United Kingdom · 5 - 7 June 2026
HIGH CAMP III
A three-day LGBTQ+ bikepacking retreat in the Peak District, June 5-7
SOLD OUT
Overview
This summer sees the third edition of HIGH CAMP – our LGBTQ+ bikepacking retreat in the Peak District. Join Rapha, Canyon and Peak Queer Adventures for a three-day LGBTQ+ bikepacking retreat for gravel riders and road cyclists. We’ll spend two nights at the beautiful Fieldhead Campsite in Edale, with guided rides to and from Sheffield on Friday and Sunday, and multiple route options on Saturday. This year, HIGH CAMP will be taking place alongside the BikeOut Festival – the first ever international LGBTQ+ cycling festival. With riders from all over the world, and a bigger choice of routes than ever before, there’ll be something to suit every taste – but we do hope you’ll consider camping with us at Fieldhead Campsite, enjoying our evening socials and workshops, and being part of the friendly atmosphere that characterised the last two editions of HIGH CAMP. Your ticket for HIGH CAMP includes Lucky Saint welcome drinks on Friday evening, pre-ride breakfast, an on-site pantry full of snacks and treats, as well as two nights’ camping and covered bike parking. For those joining a Saturday guided ride, the riding ticket also includes a feed stop with fresh Assembly coffee and snacks to keep you fuelled. Camping spots are limited, so book soon to avoid disappointment. We have a limited number of subsidised tickets for FLINTA riders courtesy of OutVelo, to cover your camping costs.
Information
Fieldhead Campsite
Cradled in the heart of the Peak District, Fieldhead Campsite is the perfect spot for immersing yourself in the outdoors and exploring the National Park.
The Routes
Whether you choose tarmac or gravel, we guarantee you’re in for a treat. It won't be flat, and it won't always be smooth, but it will be beautiful. We'll be guiding you around some of the best scenery the Peak District has to offer, with different route options to suit every appetite. If you prefer to do your own thing, you’re welcome to plan your own route, and meet us back at the campsite.
The Experience
This isn't just about the riding, it's also about the experience – having fun, meeting like-minded people and learning new tips and skills for future bikepacking adventures. Expect pre-ride coffee, post-ride activities, bike repair advice and more.
Hosts
Rapha
We believe cycling is the most important sport in the world, and can transform the lives of millions. To achieve this, cycling must be a space where everyone can be their authentic self.
Emily Chappell
Rapha ambassador and queer icon, Emily is dedicated to getting more underrepresented people on bikes.
Peak Queer Adventures
Sheffield based, non-hierarchical outdoors collective. Queer folks taking up space climbing, hiking, cycling and swimming.
Canyon
Canyon believes that every pedal stroke changes our everyday life - whether it's your smooth commute to work, a weekend adventure out in the woods, or beating your next record.
Schedule
Previous
Next
Friday
We'll meet at Sheffield Station at 3pm, for led rides to the campsite. Alternatively, take a train to Edale (the Hope Valley railway runs between Sheffield and Manchester) and meet us at the campsite any time after 5pm.
We’ll set up camp, cook up our feasts, get to know each other, and then settle down for a good night’s sleep.
Saturday
After breakfast, we'll head out for the main ride of the weekend. You’re welcome to join us on one of the rides we’ve laid on – or you can choose from the many others offered by BikeOut. You’re also welcome to ride solo if you prefer, and some may choose to go for a run or a hike instead.
Rapha-led rides will include a stop at the Rapha H Van, for freshly brewed Assembly coffee, snacks and beverages – for other rides, you might want to check whether they include a lunch stop, and carry snacks or cash accordingly.
Sunday
After breakfast and a final coffee, we’ll pack up and aim to be on the road by 10am. As before, there will be a ride back to Sheffield, and the Hope Valley Railway for those who are tired or pressed for time.
What's Included
What's Included
Campsite Pitch x2 nights
Led rides
Routes
Communal area
Pantry (complimentary snacks and treats)
Rapha x ALL IN racing Rainbow Socks
Rapha Feed Stop (Saturday)
Professional Photography
Light Mechanical Support
Bike Parking
Friday Evening Social
What's Not Included
Tent + Camping Equipment
Travel
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Alcoholic drinks
Bikes
Helmets
FAQ
What's included?
Included:
- Campsite Pitch x 2 Nights
- Led rides
- Routes
- Mechanical Support from Canyon
- Communal area with fire pit
- Pantry (complimentary snacks and treats)
- Rapha x ALL IN racing Rainbow Socks
- Rapha Feed Stop - coffee and baked goods (Saturday)
- Post-ride pizza (Saturday)
- Mechanics Session (Friday evening)
- Professional photography
Not Included:
- Tent + Camping Equipment
- Travel
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Alcoholic Drinks
What bike should I ride?
For the gravel loops, either a gravel bike or MTB will be fine. We recommend at least 35mm tyres, but the bigger the better as there'll be a few technical sections and some bumpy stuff that you'll want a bit of comfort for.
For the road loops, a road or gravel bike will do. If in doubt, consider what’s most likely to get you up the Peak Districts steep hills.
Whichever bike you choose, please make sure it's in full working condition before you arrive. Canyon will be offering mechanical support for emergencies that arise during the event but will not have a full set of spares or tools, so the best way to ensure a smooth ride is to come with a bike in full working order.
If you’re signing up for one of the non-Rapha rides, best to check with whoever’s leading that.
Do I need all my own camping gear?
Yep! You'll need your own sleep system and tent, and you'll need your own bike bags to carry all your own luggage (unless you choose to drive to the campsite – which is an option!).
If the lack of a certain bit of kit is holding you back from booking, let us know as soon as you can, and we’ll try and arrange a loan.
Can I bring my van?
Yes, but you’ll need to book it in separately with the campsite. Tell them you’re with the group booking with Rapha.
Do I have to camp?
Not if you don’t want to. If you’d prefer to stay elsewhere, you are still very welcome to join us for the rides, and come to the campsite for pre-ride coffee and post-ride socializing. There’s a huge range of accommodation options in the Hope Valley and Edale. Alternatively, there are hourly trains to Sheffield and Manchester, and plenty of places to stay in both cities.
Do I have to ride with the group?
It’s up to you. You can choose to ride with Rapha, or with one of the many other groups going out that day. Or if you prefer, you can do your own thing during the day, and reconvene with the rest of us back at Fieldhead Campsite. It’s also OK if you start riding with a group, and then decide you’d prefer to go at your own pace – just let us know, so that we won’t worry we’ve lost you.
What about bike storage?
What if I can't get Friday off work?
If you can't make it to the ride-in on Friday, you're welcome to join us later in the evening, or even on Saturday morning. The campsite is very close to Edale Station, and trains run till late at night.
What about breakfast, lunch and dinner?
Rapha will provide breakfast supplies on both mornings – plus, if you join one of Rapha’s Saturday rides, you’ll get refreshments at the Rapha H Van en route. For other meals you’ll need to fend for yourself. In true bikepacking style we'll stop at shops or pubs for lunch and will stock up on food on the road for dinner. Make sure you pack a musette or save some space in one of your bags so you can transport it to the campsite!
If you plan to cook your own food, please note that barbeques and firepits need to be at least 30cm off the ground. (Stoves are fine, as long as used sensibly!)
Can we bring booze?
You're welcome to pack some tins or minis to drink at the campsite, but please bear in mind this is a family-friendly site and has a 10pm curfew so we must be respectful of those around us.
Can I still come if I don't identify as LGBTQ+?
This trip is designed to create a space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. That said, if you're not straight, but don't feel like you exactly fit into the LGBTQ+ acronym, you are very welcome to join us.
If you are a LGBTQ+ rider who wants to join the trip, and you would feel more comfortable bringing a friend or partner with you who is an ally to the community, they are also welcome to join.
High Camp is intended to be a safe space, and no one's identity will be doubted or interrogated.
Do I have to wear Rapha kit?
Not at all! You can wear any kit you feel comfortable in with no expectation whatsoever to wear Rapha during the weekend.
Is the ticket refundable?
Refunds are available up to 14 days before High Camp. After this point, refunds will no longer be available but you’ll be able to transfer your ticket to someone else until the day of the event. Please contact us as if the event sells out, we will run a waitlist.
Are subsidised tickets available?
The price of the 3-day ticket is already subsidised by Rapha in order to make High Camp as accessible to as many riders as possible and to bring the LGBTQ+ cycling community together.
We don’t want anyone to miss out on HIGH CAMP for financial reasons, or because they don’t have the right equipment. We are lucky to be able to offer a number of subsidised tickets for FLINTA riders to cover the cost of accommodation, and Canyon have generously offered to lend us a couple of gravel bikes for the weekend.
Is the campsite LGBTQ+ friendly?
Yes! Fieldhead Campsite is a very inclusive campsite and they are thrilled to provide a welcoming base for the group. They don't tolerate discrimination and will endeavour to make sure everyone feels safe during their stay. If needed, keys can be provided for their gender neutral/accessible bathroom if you do not wish to use the gendered facilities.