Boots, Barns, and Brews: The Ultimate Walking Group Guide to Fenns Farm

Planning a walking weekend for a large group usually involves a logistical headache: trying to find enough beds, space to dry damp gear, and a location that doesn't require a 30-minute drive just to reach the trailhead.

Tucked away in the Staffordshire Moorlands on the quiet edge of the Peak District, Fenns Farm Accommodation is practically custom-built for walking groups. This working family farm hits the absolute sweet spot for hiking together—offering flexible group accommodation and instant access to some of the finest limestone dales and rugged ridges in the UK.

Here is why your walking group should make Fenns Farm your next base.

The Perfect Base: Wills Bunk Barn & Beyond

Finding accommodation that balances group camaraderie with actual comfort can be tough. Fenns Farm solves this with two distinct setups depending on your group's vibe:

• Wills Bunk Barn (Sleeps 6): This is not your average, drafty stone barn. Wills is a beautifully insulated, heated stone field barn designed specifically with hikers in mind. It features sturdy, hand-made bunk beds, an equipped kitchen to whip up a massive pre-hike breakfast, and a powerful shower to wash off the walking grime.

• The Barn Combinations (Sleeps up to 14): If you are bringing the whole walking club, booking Fenns Barn and Foggs’ Barn together gives you a massive footprint. You get 6 flexible bedrooms, a huge kitchen/dining area to gather for evening map-planning, and exclusive access to the Games Shed (ideal for a highly competitive post-hike game of table tennis).

The Hiker's Bonus: There is ample room to kick off muddy wellies, hang up damp waterproofs, and let your gear dry out completely before the next morning's trek.

Three Legendary Routes Right from the Farm Gate

You can completely leave the cars parked for the weekend. Fenns Farm sits directly on the doorstep of the Manifold Valley, meaning you can lace up your boots and head straight out onto the peak district.

1. The Iconic One: Thor’s Cave & The Manifold Valley

• Distance: ~6 miles (Circular)

• The Route: Head straight out from the farm down into the valley to join the Manifold Way. Follow the winding path until the massive, limestone crag of Thor's Cave looms above the trees. It’s a steep but short scramble up to the cavern mouth, offering spectacular, panoramic views across the valley below.

2. The Rail-Trail Explorer: Swainsley Tunnel & Wetton Mill

• Distance: ~5 miles (Easy/Moderate)

• The Route: For a gentler, all-weather walk, follow the old Leek and Manifold Light Railway track. You’ll march right through the echoing, 100-yard-long Swainsley Tunnel (originally built to hide the train from a local landlord's view) and finish up at Wetton Mill for a midday tea and a slice of cake.

3. The Ridge Challenge: The Dragon's Back (Chrome & Parkhouse Hills)

• Distance: ~8-9 miles (Strenuous)

• The Route: If your group wants something more technical, a slightly longer loop north takes you to the famous "Dragon's Back" of the Peak District. These sharp, limestone reef knolls offer exhilarating ridge walks, short scrambles, and some of the most dramatic terrain in the southern peaks.

The Post-Walk Ritual: Wood-Fired Soaks and Pub Pints

The best part of any walking weekend is the recovery. After clocking up the miles, Fenns Farm offers the ultimate reward: an optional wood-fired hot tub (Fenns and Foggs' Barn)

. Fire up the logs before you head out, and it will be roaring hot by the time you return. Sitting in the steam under a completely unpolluted, starlit Peak District sky is the absolute best way to soothe tired calves and aching joints.

Once everyone is cleaned up, skip the cooking duty. A short, 6-minute stroll down the lane leads you into the heart of Butterton village and straight to the Black Lion Inn. It is a proper, traditional country pub with a roaring open fire, excellent local real ales on tap, and a menu of hearty, locally sourced pies and pub classics that taste ten times better after a day on the hills.

Book Your Next Group Trek

Ready to get your walking group out into the fresh air? Avoid third-party booking fees and secure the best rates for your group by booking directly through the Fenns Farm Accommodation Website.