Accessible Adventure Challenge *NEW*
Accessible Adventure Challenge *NEW*
Friday 19 September 2025
About this event
NEW FOR 2025! … introducing our brand new accessible adventure challenge event, featuring an adrenaline fuelled 90ft viaduct abseil and a calming 1 mile canoe through the beautiful Peak District National Park.
Friday 19 or Saturday 20 September 2025 – 10am to 3pm
Join us in Derbyshire this September and experience a super fun, and fully inclusive challenge event, whilst raising vital funds for people with spinal cord injuries.
The Challenge – Abseiling and Canoeing
Your day in the Peak District will be split into two parts, with a complimentary lunch provided in between the abseil and the canoeing.
90ft abseil from Millers Dale Bridge over the River Wye
Enjoy spectacular views across the valley as you descend. The experience can be quick or slow, tandem or solo, and you can be in control of your rope or winched down!
Key details:
- Fully accessible for wheelchair users and non wheelchair users.
- All ages are welcome to take part.
- No previous experience is necessary and full training will be provided from our event instructors.
1 mile guided canoe experience along the canal
Paddle together or solo as you glide through the Peak District on the water. Go through a lock gate in the canoe and enjoy the scenery before or after taking part in the abseil.
Key details:
- Options for rafting two canoes together or solo paddling in wide base canoes.
- Access to the water via jetty or towpath.
- Safety equipment provided, including life jackets and padded seating.
Registration and fundraising target
Registration Fee: £70 per participant
Fundraising Target: £300 per participant
‘Your Peak District adventure starts here!’
We’re working closely with the team at Dukes Barn to make this event as accessible as possible, so please provide as much detail as you can on your registration form to help us better understand your access requirements.
Click on the button below to check out some of the frequently asked questions to put your minds at rest:
If you have any additional questions please email Rachel (challenge events coordinator)
Welcome to Dukes Barn
Dukes Barn Outdoor Activity Centre, where adventure knows no bounds. Nestled in the picturesque village of Beeley, within the Chatsworth Estate and based in the heart of Derbyshire and the Peak district.
The experienced team pride themselves on providing an inclusive environment, with access to the outdoors for all participants and an emphasis on enjoyment and conquering the challenge at your own pace.
At Dukes Barn, we consider that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, taking on a adrenaline fuelled challenge in safety and enriching themselves through personal achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
- Will there be accessible transport to the abseil and canoeing locations?
Yes, Dukes Barn have 2 x accessible minibuses with removable seats to allow for wheelchairs. For those who can transfer into a seat, you will be able to wheel on to the minibus. The minibus is for participants, therefore spectators and carers/PA will need to drive themselves separately to the location (unless we have space on the day). - What if it rains, will it still go ahead?
Yes! There will be alternative plans in the event of extremely bad weather but both activities can take place if it is raining. There is an indoor abseil area and other activities available under cover if necessary. - Who will assist me?
The Dukes Barn team are experienced and trained to assist with transfers during the activities and will keep you safe. For assistance with anything else you will need to bring a carer/PA or friends and family who can help you with any personal care and getting changed.
Abseil
- Is there an age limit?
No, the event is suitable for both adults and children (primary age and up) - How do I transfer from my chair to the rope, and the rope back into my chair?
You will be able to access the bridge in your wheelchair where the abseil launches from. There is a gate and low down wall, and the instructor will be able to attach the harness to you before opening the gate and assist you into position on the edge of the wall. Transfer boards are available if necessary. As you descend you will be lowered back into your chair which will be waiting for you at the side of the river. Wheelchairs will have easy access down a gentle slope to the river side and there is an all terrain chair available if necessary. - Can the abseil be done in tandem?
Yes, the abseil can be done alongside an instructor from Dukes Barn if necessary, but the abseil is usually a single person abseil. - Do I need to control the rope system myself?
Only if you want to/are able to. The instructor can winch you down from the top of the bridge if required. - Can you do it if you’re ventilated?
Please let us know if you are ventilated as we would need to discuss this with the team at Dukes Barn. They will do everything to make this possible. - Can you do it in your wheelchair?
This is a possibility but not recommended by the instructors. Please contact us directly if this is something you are interested in.
Canoe
- Will there be self righting life jackets? Will they hold your head up?
There will be buoyancy aids and life jackets available for all participants. - I have a SCI and don’t want to get cold …
Changing facilities will be available at the Barn. After the canoe you will be able to dry yourself off with towels before returning to the Barn via the minibus. This will be approximately 20 minutes from the canal or under 5 minutes if the canoeing takes place on the lake. - How are you rescued if you fall into the water? Do you need upper body strength?
The safety team will be on hand to rescue you and pull you into their nearby boat. The single canoes are very stable but can be rafted together for extra stability, or even rafted to an instructor if required. - What is the seating/foam cushions like in the canoes?
There will be padding provided on the canoe seats, including bean bags and additional foam pads as required. - How do I get into the canoe?
Depending on the venue chosen you will be required to transfer from the canal towpath or a jetty into the canoe, with support from the Dukes Barn team. A transfer board is available for use.
If you have any additional questions not listed above please email Rachel (challenge events coordinator) or call her on 01908 732 157 – thank you.