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!

Main website:

http://www.walkingandhiking.co.uk

http://www.trekkingbritain.com

Venues with this Activity

With picturesque hills and inland waterways of East Lancashire on its doorstep, Whitehough can offer a comprehensive range of courses and activities.

Lupine Adventure is a workers' co-operative offering fell and mountain-based outdoor recreation, education and training. Take a look around the website to find details of all our activities.

Pursuit of Potential Canoeing is a brilliant way to have a go at canoeing! Canoeing is a wonderful way to enjoy and explore the water. With normally 2 people in the canoe, move through the water propelled by your own strength!

The Activities Group (North) Ltd (TAG) understands the importance of delivering you, your family, school, group, club, youth project or business a wide range of all year round safe, value for money, outdoor adventure activities, events, and bespoke development training programs giving participants a real life memorable learning or fun experience.

We offer high quality all inclusive residential and non-residential outdoor education experiences and group activity courses for all sectors of the community including residential school trips, colleges, youth groups, families and corporate groups. The Centre has been adapted to accommodate those with special needs and disabilities.

From walking in the Yorkshire Dales, to mountaineering in the Lake District, Muddy Boots helps you or your group get from A to B with navigational assistance and training.

Varied coastal area with natural history and industrial archaeology interest

A diverse collection of coastal properties strung out along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Discover breathtaking views, the remains of industrial endeavours and a wildlife sanctuary.

Visit the Old Coastguard Station in Robin Hood's Bay village and the Ravenscar Coastal Centre to discover more about the landscape and people.

The centre is at the foot of the magnificent Cadair Idris, surrounded by striking mountain scenery in the heart of North Wales. Snowdonia, the largest National Park in Wales is on our doorstep boasting the highest mountain in Wales and a variety of picturesque villages, lakes and coastlines.

Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre is situated in stunning open countryside on the eastern side of the Snowdonia National Park.  We have easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers.  We pride ourselves on our outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit al

The Centre is set within 35 acres of beautiful mixed woodland, much of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and includes some rare species of plant. From the top of the woods there are panoramic views over the Conwy Estuary to Snowdonia and Anglesey. And being in the rain shadow of the mountains means we have a lot of sun!

The activities are well managed by experienced and qualified instructors. It is impossible to eliminate all risk, however through experience and following best practice and national guidelines we do our utmost to ensure your safety and keep risks to a minimum.

Ropes and Ladders have something for all ages from 4 upwards.

The high level activities get many a heart racing! Adults and children (8yrs and over) alike can enjoy the excitement of the high activities with aerial challenges,  leaps, giant swing and zip line with spectacular views of the adjacent lake and the mountains of Snowdonia.

 

Booking Centre - Trip oganiser for variously sized groups including schools to different attractions in the Snowdonia National Park. Free of charge!

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 Teesside, we've been supporting young people since 2000. In 2011 we became part of The Prince's Trust.

Gareth Haldenby is the lead instructor and is based in the Yorkshire area. Having over ten years experience in outdoor education, Gareth will ensure you have an outstanding experience, tailoring delivery to meet personal aspirations.

Experience a landscape shaped by traditional rural life

Woolbeding Estate in West Sussex is quietly tucked away in the tranquil Rother Valley. With its wide horizons and intimate secluded places, this huge estate has an extraordinary blend of habitats.

Beautiful secluded wooded valley

The tranquil wooded valley contains a 'lost landscape' with remains of an 18th- and 19th-century landscape park with a chain of five lakes. Park Mill Pond is the last of these lakes and features a man-made island that is now a heronry. Large carp can also be seen in the waters.

Young people at the Southampton Centre can take part in the Fairbridge programme, an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities, as well as a range of Get into and Get Started courses.

Prominent landmark with fine views

The highest point in the Cranborne Chase provides panoramic views from the Isle of Wight and Purbeck Hills to Blackmore Vale and Salisbury Plain. Win Green is crowned by beech trees growing on a Bronze Age bowl barrow with a distinctive ridge around the edge. This clump of trees is visible for miles around.

There are hidden gems of history and wildlife along this post-industrial coastline

Only 5½ miles from the border of the Lake District National Park, this coastline stretches south from the 18th century harbour of Whitehaven towards the sandstone cliffs of St Bees Head.

The quiet north Gower coast with its extensive saltmarsh and dunes

North Gower is a tranquil place, for quiet enjoyment, bird watching and walking. Much of the north coast is a large expanse of saltmarsh, which is an ever-changing landscape of mudflats and tidal ditches. Along with Whiteford Burrows, it is an internationally important feeding ground for wading birds and wildfowl.

Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.

The elegant Palladian home of the Dashwood family and historic village

West Wycombe Park is one of the most theatrical and Italianate of all English country houses and the Dashwood family home for over 300 years. Set in 45 acres of landscaped park, the house as we see it today is the creation of the 2nd Baronet in the 18th century.

Woods, heaths and the best coastal views

This is the perfect place for a breezy walk along, or up and down, the hills of north Norfolk.

Enjoy the sun on the heaths or shelter from the wind in the woods.

In a stroll of a couple of miles you can see eight species of trees and depending on the season, a variety of flowers, birds, bees and butterflies.

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