THE LOWDOWN

One of the Peak District’s newest (and largest) hotels, Bike & Boot is the second outpost of this youthful, breezy and very dog-friendly leisure hotel chain. With a grand, seafront sister hotel in Scarborough, this modern three-storey monolith of a hotel couldn’t be more different in character, but it still oozes the same fresh, funky feel.

Brilliantly located for Peak District adventures, it’s a super-short drive to the big name walks and High Peak highlights. Sandwiched on the main road between quaint Castleton and bustling, adventure hub Hathersage (it’s a five-minute drive to each), the location couldn’t be handier for an outdoorsy escape. With secure bike storage, dog grooming and hoses to wash off your muddy boots and wheels, there’s a lot for adventurous types to love. But it’s the free cake at 4pm and free movies in the mini cinema that had us hooked.

THE VIBE

A big modern block of a hotel right on the busy main road, Bike & Boot may be light on kerb appeal but once you step inside the bright, funky reception area, it feels a lot more welcoming. Pops of zingy orange, large-scale maps of the Peak District on the walls and a collection of bike helmets, boots and exposed bulbs dangle from the ceiling. The effect is cheery, contemporary and very cool.

The self-service check-in continues the youthful feel, although I found the DIY system a little confusing when you’re also being greeted by a lovely, welcoming member of staff (should I chat or focus on the touchscreen?).

Fortuitously, we arrived bang on 4pm, just as the free cakes were just being brought into the cosy lounge, so we dumped the bags and tucked in. Yum. Whimsical bike and pooch-related art adorns the walls of the communal areas. Lightbulbs hanging from bike wheels on the ceiling case cool, spoke shadows. It’s punchy, fun and relaxed.

PILLOW TALK

As a family of five, we needed two bedrooms. We had one facing the busy main road (although I found it pretty quiet at night) and one directly opposite overlooking lush, green hills, which somehow my daughters managed to snaffle.

But both rooms (and, in fact, all the hotel bedrooms) were equally spacious, bright and brilliantly-thought-out – the big benefit of being in a new purpose-built building. The décor is spot-on – Missoni-style stripes, pretty marbled lampshades, tongue and groove panelling and blinds printed with vintage Derbyshire travel images.

Families will love the oodles of space and the bed set up. The super-comfy master beds can be set up as king or twin and there’s a full-size single with pull-out truckle bed underneath around the corner. The bathrooms had big, powerful showers, low sinks and big mirror and bright lighting. Family rooms don’t get better than this, especially at such an affordable price. It’s 10 out of 10 for comfort, practicality and looks.

SCOFF & QUAFF

The spacious Bareca (bar-restaurant-café – get it?) is the heart of the hotel and is open all day for meals, snacks and drinks. It opens out onto a vast outdoor dining terrace on both sides. It’s colourful and welcoming, with brightly-painted wooden boxes finding new life as lampshades dangling from the ceiling. It’s odd, but I liked it, and it chimes beautifully with the colourfully-backlit bar.

There’s a bit of a canteen/youth hostel for grown-ups feel about it, but it means you can relax and not worry about muddy paws, mucky boots and adventure-scarred kids. Formal, it ain’t. We didn’t eat in the evening here, but we did enjoy a few drinks at the bar, when the lighting dimmed a little and it took on a slightly more grown-up air.

We did enjoy a belter of a breakfast the next morning though. It’s a help-yourself, buffet style breakfast with a fabulous choice of hot bacon, eggs and pancakes, alongside lovely fruit, granolas, yoghurts, pastries and more to furl your outdoor adventures.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Hell yeah! Pooches are this place’s reason for being. They are welcomed, pampered and fawned over at every opportunity. Dog toy on arrival, treats on hand and dog beds in the rooms. With the bespoke wash-me-quick Wadobi (walk-dog-bike) room outside, and access-all-areas policy, it couldn’t be easier to bring your pooch.

OUT & ABOUT

Where to start? Bike & Boot is the ideal place to base yourself for a few days of wholesome outdoor antics in the Peak District. Walk-wise you’re spoilt for choice, with dramatic Stanage Edge, iconic Mam Tor and the Pennine Way, and shady Padley Gorge all within easy reach. For cycling, the Derwent Valley reservoirs and the traffic-free Monsal Trail are nearby and the hotel has partnered with True North to provide bike hire, guided rides, maintenance and storage on site.

Castleton’s four show caves are just up the road to the east. And a couple of miles to the west you’ll find Hathersage’s outdoor shops, cool cafés and lovely heated lido. Just beyond is the David Mellor Design Museum and popular riverside café.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Families, four-legged friends, group meet-ups, adventure stays – this place is perfect base for an outdoorsy weekend playing in the Peaks.

Not for: Not keen on dogs? Er, maybe not the place for you. There are plenty of them here – although there definitely isn’t a doggy whiff about the place (it’s pristine) and they were all super well-behaved when I visited.

The damage: Very affordable – and especially good value for families. Small doubles/twins start at £101 and generous family rooms from £151. Pets are £15 per pet, per night. Muddy loves the free extras like cake, hot drinks, movies and dog toys. You’ll often find special seasonal deals that nudge it a notch cheaper too.

Bike & Boot, Hope Road, Hope Valley, Peak District, S33 0AL.