Thurston is a large Victorian country house offering excellent, quality group accommodation. Set in its own large grounds in the heart of the Lake District National Park and overlooking Coniston Water. It has stunning views of the surrounding fells with immediate access to mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. Making it an ideal lakeland base.
Climbing
Climbing
What is it?
Climbing originated as a practical activity used to move up steep terrain, but it has developed into a multifaceted pastime over the years. It's now practiced as a sport, a recreational activity, for exercise and as an explorational tool, with many people taking holidays to visit naturally good climbing areas outdoors.
What does it involve?
At a base level, climbing consists of using either apparatus or your own body to ascend something otherwise inaccessible. The methods of climbing can vary, and often depend on the type of material one is climbing on, such as ice, nets, ropes, boulders, mountains, trees and buildings!
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Climbing involves a lot of movement, so is great for exercising the entire body! It also improves physical coordination and a whole host of mental attributes such as determination, spatial awareness and concentration.
What equipment do we need?
Trying out climbing generally involve travelling to a specialist venue or hiring an instructor to take a group out into the real world, so it's rare that you will need to provide equipment! However, you should always check with the provider beforehand, and its a good idea to make sure your students are wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and the activity.
Who is it suitable for?
The development of indoor climbing walls can allow young children the opportunity to have a go at climbing in a more suitably controlled environment than outdoors, but in general, all ages should be able to have a go at climbing!
Costs?
Taster climbing lessons shouldn't be too much per person, with a decent price generally between £10-20. Full day experiences or a course of lessons will vary a lot more, so check out the venues around you thoroughly.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Indoor climbing ranges are reasonably safe with good supervision and medical assistance on hand, but going climbing outdoors could be riskier if you may suddenly need help with a student's medical needs - bear the needs of your group in mind when deciding what kind of experience to take them on!
How do we include?
There is a rising culture for disability within climbing, and many establishments now have assistance for those with physical and learning difficulties to help them have a go at climbing. Including everyone should be reasonably easy if you can find a venue that can help you!
Doing it abroad?
Mountainous countries will have more natural climbing areas than the UK - an outdoors foreign climbing experience will be exciting for interested students!
Main website:
http://www.ukclimbing.com is the main source of information for UK climbing, but be sure to check out individual venue websites for their specifics.
Venues with this Activity
Situated in the glorious Sussex countryside, Blackland Farm is a multi-purpose activity centre. It is located on a 120-acre site, comprising woodland and grassed areas.
The Prince's Trust Kennington Centres currently offers the Fairbridge programme. This is an individually tailored personal development programme for young people aged 13-25, combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Torridon Activities is located at foot of Liathach and the shores of Torridon with some of the best walking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and kayaking anywhere in the UK.
We pride ourselves on making the outdoors accessible to anyone and cater for the novice to the expert, offering fun and tuition to develop their skills.
We are a residential outdoor education centre on the shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge De Cymru, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
Based in the Eskdale Valley at the heart of the Western Lake District with easy access to Wastwater and Scafell Pike, we really could not be better place to provide a wide range of outdoor activities.
Outdoor Pursuits, Extreme Sports and Multi-Sport Events is what we're all about. Since 1979 we've been providing high quality outdoor pursuits from our base in Bude located at the heart of the amazing North Cornish Coast. Since then our range of activities and experiences have grown to make us one of the most established and highly qualified outdoor providers in Cornwall.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge in Merseyside, we've been supporting young people since 1982. In 2011 we became part of The Prince's Trust.
Established over 40 years ago, the 25 acre site includes a 10 acre lake, alongside the River Thames, between Richmond and Kingston. Thames Young Mariners (TYM) is surrounded by 200 acres of public open space, which has been designated as a local nature reserve.
Located 14 miles south of Edinburgh, Broomlee Centre still retains a truly rural atmosphere.
On the beautiful and historic parkland estate of Shugborough our centre here is ideally placed to take advantage of canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the River Trent. Cannock Chase is right on the centre’s doorstep – a great place to walk and explore and which is home to some of the countries finest bike trails.
Reach Outdoors brings a fresh approach to outdoor learning. A company established by long term friends and colleagues Ashley Hone, Rachel Mayhew and Richard Hanbury, we have over 25 years combined experience of outdoor practice. We also have a real passion for the outdoors, and constantly see development opportunities in all that we do.
We are open all year round offering a wide range of exciting outdoor adventure activities based around the Gower peninsular. We offer a flexible programme for people visiting, staying or living in the area. Courses are available from one to five days or weekend packages.
School life can set the tone for the future of young people, both good and bad. ReachOut Creative Futures have had great success working with groups of young adults and children for whom it is not working as well as it could be. Awards, Workshops and Activity Programmes that develop self esteem, confidence and a positive approach are a crucial investment in future generations
Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure
Founded in 1978, Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside.
Call of the Wild’s Adventure Britain offer great value for money outdoor activity weekends and inspired ideas for
Stars Centres provide a kaleidoscope of activity and training opportunities for young people who attend residential or day courses at our wonderful venues.
Whether you're a teacher, youth worker, group leader or other organisation we have a range of outstanding courses suitable for your young peoples' needs, including Summer Camps and all-year-round residentials and courses.
Sea Kayak and SUP Salcombe - Formally South Sands Sailing - is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Devon, boasting a breath taking environment to explore with the family.
Nant BH Centre is part of the North Wales Outdoor Education Service (NWOES) delivering to Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Wrexham and Anglesey. The Centre provides high quality outdoor education courses, through residential and day experiences, to primary and secondary school groups since 1968.
The Healthy Living Centre at Staveley offers top-class health, sport and leisure facilities for Chesterfield. We offer a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and abilities at affordable prices. The Healthy Living Centre lets you your friends and family get active and enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle using local facilities.
Climbing and mountaineering instruction and guiding from Alan Halewood. I am a passionate climber and mountaineer with extensive experience working and playing at home and abroad. I love being a Mountaineering Instructor and working with people of all levels of abilities.
We have a range of climbing courses to suit every aspirant climber: From youth groups taking their first steps onto rock, to seasoned veterans who are still looking to improve, we can help.
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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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