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.
Cycling
Cycling
What is it?
Cycling is the practice of riding bicycles - although it originated as a practical means of transport, it is now one of the most popular recreational sports in the world, with over one billion bicycles present in the world today. Cycling can also refer to the riding of unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles, but those are much less common.
What does it involve?
The physical technique to cycling involves sitting astride the bicycle to operate the pedals, which in turn rotate the wheels and provide the forward movement of the vehicle, while the handlebars give the cyclist control over direction. While the basic form of the bike stays the same, sports bikes are often more lightweight and are designed to be as streamlined as possible, while mountain bikes have different gears the rider can switch between to assist with movement on steep slopes.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Cycling is a great form of exercise - it builds up general stamina and strength, and is greatly beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It's widely considered to be an excellent form of transport over short distances, and learning to cycle can save a lot of money on other means of getting around.
What equipment do we need?
Beyond the obvious need for a bicycle, you will need safety equipment that should include a helmet at the minimum. If you are taking a group of students to a specific activity provider then it's likely that they will provide a majority if not all of the needed equipment - make sure to check with them beforehand.
Who is it suitable for?
Cycling is suitable for all ages! Very young/inexperienced cyclists can have stabilizers attached to their bikes to assist with learning, but everybody should have a go - the overwhelming popularity of the bicycle means its almost guaranteed one will have an opportunity to ride one in their life, so to learn the skill young would be a great idea.
Costs?
The hire of cycling equipment may not be the cheapest, but the lessons themselves shouldn't cost too much money at all - the larger a group, the cheaper it will be per person.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Beginner cyclists will need careful supervision, especially if practicing near roads!
How do we include?
There is a fair amount of independent movement in cycling, so those with severe physical disabilities may not be able to have a go on the traditional bike; check with your provider to see if they have modified bikes that you can use!
Doing it abroad?
Cycling is often one of the main methods of transport in many countries around the world due to the low operating costs and easy operation! Going on cycling trails abroad could be a fantastic idea, and a great way of travelling between places and admiring the landscape.
Main Organisations:
National Cycle network run by Sustrans
More Dirt (Mountain Bike trails listings)
Venues with this Activity
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.
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.
Hire a bike and cycle the Stratford Greenway, 5 miles of Traffic Free cycle path perfect for young families. The cycle hire centre and cafe are based in refurbished railway carriages which the children will love. Range of childrens bikes, child seats, infant trailers and tagalongs available
School Camp offers on site team building sessions and a wide range of innovative off site adventurous outdoor activity events.
Our products include, Outdoor Activity days, Adventurous Activity Camps, Curriculum Enhancement Camps,Teambuilding days, BTEC / PE Outdoor Adventurous Activity Modules and Geography Field Trips.
An imposing 18th century building set in 180 acres of grounds that were landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown. Hall open for events and exhibitions during spring and summer. The parkland is open throughout the year and free to visit.
Himley Hall and Park is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year, with stunning grounds where there is always something to see and enjoy.
A stunning countryside haven in the heart of the busy Midlands
Explore the miles of footpaths, bridleways and easy access trails offering breathtaking panoramic views over the Cotswolds, Shropshire Hills and Welsh borders.
Wonder at the 18th-century follies which form the backdrop to the picturesque Hagley Hall.
A wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling.
Staunton Harold is a wildlife habitat offering many outdoor and leisure activities, such as adventure playgrounds, fishing, bird watching, sailing and cycling, as well as countryside walks for those who want to explore the region.
We run outdoor pursuits and multi-activity Christian camps for young people from School Years 4 through to 13+.
From mountain biking to skiing, karting to windsurfing, sailing to abseiling, crafts to gorge walking, leadership training to mission.
Alton Castle is a Catholic Education Centre in rural Staffordshire, just up the road from Alton Towers.
Come and carve the Original Iconic Concrete 70s Skatepark
ROM is one of the few groundbreaking 70s skateparks still holding its own. Many have come from wide and far to skate and ride The ROM. Bob Haro, Matt Hoffman, Tony Hawk, Lance Mountain and the Bones Brigade, Scott Maylon and even Billy Mills have ripped it up at Rom.
Most come for the world famous Pool and the unbeatable never ending lines of the Moguls.
Let The Adventure Begin!
The Frank Chapman Centre is part of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Councils Residential Education Service delivering a wide range of high quality outdoor programmes and activities for the community of Sandwell and others.
Alternative Adventure specialise in organising activities using venues that are within easy reach of your location; hotel & conference centre grounds delivering teambuilding activities, school & youth centres delivering outdoor teambuilding activities, local parks delivering teambuilding & outdoor adventurous activities canoeing, earth ball, mountain biking, raft building, orienteer
Nestled deep in the heart of Snowdonia our location is unrivalled as a destination for adventure activities of all kinds. For almost 60 years Plas y Brenin has been running courses and holidays in outdoor activities, introducing newcomers to the outdoors, helping outdoor enthusiasts improve their outdoor skills and training outdoor instructors.
Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure
Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of Exmoor National Park and a short distance from the North Devon Coast, our award winning centre welcomes guests of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families & friends.
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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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