There's more to Boscastle than a picturesque natural harbour and village.
The Elizabethan quay sits in an impressive amphitheatre of steep cliffs and is home to quaint stone-built cottages, shops and tea-rooms.
Hiking / Trekking
Hiking / Trekking
What is it?
Hiking and Trekking are often used as interchangeable terms, but there are some differences in the activities. A trek is often a longer journey than a hike, and usually takes place across areas with no other means of transport. Hiking is a more recreational pastime than trekking, as people go on hikes to enjoy the environment; the purpose of a trek is to reach a destination.
What does it involve?
Although the definitions are different, hiking and trekking are reasonably similar practices. Both involve long distance walking in areas with no towns or roads by navigating a path through the environment or following an established trail.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Getting out and about in the world is always beneficial, even if it's just for the fresh air! Nature is important to appreciate, and spending time walking through the environment can help you to better understand how the world works when you remove the majority of human influence.
What equipment do we need?
Appropriate attire is vital when hiking or trekking; for example, wearing the wrong kind of shoes can result in painful blisters. Camping gear may also be required if it's a particularly long journey you are undertaking, and make sure to take food and water with you if it's not going to be available on route!
Who is it suitable for?
Particularly young groups of children won't be suitable for taking on long walks, but they may enjoy something like a shorter walk around the grounds of a castle!
Costs?
Going hiking or trekking can be completely free, as it doesn't have to involve any establishments outside your own. However, you can hire guides to lead your group on a walk, and sometimes the area you wish to walk in may be a national park and could have an entry fee.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Younger groups will need careful supervision when out and about in the world, they could easily wander off!
How do we include?
The inclusion of everybody in your student group will depend on the kind of terrain you are covering, and the distance involved. Be aware of the specific needs of your group when planning your route - uneven/steep ground won't be suitable for those with physical difficulties.
Doing it abroad?
The foreign landscapes and natural environments are often more varied and interesting than our own, and could make for a great hike or trek. Make sure to plan your route out properly and be aware of safety advice beforehand - you don't want to get lost/stuck with no way out and no means of calling for help!
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Venues with this Activity
Distinctive landmark rich in wildlife and archaeology with a tremendous panorama
Once part of the Longleat estate, the hill was entrusted to us by the 6th Marquess of Bath. Ascend the hill to enjoy extensive views of West Wiltshire and Somerset, or to experience uninterrupted views of the sky from this locally famous UFO hotspot.
One of the fastest moving sand and shingle spits in the United Kingdom
Visit one of the last surviving pieces of natural coastline in West Sussex. East Head is an example of the nationally rare and fragile, yet dynamic, sand-dune habitat.
Walk, play and sunbathe on the beach, which is considered one of the best in Sussex. Or just admire the yachts that anchor off the northern end, where you may spot the occasional seal.
Far from the sea, but still a great view
Mariners Hill is much enjoyed by local people and dog walkers, who value its tranquil walks and excellent panoramic views of the Weald.
Discover secluded creeks on this walk following the River Dart
Crownley Wood is a small area of delightful woodland that has been left to develop and flourish naturally with little management.
Sessil oak, Ash, Beech, Sweet and Horse Chestnut and Sycamore are all to be found here.There's a circular walk through the woodland, taking in views across to Tuckenhay and Bow Creek a tributary of the River Dart.
One of the Isle of Wight's favourite beaches and biggest expanses of open downland
Compton Bay and Downs are at the the heart of the much loved open landscape of the south west of the Isle of Wight. It has all the elements of a great day out in the countryside. There is plenty of space for families, surfing and other non-motorised water sports and a part of the beach open to dog walkers all year round.
Paths wind through ancient oak woodland with sunny glades
Borthwood Copse is a delightful spot to wander amongst ancient oak and beech trees, sunny glades and chestnut and hazel coppice. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a red squirrel as it scurries through the upper branches in search of food.
An impressive flank of open downland
Chillerton Down and the land around Gatcombe village is a beautiful area of downland, farmed and wooded valleys hidden away in the middle of the Isle of Wight.
It is partly owned by the National Trust and partly protected by National Trust covenants to preserve the beauty of the landscape.
Restored 18th-century mausoleum, set in peaceful woodland
Follow in the footsteps of the Darnley family, original owners of Cobham Wood & Mausoleum, and walk through the peaceful ancient cattle grazed woodland, once part of their extensive Cobham Hall estate, and view the beautifully restored mausoleum designed by James Wyatt.
Step back in time to discover a restored mill and working forge in this pretty village
Nestling in a valley that reaches down to the sea on east Devon’s dramatic Jurassic Coast, the village of Branscombe is surrounded by picturesque countryside with miles of tranquil walking through woodland, farmland and beach. Branscombe's charming thatched houses, working forge and restored watermill add to the timeless magic of the place.
A haven on the east coast of County Antrim
A visit to Islandmagee is a trip back to less rushed and stressful times. A peninsula on the East Antrim coast steeped in history with cottages, rolling fields, quiet villages and spectacular coastline, it is a microcosm of the Northern Ireland countryside.
Stevenson Adventures SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) works alongside organisations and groups who are already involved with disadvantaged young people (14-22 years old).
Venturing Out is a mobile adventurous activities provider offering high quality, affordable outdoor activity experiences to a broad client base. We are based in East Lothian, close to the magnificent city of Edinburgh.
Rockhopper offers half, full or multi-day sea kayak trips through some of the most spectacular coastal, mountain and island scenery in Scotland!
We are Scotland’s National Outdoor Training Centre located in the heart of Cairngorms National Park. Learn, develop or qualify in an adventure sport of your choice. Our goal is to inspire adventure by teaching beginners, coaching intermediate/advanced and delivering training and assessment courses for leaders and instructors.
We have been providing exhilarating outdoor activities, residential activity holidays and activity courses for nearly 30 years. We have an exciting range of outdoor activities: Kayaking, Coasteering, Sailing, Gorge Walking, Canadian Canoeing, Climbing, Abseiling and more.
Compass has been offering warm hospitality for over 40 years to schools, families and groups of all ages. We are confident that your stay with us will be an unforgettable one. Set in the Cairngorm National Park in the midst of rolling hills, clear lochs and rugged mountains,
Caring for young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
Wilderness experiences has been registered with Ofsted as a provider of education for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) since 2001 as a mobile children's Home, based in Carlisle, Cumbria on the edge of the Lake District National Park and just south of the border with Scotland.
Wild things! is a Scottish environmental education charity working in Moray, Grampian and the Highlands. Since 2003, Wild things! has enabled over 7,000 children, young people and adults to learn from and be inspired by their local natural environment and the remote wilderness regions of Scotland.
Wilderness Scotland is Europe’s No.1 Adventure Travel Company specialising in offering an inspiring range of holidays, journeys and wilderness experiences in the most remote and beautiful regions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
The Raymond Priestley Centre is beautifully located on the western shore of Coniston Water. Operated by the University of Birmingham it provides bespoke residential courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Since it opened in 1966, many thousands of pupils from Coventry schools have had the opportunity to experience living and learning in this magical place. These experiences leave people with unforgettable memories of their times reinforcing and building upon what they learn within their schools, families and communities.
At Malvern Outdoor Elements we provide a quality, safe and enjoyable experience for all our users. Our sessions are run by qualified and friendly staff and are designed to not only get the most out of the group but the individuals too.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbeidge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge West Midlands, we've been supporting young people since 2000. In 2011 we became part of The Prince's Trust.
Walsall outdoor pursuits is an Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) registered centre together with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - Registered Training Centre (RTC) with RYA sailability foundation status.
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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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