Peak Challenge 29th - 31st Aug 2026
- Entries now open! - Click HERE to enter -
Event Overview
Sat 29th Downriver Coaching / Practice & Downriver Race
Overview: The Downriver race format will be a time-trial type event where each individual is against the clock. This is a point-to-point sprint from start to finish. The race of truth as they call it! Those paddlers choosing to use a WWR boat will be given a handicap to even out the times in relation to other boats being used.
Approx Timings:
09:00- 10:30 Registration at the Event HQ. Sign in and collect event bib.
09:00-11:30 Free practice for the Downriver event / section. Downriver boats and coaching available from GB team members. Slalom section of race course only.
11:45 Event Briefing at the Church
12:00-14:00 Downriver race.
14:15-15:45 Free practice for the following days slalom event. Arrange your own safety.
16:00 Downriver awards ceremony at the Church
Evening: Food & social event at Willersley Castle.
Sun 30th Slalom Race
Overview: The Slalom will comprise of a pretty standard slalom course featuring a series of upstream and downstream gates to be completed in order, against the clock with penalties added for missing or hitting the gates. You’ll get two runs with your best counting. We will use your age and choice of boat to define your class and results will be categorised accordingly. Use whatever boat you feel comfortable in, slalom kayak, canoe, plastic boat, SUP or even C2 – it’s up to you.
Approximate Timings:
09:00-11:30 Free practice and 'Paddle with the Stars' coaching sessions. Arrange your own safety if not part of the coached sessions.
11:45 Event Briefing at the Church
12:00 Slalom Run 1
13:00 Slalom Run 2
16:00 Slalom awards ceremony at the Church
Evening: Food & social event at Willersley Castle.
Mon 31st Kayak Cross
Overview: Monday will see the finale. Based on the exciting Olympic format of Kayak Cross, paddlers will complete a run of the Kayak Cross course as a time trial to create a seeding for the head-to-head rounds. Paddlers will then be set off in small groups to negotiate a short course featuring gates and obstacles, as well as each other, in a knockout format. All paddlers will need to paddle a plastic boat for this race to ensure safety for all. Pyranha boats will be available for competitors if they only have slalom boats with them. Paddle edges will need to be taped for safety.
Approx Timings:
09:00-11:30 Free practice for the Kayak Cross event. Arrange your own safety.
11:45 Event Briefing at the Church
12:00-15:00 Single Time Trial run, followed by Head-to-Head, knock out Kayak Cross rounds.
16:00 Kayak Cross and Overall Challenge Champions awards ceremony at the Church
Competitors placings from each event will be accumulated and used to crown the overall Peak Challenge Champions of the weekend!
Details / FAQs
Event Briefings will take place each day at 11.45am in front of the church. Awards Ceremonies will take place each day at 4pm in front of the church.
Entry Fees: Adult £20. Junior (U18 Jan 1st ) £10. All competitors will receive an event momento. This is great value , so there is no reduction for only participating in certain elements of the weekend sorry. Please enter online in advance to help us plan, although we will take entries on the day. Thanks
Registration: Saturday 9am – 11am. Sign in and bib collection at the Event HQ. Sign up to the free coached session with young stars of Canoe Slalom. Please return your bib after the event, before you travel home.
River access / egress: Please access the river from the Mill / Church bank only. Do not carry your boats across the bridge. For the down river race, please paddle across the river at the slalom start and walk up the far bank to the start. Parents may walk up the far bank to assist you. For the kayak cross start, please paddle across the river at the slalom start and get out at the beach on the opposite side. We will help you get ready to start.
Accommodation: Bed and Breakfast is available at Manor Adventure Willersley Castle for an amazing £32 per person, per night. Ensuite bunk bed rooms of differing sizes . Bring your own pillow, sleeping bag, and towel. No dogs allowed thanks. Family’s will be grouped together. Friends can be grouped, please contact to arrange. Individuals may have to share in bigger rooms if the event is popular. We will advise you if this is necessary.
Food / Social Events: Food & social events including music and talks will take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings at Willersley Castle price £11 per person, per evening. Please notify us when booking of any special dietary requirements in the comments box at the checkout. Please book in advance. The evening events are all open to people who have pre booked. Please do not wander around the castle grounds. They are private. Thanks
Parking: There is plenty of pay and display parking around the Mills for the event. See map below.
Camping: The closest campsite is Birchwood Farm. Please book here: http://www.birchwoodfarm.co.uk
Vanning: Some camper van spaces are available in Cromford Mills car park. You must have your own toilet and pay at the appropriate fees at the parking machines.
Site Map: see below.
Location: Post Code: DE4 3RQ What 3 Words: sourcing.champions.secretly
For insurance cover: The Cromford Peak Challenge and Come and Try Kayaking sessions are run by Paddle Peak. Paddle Peak is a Paddle UK Club CL000123 and registered charity 1194192. Any proceeds made from this event will be donated to the Paddle Peak Charity. Peak Challenge competitors should be Paddle UK or Paddle UK registered club members. We will take out Paddle UK day membership on your behalf if you are not a member. Please make this clear on your entry.
Safety / Risk: Paddlesports are assumed risk water sports that may carry attendant risk. Participants ( parents / guardians ) should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement. ISO CE UKCA approved helmets and buoyancy aids must be worn at all times on the water. During race times on the water safety will be in place in key areas. Paddling parents are welcome to join their children on the water during the competition if you feel this is necessary. Paddlers will be responsible for their own safety during practice times.
Bodily contact is not allowed in kayak cross. Any contact will be penalised, and paddlers will be disqualified if their actions are deliberate. Paddles edges must not be sharp. Please apply tape if necessary.
Please wait on the water at the finish area for the next two competitors to act as additional safety.
First Aid: There will be several first aiders on site. The first aid point will be at the Event HQ.
Water quality: Sadly, like most UK rivers, the Derwent is not as clean as it should be. Please wash hands after every paddle and seek medical advice if you experience sickness / flu symptoms following the event.
Photo Consent: We’ll be taking photos of the event all weekend. Images will be used to promote the event and it’s partners. Please let us know in advance if you do not want you image taking. Thanks.
Support: Cromford Mills. Manor Adventure Willersley Castle. Peak PS. Pyranha. P&H. Ainsworth. Paddle UK. Acclimbatize. Mount Cook. Rapid Horizons. Thornbridge Brewery. Dagger Kayaks
