Local walk
A local walk gives everyone a chance to explore the surrounding area and to gain a sense of place. Often done on the first afternoon of a course, it also allows the Centre staff and their group to get to know one another – often crucial in helping to decide what the rest of the course will involve.
Mountain walking
With the fells and mountains of the Lake District surrounding us, we are ideally situated for these activities. The National Park has numerous lakes, hills and mountains, 4 of which are over 3000 feet high. Many of these can be reached by a short bus ride from the Centre and all the hills can be accessed by walkers. Many have rocky ridges as well that often provide a steeper way to the top; scrambling up these often requires use of the hands. A full day out in the mountains provides an experience that will be remembered forever.
Bushcraft
Problem solving, engaging with natural habitats, applying science in action and understanding global issues are all part of bushcraft. Understanding what is necessary to be able to live and survive without the benefits provided by modern society is gained by looking at collecting water and making it safe to drink, fire lighting, cooking and shelter building.
Orienteering
The art of cunning running! Participants receive instruction in navigation skills and then use these to find 'controls' located at certain points either in the Centre grounds or further afield in forests or on the mountains. Courses vary from following the edge of the building to cross-country events. Independence and teamwork are key factors in this activity.
Self-led walk
Following instructions, working as a team and being independent are all key skills needed for success. Small groups make their way along a route without direct adult involvement (although they are nearby!), taking responsibility for finding their own way. For many, this is one of the most memorable activities.
Ghyll (rock) scrambling
Following a stream up a gorge, taking in all its deviations, waterfalls, fallen trees, gorges and pools is what gorge walking is all about. Group co-operation has to be high here, as many will need a steadying hand or a 'leg up'. The often new and challenging environment found in the gorge can lead to peak educational experiences and a genuine sense of achievement at the end.
Farm visit (additional cost)
Experiencing a working hill farm environment provides students with the opportunity to understand what it is to live and work in the local environment all year round, as well as introducing many to animals and situations that they have often only read about. A genuine eye-opening experience.
Abseiling
Abseiling involves lowering yourself down a cliff, building, bridge, etc, controlling your own speed of descent. All participants are backed up with a safety rope, allowing them to concentrate fully on the challenge of stepping over the edge! Heights and sites vary as appropriate for the group. The sense of achievement and the increase in self-esteem is high in this peak activity.
Climbing
The challenge of getting to the top of a climb forms one part of this activity. To get there, participants must work in small groups to look after each other, holding each other's ropes and communicating effectively at all times. Venues could be mountain crags, disused quarries or local outcrops as appropriate.
Mountain biking (HH Primary)
Exploring the Duddon Valley by mountain bike provides an opportunity to develop cycling skills over a progressively more challenging route. We take participants through basic bike riding skills before heading off up the valley to return off-road.
Mine exploration
The magnificent Cathedral Quarry gives participants the opportunity to experience a totally different environment. Spectacular underground chambers, rocky scrambles and dark passages all combine to make a memorable trip.
Canoeing (LBG)
Open canoes were originally designed to carry large loads up and down the rivers and lakes of North America, and as such, they are ideal for carrying several people at a time. Groups are faced with direct and immediate feedback as to the success of their communication and co-operation - if everyone paddles a different way, they don't go anywhere! To increase stability, boats are often rafted together allowing trips through rougher water and longer journeys without the risk of capsize.
Kayaking (LBG)
Kayaks were originally developed by the Inuit for hunting. Since then they have been developed into craft that can tour, race, surf and play. Introductory sessions on our pond can lead on to trips further afield on the lake, or local rivers, and the activity is often viewed as a highlight of a visit. Individual challenge is high with this activity, but group work still plays an important part with students often working in buddy pairs or larger groups.
Sailing (LBG)
With our own access to Coniston Water, we have the perfect location to introduce and develop the skills needed to sail under your own power. We operate Funboats, and a range of other boats, designed for a crew of two which allow students to progress through the basic skills whilst being entirely responsible for their own craft. Students could be well on their way to an RYA certificate after such a session.
Raft Building (LBG)
A real life design and technology project! The aim of the session is to design, make and then paddle a raft that will, weather permitting, carry the group out onto Coniston Water. Participants are given as much or as little help as is necessary during the design and build stages and then it is over to them. Everyone wears a buoyancy aid or lifejacket and a helmet, and a safety boat stands by just in case of those 'less than effective' construction techniques... A successful raft could carry as many as 12 people; an unsuccessful one substantially fewer!
Problem Solving
Whether it is crossing the acid swamp, retrieving the 'bomb' from the unreachable centre of the marsh or getting everyone safely through the spider's web, problem solving by attempting different initiative exercises allows the group to plan, carry out, then evaluate their own efforts. The group can decide their own solution to a given task, attempt it and then, with the help of their tutor, draw out the learning to take on to the next task. Problem solving can be used as a series of tasks to form a session of its own or can be built into a day with a specific theme.
Land Art
Using the surrounding environment to create individual works of art, participants might work individually or in small groups. Locations could be lake-side, forests, woodland, sea shore, quarries – just about anywhere!
Village Study
The surrounding villages provide ideal locations to study a contrasting locality. The Centre can provide resources if required.
Other possibilities…
We are always open to new ideas - contact the Centre to discuss your requirements!
