Celebrating decade of adventure in Derbyshire

Ten years ago, Mount Cook Adventure Centre opened its doors in Wirksworth with an important mission: to provide access to the outdoors for all, especially young people and those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. This summer, the centre is marking that milestone in style.

The anniversary event - running from 10am to 4pm, on Saturday 18 July 2026, is open to all and is designed to recognise the community whose support has shaped the centre's growth.

The centre is hosting its celebratory open day, welcoming past visitors, local schools, community partners and the public for a day packed with outdoor activities, food and entertainment.

Since opening in 2016, the centre has welcomed over 60,000 guests across its selection of adventure activities, working with school groups, youth organisations, corporate teams and families.

Wristbands to take part in activities are priced at £15 and include three activity sessions. The programme features zip wire, via ferrata, high ropes, low ropes, archery, and bushcraft.

There will be something for everyone, whether you're looking for a gentle introduction to the outdoors or ready to take on a bigger challenge! Complimentary activities, including onsite orienteering and summer fete-style games will also be available throughout the day with no wristband needed - just turn up and join in.

As the activity sessions begin, there will be ‘The Good Race’, organised by Trails for Good, starting at 10:15am (registration from 09:45am), and entry to this run includes an activity wristband.

For extra fun, a brass band will be playing from 1:30pm, a face painter will be onsite all day, and there's a raffle with prizes to be won. The directors will take to the stage at 1pm for speeches and a prize draw, and hot food will be on sale from midday to keep everyone going.

Everyone is welcome on July 18th - come along to see what Mount Cook is all about, and help them celebrate ten brilliant years.

Mount Cook Adventure Centre has built a reputation as one of the region's most friendly and inclusive outdoor activity destinations. Offering a broad range of adventure experiences including zip wire, high ropes, archery, bushcraft, low ropes and via ferrata, the centre serves an exceptionally diverse range of visitors and has community at the core of everything it does.

Schools have long been a cornerstone of the centre's work, providing young people with hands-on outdoor experiences that many would never otherwise encounter. Youth organisations, Scout and Guide groups, and charities supporting disadvantaged and marginalised people have all partnered with Mount Cook to deliver meaningful, life-enriching programmes.

Over the past decade, Mount Cook has worked alongside nearly 100 different charities, a figure the team is particularly proud of and one that speaks to a long-standing commitment to making adventure accessible regardless of background or circumstance. The centre has also made a significant contribution to the local economy, having employed more than 200 people throughout its lifetime.

Investment in the site has never stood still. The introduction of a Via Ferrata route brought a genuinely world-class climbing experience to the centre, while the development of The Lodge has created a warm and welcoming hub for guests, opening exciting new possibilities for residential and extended visits.