Schools have been coming to Stanley Head for almost 60 years and this is still our main customer group hosting between two and ten schools almost every week of the school term and during school holidays. Most schools visit us for 5 days making the most of our full-board accommodation. However, we can design a programme to suit your needs starting from three-hour sessions up to full weeks.
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
A specialist in outdoor activities, Pro Active Adventure has been delivering high quality outdoor adventure holidays since 2000. We are recognised leaders in Outdoor Education, Activity Holidays, Adrenaline Adventure Activities and MIAS mountain bike instructor courses.
At RKE, we specialise in delivering the Expedition section of the Award, but our staff will be happy to advise on all other Sections, since our years of involvement with DofE are long and our experience extensive.
Through our school expeditions programme, Challengers develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills while travelling abroad. By really engaging with another culture and a remote environment as a team they change the way they think about the world and their place in it.
Outlook Adventures offer a wide range of outdoor education and activities provided by real experts. Whether you are looking for a corporate team building event, a youth group or an exciting fun day out for a group of friends, we can tailor a programme to suit your needs.
Venture Trust believes in people. We believe that everyone, whatever their circumstances, can be supported to make and sustain positive changes in their lives.
The Trust is well positioned in Scotland. We deliver weekend, one and three week residential experiences from our centre based in Loch Eil, near Fort William.
Scotland remains a key area for The Trust and as such, bursary support will still be available to all eligible clients. We are committed to the Leadership for Life project in the long term with 18 groups each year for the next two years.
They say small is beautiful – in which case, Scotland packs a mighty punch. Our back yard is renowned world-wide for its beauty, and we have to agree.
With majestic hills and fantastic bike trails, Scotland offers adventure by the bucket load and here, at Simply Epic Adventures, we can help you find the adventure that is right for you.
The Urban Fox Programme is a voluntary managed project, providing young people within the East End of Glasgow with a wide range of educational and diversionary activities.
These include supervised sports and leisure programmes, health and social education guidance programmes, IT training, as well as many other structured learning programmes.
An increasing number of schools around the UK have been incorporating indoor climbing into their curriculum due to the numerous benefits to young people and the increasing demand for schools to meet the criteria for the Curriculum for Excellence.
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 Glasgow, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
Set in the heart of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Dounans is SOEC’s busiest and largest Centre. Original home to the popular ROEE programme, the Centre has a wealth of natural resources on its doorstep and is perfect for environmental sessions both on and off-site. Off-site activities such as kayaking or abseiling are a short hop away.
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 Edinburgh, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We work with young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
The most northerly of SOEC’s Centres, Belmont has a wide range of on-site activities such as the ever-popular flying fox and the night-line which is ideal for team building.
A brand new adventure training and experience company based in Scotland, but with instructors across the UK
Based on the Isle of Seil which has a bridge to the mainland, 30 minutes from Oban. The orginal dedicated sea kayak company in the Oban area, established for over 15 years. We have an intimate knowledge of the area. A family company for the personal touch, we do it because we love it.
Set amidst a superbly rugged and unspoilt natural coastal environment, Uist Outdoor Centre offers unique locations, facilities and instruction for individuals, corporate, education and leisure groups seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences.
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 Dundee, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We work with young people from across Dundee city.
North Outdoor Interventions is an independent provider of outdoor recreation, workshops, outdoor education and training. With a vast experience of working in partnership with children’s and adult services.
Northern Ireland's National Outdoor Centre
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre offers a range of one day and weekend courses in rock climbing skills, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District, our outdoor activity centre provides a wide range of outdoor challenges and experiences such as bushcraft, orienteering, climbing, camping and navigation skills as well as kayaking, canoeing, trekking and mountaineering
Iron Age hill fort with far-reaching views and spectacular wildflowers
Hambledon Hill is one of the most iconic sites in Dorset, rising steeply to 190 metres above the Blackmore Vale and the river Stour with fantastic views into the neighbouring counties of Wiltshire and Somerset. The site is of exceptional archaeological and ecological value and provides important accesss opportunities as well as being of nationally important landscape value.
Welcome to Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre which is set in 12 magnificent acres of lawns and woodland, extending from the beautiful Edwardian house down to the eastern shore of Windermere. The site looks across the Lake to the high fells of the Lake District and has an enviable and easily accessible position.
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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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