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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located 14 miles south of Edinburgh, Broomlee Centre still retains a truly rural atmosphere.
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
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.
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.
With some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Scotland, Torridon is a magnet for walkers, geologists and naturalists.
The estate includes some of Scotland's finest mountain scenery, comprising Liathach, 1,054m (3,456ft) which has seven tops and Beinn Alligin, 985m (3,230ft), composed mainly of Torridonian sandstone dating back 750 million years.
Lost Earth Adventures was founded by Richard Goodey and Sarah Allard. An adventurous husband and wife duo, they’ve never been content with your typical sun, sand and beach holidays. In their years of travelling they have continuously gone in search of experiences that are more rewarding, challenging, inspiring and fun!
Lindisfarne is a delightful, unspoiled, historic island lies just off the extreme Northeast corner of England near Berwick-upon-Tweed. The small population of just over 160 persons is swelled by the influx of over 650,000 visitors from all over the world every year.
Excellent walking country with ancient woods and tumbling streams
A wonderful place to discover spectacular views of the Peak District, ancient woods, parkland and heather moorland. The spectacular White Edge Moor overlooks the Derwent Valley and forms part of the long gritstone edge stretching from Stanage towards Birchens Edge south of Chatsworth House. If you have time, discover the old quarry workings at Bole Hill.
Experience the wildest scenery that Snowdonia has to offer
A 21,000-acre mountainous place, acquired in 1951 from the Penrhyn estate, includes the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve renowned for its arctic alpine plants. There are eight tenant upland farmson this land, 9,000 peaks above 3,000 feet and the famous mountain Tryfan where Edmund Hilary trained for his ascent of Everest.
Scotland Street School is a must-see for fans of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and tells the story of education in Scotland from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.
Britain's largest winter garden set within ancient parkland
Encircled by its protective wall, Dunham Massey is a green oasis nestling between the urban sprawl of Manchester and rural tranquillity of Cheshire. While the Georgian hall and Stamford Military Hospital are closed for conservation, the park and gardens are the ideal place to enjoy the crisp clear days of winter.
We believe that puddles are for jumping in, edges are for looking over. Rock pools are the domain of adventurous fingers and toes. That your time is precious, that family, friends, sandy toes and salty air are what turn a holiday in to a trip of a life time.
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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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