, an engine house, and a powder house used to store explosives - into bunkhouses, toilets, and shower blocks.

The fields surrounding these buildings have enough room for around 64 (unmarked) pitches, with two electric hook-ups available at the top of the main field. Tenters tend to pitch in the south¬western meadow, which is large, flat, and shaded around the perimeter by sycamores, birches, and pines; it also gives pleasant views across some of Derbyshire's finest countryside. The lower sections are reserved for groups, where they are far enough away not to be intrusive, and Alan keeps a careful watch to ensure things stay peaceful after dark.

The area, right in the heart of the Peak District National Park, offers excellent recreational opportunities, including walking (there are many circular walks for all levels), horse-riding, climbing, fishing, caving, mountain biking, and hang gliding.

There are no food options on site, but as Pindale is located halfway between Hope and Castleton — each just a pleasant 20-minute walk away — you can easily access conveniences, as well as nearby sights.

COOL FACTOR Peaceful, natural camping in the Peak District's Hope Valley.

WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, dogs - yes. Croups - by prior arrangement only. Caravans - no.

ON SITE Campfires are allowed if off the ground. There are decent washing and toilet facilities located in a couple of old stone barns (the ladies' are a bit further than the men's), as well as adequate (and free) showers in the old stables. There's a chest freezer available for cold blocks; washing machines and tumble-dryers available too (tokens can be bought from reception).

OFF SITE Shops like Hitch n Hike (01433 651013) in Hope, and Outside (01433 651936) in Hathersage, are good sources of outdoor products and information. Mountain bikes and more can be hired at 18 Bikes (01433 621111). A little different, Eyam Museum (01433 631371) profiles the fate of a local village that isolated itself during the bubonic plague outbreak of 1665.

FOOD AND DRINK The Woodbine Cafe (www.woodbine-hope.co.uk) in Hope does Full English breakfasts, while Hope Chest Deli (01433 620072) has quality delicatessen produce, and the Old Hall Tea Rooms (01433 620160) are good for a cuppa. For Sunday roasts try the Poacher's Arms (01433 620380), or Losehill House (01433 621219), which offers locally sourced organic food.

GETTING THERE Take the A6187 to Hope. Pindale Road is directly off this road (on the left if you're travelling westbound, right if you're coming from the other direction).

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Hope then walk (a mile).

OPEN March-October (tents).

THE DAMAGE £6 per person, per night for 1-night stays, £5 a night for 2 or more nights.