[SA Chris]

Currently campaigning for a week in the in early October with family, and possibly brother's family (2 + small one too), and trying to figure out a good base to look for a cottage.

Criteria;

1) Good access to grit, mostly Peak, as I haven't really bouldered there much compared to Yorkshire and keen to do a bit more.
2) Big enough to have amenities in walking distance / short drive like swimming pool, shops, play park etc for non climbing days and when weather is crap.
3) Small enough to be a nice place to be, not stuck in big city with traffic, noise etc.
4) fairly easy access to get to / be visited by friends based locally mostly in / around Manchester, Bingley, and West Leeds. Oh and York (although that might be easier stopping in on way down / back)
5) Not too much off main thoroughfares for getting to all of the above fairly easily.

As an opening gambit had thought about Holmfirth, which I've circumnavigated a few times but never actually been to? Is it a nice enough place? Or how about Barnsley? Any other suggestions?

[Johnny Brown]

Depends what you mean by 'good access' I guess. Holmfirth isn't a bad plan (fits 2.-5)  but its a pain to get to anywhere in the Peak other than Wimberry. Which might well be piss wet in October. I'd stay in Leek or Bakewell, they're not so handy for your mates though.

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

Not sure how closely it fits your criteria but my bro-in-law stayed at these recently, nice place, nice location.

http://www.middlefarmholidaycottages.co.uk/

[SA Chris]

I'd stay in Leek or Bakewell, they're not so handy for your mates though.

Aye, there's the rub. What would holmfirth - hathersage be like as a drive? More than an hour?

[Obi-Wan is lost...]

I'd stay in Leek or Bakewell, they're not so handy for your mates though.

Aye, there's the rub. What would holmfirth - hathersage be like as a drive? More than an hour?

Nah, , nice drive to. Would also sort out who your 'real' friends are, 

[SA Chris]

Not sure how closely it fits your criteria but my bro-in-law stayed at these recently, nice place, nice location.

http://www.middlefarmholidaycottages.co.uk/

Looks lovely, will add it to considerations, but think it's a bit far too south.

[SA Chris]

Nah, , nice drive to. Would also sort out who your 'real' friends are, 

OK, doable for a day / afternoon then.

[schloosh]

I live in Holmfirth.

It's about:

20 mins to Wimberry
45 mins to Stanage, 5 mins more to Burbage
60 mins to Widdop
50 mins to Curbar
50 mins to Rubicon and Raven Tor if it raining and you still need to climb somewhere.

All of the southern crags above are a drive over Strines Moor which if you like your winding country roads is a fantastic scud.

http://www.thebarnatholmfirth.co.uk/
This place is a decent holiday let, it's really close to my house so we have family who stay where sometimes. (no outside space though)
Playparks within 5 mins walk, decent pub about the same.
Holmfirth pool 10 mins walk away (pretty basic as most small town pools are but clean)
Due to the tourist money Holmfirth has a lot more pubs and places to eat than other towns in the area.
Loads of nice walks from your doorstep and 10 mins drive to the Pennine Way.

And of course you are 5 mins walk from the world famous bouldering mecca of Cliff:
http://www.kirkleesclimbing.co.uk/holmfirth_info
Which is great for an evening bouldering session/circuit.

[galpinos]

Are you not just going to crash at Chateau FD?

[SA Chris]

Not sure even the chateau would cope with 6 extras including 2 under 2.

Holmfirth is not looking too bad. Any opinions on Barnsley? It's a place I've only ever driven past on the way to the Peak.

[Johnny Brown]

I don't have much experience of the place, but it wouldn't top my list of family holiday destinations that's for sure.

[schloosh]

Thinking of Going to Barnsley you say?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Going%20to%20Barnsley

[SA Chris]

Yeah I've always thought the same thing JB, and never heard that UD reference before!

[Jaspersharpe]

Everywhere has it's nice bits and it's shit bits but most of Barnsley and virtually all of the North Sheffield area is a fucking dump.*

Having worked in Chapeltown for over 10 years I cannot imagine anyone wanting to choose to stay round this way for a holiday! The local Asda is a sight to behold, so much so that I think there may have been some sort of chemical spill here years ago. I enjoy playing spot the normal looking person for a challenge whenever I go there.

Oh and it's miles from The Peak.



*Apologies to Plattsy etc

[Plattsy]

I'm not going to rise to the bait. 

This place is little bit closer to the Peak than Holmefirth and it has penis in the name.

http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/accommodation/2045-parsonage_house-penistone_thurlstone.htm

Cubley Hall is a nice pub and the food is pretty good. Fairly certain there is a leisure centre nearby and I think the old picture house has an intermission where you can get a pint. There is the trans pennine trail nearby for walking/cycling. You can go walking at Langsett reservoir. Wharncliffe is nearby too for bouldering/soloing/walking/cycling. Oddball suggestion. Yorkshire Sculpture park. Not been but I've heard good things about it from friends.

Others
http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/accommodation/2019-moor_royd_house-penistone.htm
Millhouse green not far from Penistone
http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/accommodation/116621-smallshaw_farm_cottages-millhouse_green.htm

Getting closer to the peak now.
http://www.iknow-yorkshire.co.uk/accommodation/145389-prior_royd_farm_holiday_cottages-grenoside.htm

Don't know much about Holmefirth so can't help much there. I've not stayed at any of the above suggestions so can't commenton  their quality but they'll probably be shitholes.

Tricky to tick all the boxes and to fair Barnsley/North Sheffield isn't a typical holiday/getaway destination. If you want any more help/info let me know.

[Falling Down]

If I was you Chris I'd stay further South or East or South East Derbyshire/Yorkshire.  It's so much dryer than this (West/NW) side like JB said Staffs border or Bakewell area.

I'll check on a couple of friend's spots in Hayfield and Chinley for you and our house will be empty for a weekend when Galpinos gets hitched in Scarborough :-).