We provide outdoor activities in Wales, for Schools, Colleges and Youth groups. We offer a fantastic variety of experiences tailored to your individual needs and budget. Activities in South & West Wales, include: Canyoning (aka Gorge Walking), Kayaking, Raft Building and many more.
Caving / Potholing
Caving / Potholing
What is it?
Caving (also known as potholing) is the practice of adventuring into caves to explore what's inside! Not to be confused with the scientific study of caves called "speleology", caving is wholly recreational in purpose and comes from the desire to investigate that which is hidden from sight.
What does it involve?
The general practice of caving can vary from light exploration in big, easily navigated cave systems to more extreme aspects such as cave diving. Some caving needs a lot of safety equipment as it can involve navigating fairly treacherous areas and steep and narrow inclines, but the general purpose of caving is exploration and fun.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Caving will be greatly educational in understanding the formation and history of the earth and the environment, and learning about the chemicals and reactions involved in formations such as stalagmites and stalactites can be fascinating. The extensive and slow-forming history of caves will increase a students respect for nature and its immense power over time, and can incite a sense of adventure and desire for new discoveries and things to learn.
What equipment do we need?
In general, you'll be with an activity provider when venturing into a cave, so it's unlikely you will need to supply any equipment! If needed, the organisers should supply safety apparatus, but check ahead beforehand for advice and to see if you need to advise the students on how to dress.
Who is it suitable for?
As the levels of caving can be adjusted for ages and abilities, it should be suitable for everyone. Providers will know what sort of caves are suitable for different groups, so as long as you consult with them it should be a good fir for everyone.
Costs?
The type of caving experience you decide upon will alter the costs of your trip greatly - a simple tour of an open cave system will cost a lot less than guidance than a trickier and more specialist cave experience.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger children should be well supervised in cave systems and you should be confident that they can obey all safety instructions.
How do we include?
Some of the more popular and open cave systems will be set up for disabled access, but the nature of caving means that they are generally hard to reach! Check with the provider if your group has someone with a disability that you are concerned about to get some advice on what would be suitable for them.
Doing it abroad?
Some of the most impressive cave formations can be found abroad - it would be worth a visit for the spectacle alone!
Main website:
http://www.trycaving.org.uk has some great general information, but always check individual provider websites for their own exact details.
Venues with this Activity
Lake District
Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. The Centre has 120 beds and a number of large indoor spaces including 6 workrooms, student common rooms, a separate staff lounge and a sports hall.
Outdoor Activities & Outdoor Training throughout Derbyshire & Yorkshire
As an alternative education provider we deliver vocational programmes and courses at all levels.
We use learning outside of the classroom to help achieve successful outcomes. We have a range of programmes that are focused on qualifications as well as courses aimed at personal development and re-engagement. All of these courses prove popular with secondary schools across the region.
Scout Activity Centres are the perfect location for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a Scout or Guide Leader, primary or secondary school teacher, or a company director planning your next team building event, our 100 years’ experience make us the ideal choice.
A leading provider in canoe and adventure activities in the river Wye area
With over 25 years experience working with young people in the great outdoors, Wye Pursuits is the perfect choice for your schools outdoor adventure. We believe that learning outside the classroom is essential to a well balanced education, assisting teachers to take young people out of their comfort zones not only raising self confidence, motivation and self esteem but also encouraging young pe
Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre is a multi-activity residential facility situated in Lochgoilhead, Scotland. We have been in operation since 1969, and can accommodate over 70 people. We run school, youth and adult courses plus much more!
Widehorizons Bryntysilio Centre is set above the River Dee, situated in ten acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. We provide a broad programme of adventure activities including mountaineering, canoeing and mountain biking.
The Christian Adventure Centre at Viney Hill is here to provide you with the most amazing adventure activity experience available, either residentially or as a day visitor.
Truth and Trust Adventure is based in Mansfield and on the doorstep of the Peak District and all activities are led by Malc Lawson. Experienced freelance staff are used to assist in the delivery of the activities.We use the Peak District to meet your teams needs so they are able to work together and achieve their aims.
Standon Bowers is currently the largest of all our centres with accommodation for over 150 in the historic Victorian main building. Murray House is a separate and fully accessible facility on site which is ideal for smaller groups with a range of needs.
The Hollowford Centre, which is open all year round, is set on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Castleton, Derbyshire in the heart of the Peak District National Park.
Pleasley Vale is affectionately known as ‘little Matlock’ to local outdoor enthusiasts. Set in the impressive grounds of Pleasley Vale Mill Complex the centre provides the perfect opportunity for groups and individuals to experience the spirit of adventure without having to travel or pay the high costs associated with more traditional locations such as the Peak District.
Pennine Outdoor Pursuits is an award winning training organisation established in 1987 offering tuition in a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities all over the country.
Nestled within the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park you will find a whole host of fun filled adventure. Whether you are looking for an exciting new experience, or developing personal skills, Sbri Cymru can tailor make an activity day to suit you.
Pink Adventures provide a professional and friendly outdoor activity service throughout North West England. We provide a wide range of adventure activity holidays, days out and weekend breaks tailored to your specific needs with fully qualified and experienced staff.
An incredible underground journey by boat!
Enter the inner world of the underground cave system in the heart of the Peak District National Park and absorb the atmosphere as a watery silence echoes all around you.
Set at the foot of the spectacular Winnat's Pass, high above the village of Castleton, Speedwell Cavern takes you on an incredible underground boat journey.
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Featured Provider
The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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