Spend a day on this quiet stretch of the West Dorset coast where you can take a walk across the cliff tops above Ringstead, bring a kite, or pack a picnic and follow one of the steep ancient tracks down to the shingle beach. The water is incredibly clear and safe for bathing.
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
Leicesershire's Medieval Manor House
Based in a Medieval Manor House dating back to 1280, the house has a fascinating history and was owned by one of the Gunpowder Plotters!
A place apart where beauty and adventure come to life
From towering sea cliffs, rolling hills and heaths to the dunes and sandy beaches of Studland, nowhere else packs such a variety of landscapes into such a small area.
As a result, Purbeck is the richest place for plant life in Britain, home to 14 out of 17 British bat species and supports all six native reptiles.
Beautiful and intimate 18th-century landscape garden
One of only four Palladian bridges of this design in the world can be crossed at Prior Park, which was created in the 18th century by local entrepreneur Ralph Allen, with advice from 'Capability' Brown and the poet Alexander Pope.
Mere Mountains was set up by Elspeth in 1991, and is owned and run by John and Elspeth Mason, who have been providing recreational outdoor activities and outdoor education courses in the Lakes continiously for nearly 20 years.
Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment
This exciting new interpretation centre showcases the special qualities which make the Llŷn Peninsula so unique in terms of history, culture and environment.
Come in and explore, learn, reflect and enjoy the natural environment, and get ideas for activities, walks, attractions and things to do on the peninsula.
A dramatic and rugged coastline with an abundant variety of wildlife
This spectacular stretch of coastline offers fine views and hidden delights. Heading north from Polzeath discover Pentire Point and The Rumps, views of which inspired First World War poet Lawrence Binyon.
Exploring South East Cornwall's history and culture
The fishing villages of Polperro and Looe are ideal starting points to explore this part of South East Cornwall. With a range of walks for all abilities there are some great opportunities for everyone to take in this unspoilt coast along the South West Coast Path.
A wooded valley opening up to the moors of Dartmoor with a rich and varied industrious past
The Plym Valley consists of varied habitats from riverside meadows, ancient woodland and the wilderness of Dartmoor. Car parks at Plymbridge, Cadover Bridge and Shaugh Prior provide good starting points to explore the area on foot or bike.
Plas Pencelli is large outdoor centre located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
One of Dorset's prominent landmarks, dominated by an Iron Age hill fort
Pilsdon has a long history of occupation. Flint tools over 10,000 years old and two Bronze Age burial mounds are evidence that the site was in use long before the hill fort was built.
Like the other hill forts in Dorset, Pilsdon was abandoned after the Roman conquest, after which it's thought that it was used for rough grazing, much as it is today.
The highest point in Dorset with views between the trees over Devon, Somerset and out to sea
Standing at 915 feet (279 metres) Lewesdon Hill, along with nearby Pilsdon Pen, dominates the surrounding landscape. It's certainly an alluring hill fort, although being enclosed by woodland the views aren't uninterrupted, but the glimpses of the surrounding landscape you do get through the trees are worth the climb to the top.
An oasis of peace and tranquillity only 13 miles south-east from the centre of London
Full of natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life.
Chalk ridge landmark with far-reaching views and rich natural heritage
Commanding the high point on the chalk ridge south-east of Salisbury, Pepperbox Hill is topped by an early example of a brick folly. Thought to have been built by Giles Eyre of Brickworth House, it may have served as a viewpoint for ladies following the hunt, a haunt for highwaymen and a lookout post for the home guard.
Wooded country around Cornwall's largest natural lake
Loe Pool, the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall, is cut off from the sea by a broad shingle bar heaped up by heavy Atlantic seas.
The surrounding Penrose Estate is a mixture of rich farmland and woodland around Loe Pool, through which there are many paths to explore.
Rich in industrial heritage, caves, ancient woodland and rare species
Spectacular cliffs, caves where mammoths once lived, rare birds, an underground river, bat roosts, silver lead mining, ancient woodland, smuggling and limestone quarrying are just a few of the wonders of this area.
Archaeology, lichen rich dunes and the award winning Three Cliffs Bay
Penmaen Burrows and Nicholaston Burrows are nestled between Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay. A walk through the burrows will take you through heathland, woodland, sand dunes and cliff tops.
Historic Haunted Castle, Himalayan Gardens, Owl Centre, MeadowVole Maze and Playgrounds
Muncaster Castle is still a privately owned family home to the Penningtons and three generations of the family still live in the Castle today.
They are actively involved in the running of the business which is set up as a not-for-profit company. The estate employees 50 local people full time at the Castle and Gardens and this grows up to more than 65 in the height of summer.
The UK's Number 1 Walkthrough Wildlife Adventure
We are a unique zoo with a wide range of animals which you can see on a unique walking safari;
Lion's Lair
Lion Country is unique in the UK as visitors enjoy an on foot safari in safety along its 800m of pathway into the reserves. It is home to the lions rescued from Oradea Zoo in Romania
Tiger Country
Tilgate Park has so much to offer from stunning lakes, lawns and gardens to miles of woodland and bridleways for long leisurely walks. As well as all this Tilgate Park also boasts some excellent facilities:
Rock UK Whithaugh Park Adventure Centre is nestled away in the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Borders. We share our 110 acre slice of Scottish countryside with red squirrels, deer and a wide variety of other wildlife.
We really are big enough to cope and small enough to care. Our aim is quite simply to offer the very best experience to all our customers.
We are please to announce that we have recently become and RYA Onboard Centre. This means that it has been specially selected by the RYA as a centre that is exceptional at delivering safe, fun and professional children’s sailing and windsurfing sessions.
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.
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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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