All about Secret Cloud

About the owners

Catherine and Craig, the owners of Secret Cloud Yurts, bought their land with the express intention of creating a more sustainable farm. Their long term aim was self sufficiency and in June 2010 they moved into a log cabin (not for rent!) on site as the first step. This enabled to really get the farming enterprise going. They now have, among others, Hebridean sheep and Highland cattle. They work closely with the Peak District National Park on conservation grazing projects, which means their Highland cattle can enjoy roaming vast areas of heather moorland during the summer. In the winter, when the guests are gone, the cattle come back to graze on the farmland closer to home.

Wildlife and the environment

Probably a little larger than Catherine and Craig are planning

Catherine and Craig are in the process of applying for planning consent for a small wind turbine which would power not only their farm but also neighbouring properties when it’s very windy. As well looking into such modern technology, they plan to restore dry stone walls, plant more trees and re-create wildlife ponds on their land- enhancing and ensuring the future of, the overall farm environment.

As well as the native breed cattle and sheep at the farm, there are also lots of opportunities to see wildlife. Buzzards ride the thermals and soar up and down the valley and the peace and quiet are broken only by birdsong.

The farm is just 3 miles from the National Park boundary and is off-grid. Catherine and Craig are conscious of all the energy they use - hence the planned wind turbine. The wooden washroom is made locally from sustainable timber and insulated with sheep’s wool and the spring water supply is fed by a large underground lake. The tourism experience has been kept as sustainable as possible and they hope to be able to continually reinvest in the land to increase its environmental value.

Getting there

Secret Cloud Yurts, nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire, DE6 1JR

By train
The nearest train stations are Belper and Derby. The nearest bus stop is 1.5 miles. You can be picked up free of charge by arrangement.

By car

From Ashbourne take the A517 towards Belper. At Bradley crossroads, turn left into Corley Lane and follow the road down to the bottom of the hill where there is a turning right onto Agnes Meadow Lane (no through road). Continue up the hill until the road ends and you will find Secret Cloud signposted up a drive on the right.

Things to do

Things to do on the farm

The Heights of Abraham

Explore the 34 acre farm and see the native breed animals. In spring guests will have the opportunity to see the lambing as well as the new born lambs playing in the fields. You're welcome to get involved on the farm if you wish from summer hay making to pruning hedgerows, a moorland walk in the National Park to check the Highland cows or dry stone wall building. There is always new life on the farm in spring and summer.

During late summer to autumn, the hedgerows come alive with a whole host of edible delights. You may find Catherine foraging for fruits to create her special jams, chutneys and gins. There is plenty of fruit to go around and she is always delighted to share her recipes.

For rainy days
Bubble in the steaming hot tub at the farm or read a book next to the log-burning stove

Brackendale Spa is just 3 miles away, using natural products and skilled professional therapists to ease away your tensions, sooth your aching bodies and recharge your batteries.

The nearest market town is Ashbourne which has a great range of independent boutique shops, not to mention a great selection of antique stores.

Derbyshire has a great selection of stately homes, perfect for exploring on a rainy day. Chatsworth is the most famous with the house and gardens to explore, not to mention the extensive grounds and popular farm shop.

Places to visit

It really does mean dressing up wells

Alton Towers is only 25 minutes away

The Heights of Abraham Country Park and caverns set in 60 acres of woodland and reached by cable car over a deep limestone gorge. (10 miles)

Well Dressings - an ancient custom throughout Derbyshire where many villages host historic well dressing, the closest are in the beautiful village of Tissington.

Carsington water - How long can you sit looking out over Carsington before wanting to go and get on the water? Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, power boating and canoeing are all offered.

Carsington water also offers some of the best boat fishing in Derbyshire and is the best way to explore the water and hunt out those trout. Carsington Water is a stunning trout fishery situated in the heart of the stunning Derbyshire countryside. Its natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, crystal clear waters and stunning fish combine to make Carsington Water addictive to anglers.

Go Ape - Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park and within walking distance of the historic spa town of Buxton, Go Ape and trek through the treetops via rope bridges. Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the forest floor. If you fancy yourself as a bit of an explorer, why not visit the adjacent Pooles Cavern. To book visit www.goape.co.uk.

The Tissington Trail - a wal

Carsington water

king trail that's also part of the National Cycle Network, runs for 13 miles (21 km) from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne.

Balloon Flights - Why not take a Balloon flight over beautiful Derbyshire? If the wind is blowing in the right direction, you may even pass over Carsington Water and your yurt.

Rock Climbing - The Peak District has over 10,000 registered climbs for both beginners and experienced rock climbers.

Eating & drinking

At the yurts

On arrival guests will be greeted with a welcome hamper to include milk from the Peak District Dairy, local sausage, bacon, fresh bread, half a dozen eggs from our Derbyshire Redcap hens and delicious Derbyshire oatcakes.

The yurt will also have tea, coffee, sugar and locally made biscuits or cakes.

Further afield - pubs & restaurants

The Barley Mow, Kirk Ireton

There are two great pubs within 3 miles.

The Red Lion at Kniveton serves lovely, locally sourced food and does a great Steak Night, Local Game night and even Fish and Chip supper on a Friday.

The Red Lion at Hognaston also serves warming, local dishes and has a lovely candlelit atmosphere. (Recommended in Alastair Sawday's Pubs and Inns guide)

The Barley Mow at Kirk Ireton is a must. Described by Alastair Sawday's Pubs and Inns guide as a ‘Sheer delight for drinkers, ramblers and historians’.

All about Secret Cloud

About the owners

Catherine and Craig, the owners of Secret Cloud Yurts, bought their land with the express intention of creating a more sustainable farm. Their long term aim was self sufficiency and in June 2010 they moved into a log cabin (not for rent!) on site as the first step. This enabled to really get the farming enterprise going. They now have, among others, Hebridean sheep and Highland cattle. They work closely with the Peak District National Park on conservation grazing projects, which means their Highland cattle can enjoy roaming vast areas of heather moorland during the summer. In the winter, when the guests are gone, the cattle come back to graze on the farmland closer to home.

Wildlife and the environment

Probably a little larger than Catherine and Craig are planning

Catherine and Craig are in the process of applying for planning consent for a small wind turbine which would power not only their farm but also neighbouring properties when it’s very windy. As well looking into such modern technology, they plan to restore dry stone walls, plant more trees and re-create wildlife ponds on their land- enhancing and ensuring the future of, the overall farm environment.

As well as the native breed cattle and sheep at the farm, there are also lots of opportunities to see wildlife. Buzzards ride the thermals and soar up and down the valley and the peace and quiet are broken only by birdsong.

The farm is just 3 miles from the National Park boundary and is off-grid. Catherine and Craig are conscious of all the energy they use - hence the planned wind turbine. The wooden washroom is made locally from sustainable timber and insulated with sheep’s wool and the spring water supply is fed by a large underground lake. The tourism experience has been kept as sustainable as possible and they hope to be able to continually reinvest in the land to increase its environmental value.