Everything Awesome

While walking through woodland, in an area with a vast rural industrial history i came across a gated tunnel.
staring into it, i could see a long dark tunnel. and then nothing.
Taking a grid ref, when home i opened up my link to the National Library of Scotland, they have a wonderful resource for comparing modern, with historic maps.
Finding no reference, a number of local history websites provided me with an answer

The Georgian Ice House

Ice houses were very important before fridges and freezers were invented – they would provide estates with ice which they could use to store food and make special desserts for guests of the nearby mansions. Imagine the most elaborately decorated jellies created in metal moulds, decorated with fruits from the kitchen garden.

There may have been several functioning ice houses on the Estate. Workers cut and collected the ice from the frozen lake in winter and cattle or heavy horses would have dragged it in carts or sledges to the ice house. It was then lowered underground and insulated with straw to stop it from melting.

How They Worked

Insulation: The ice blocks were tightly packed and heavily insulated with straw, sawdust, or bracken. A drain at the base allowed meltwater to escape so the remaining ice stayed solid

Construction: They were typically deep, subterranean pits constructed with thick brick or stone walls. Being underground and shaped like a dome or egg helped maintain a naturally cool temperature.

Collection: During the winter, ice was cut from nearby frozen lakes or rivers and hauled into the chamber.
It’s oddities like this that make my day, it sparked an interest, and a new found knowledge of something lost in time.

We here at Everything Awesome can arrange days out that will generate some equally awesome memories.

Whether you are looking to conquer a literal mountain or overcome a personal physical challenge, Everything Awesome is a premier outdoor adventure and rehabilitation organization based in the heart of the Peak District and Sheffield. Far from being a typical tour company, Everything Awesome blends high-octane adventure with expert coaching and specialized medical rehabilitation, creating an inclusive gateway to the great outdoors.

Here is a breakdown of what we here at Everything Awesome can do for you.

1. Master New Skills with Expert Coaching

At the core of Everything Awesome is a commitment to high-quality instruction. Led by Mini Mansell an instructor with an exhaustive portfolio of qualifications the organization offers structured coaching across a variety of disciplines.

• Mountain Biking (MTB): From “Jumps and Drops” workshops to the fundamental core skills, you can learn to navigate technical trails with confidence. We also offer MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and 2 courses for those looking to turn their passion into a professional qualification.
• Rock Climbing: Whether you are transitioning from “Gym to Crag” or wanting to learn the complexities of Traditional (Trad) climbing, they provide safe, expert-led sessions. We even offer ladies-only climbing sessions to foster a supportive environment for female adventurers.
• Paddlesports & More: You can book Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) taster sessions, navigation courses (like “Find Your Way in a Day”), and even archery lessons.

2. Experience Bespoke Adventures

Everything Awesome excels at creating unforgettable memories through guided experiences. If you aren’t looking for a “lesson” but rather a “journey,” they offer guided mountain bike rides through the rugged Peak District, “Waterfall Walks” (such as the stunning Middle Black Clough), and “Weaselling” (a unique Peak District activity involving scrambling through natural rock tunnels and boulders). These sessions are perfect for families, stag/hen dos, or corporate team building events where the goal is to bond through shared adventure.

3. Specialized Rehabilitation & Inclusion

What truly sets us apart is our “sister” mission in Neuro and Spinal Rehabilitation. We act as specialist Rehabilitation Assistants (RAs), working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists to support individuals recovering from life-altering injuries, including brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, stroke, and cerebral palsy.

We believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. If you have complex physical needs or use a wheelchair, Everything Awesome uses their specialized skill set to adapt activities like climbing or paddling to your specific requirements. We focus on the “Adventure Sports Specialist Rehab” model, helping individuals rediscover their identity and physical potential through nature.

4. Empowerment and Mental Well-being

Beyond the physical activities, Everything Awesome provides a space for personal growth. Our philosophy is built on “Challenge by Choice,” allowing participants to set their own limits and overcome fears at their own pace. This approach builds immense self-confidence and offers a powerful mental health boost, using the transformative power of the Peak District’s landscape to reduce stress and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Summary

In short, Everything Awesome provides the tools, the expertise, and the environment for you to “ditch the routine.” Whether you are an elite athlete looking to shave seconds off your descent, a beginner nervous about your first climb, or someone navigating a difficult recovery journey, we offer a personalized roadmap to help you experience the world in an awesome way.

A morning spent with a cool guy, 6 weeks before his RCI assessment.
He wanted to go through the ropework required for the assessment, he was very competent, confident in his delivery.
He build 3 anchors (belays) and his partner was willing to be a test subject for practicing a stuck person on an abseil.
If your considering RCI. we run these mornings and evenings most months.

Moorland, often seen as barren, is actually a complex ecosystem vital to our planet. It acts as a massive carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon in peatlands, helping mitigate climate change. Fires, intentional or accidental, unleash this stored carbon, exacerbating global warming. These delicate habitats, characterized by iconic heather and sphagnum moss, are also crucial for water regulation, preventing floods by absorbing rainfall.

Furthermore, moorlands provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife, from ground-nesting birds like the curlew to specialized insects and plants. Fires destroy these precious homes, wiping out populations and disrupting the intricate web of life. The resulting barren landscape is vulnerable to erosion, leading to loss of fertile soil and increased sedimentation in rivers, further harming aquatic ecosystems.

Protecting our moorlands is not just an environmental imperative; it’s also a moral obligation. We must preserve these unique landscapes for future generations to enjoy. By respecting moorland as a no fire zone, we can ensure the survival of its valuable ecosystem services and the myriad species that call it home.

Let’s recognize the ecological importance of moorlands and act as responsible stewards of our environment. Saying no to fires on the moorland is a vital step in safeguarding our planet’s future.