Calvert Trust

Founded in 1978, Calvert Trust is the inspiration of John Fryer-Spedding, whose vision was to enable people with disabilities to benefit from outdoor activities in the countryside.

Despite Harold McMillan claiming that “the National Parks are for all people for all time” in 1951 when the first Park was opened, John Fryer-Spedding realised this was not quite true and that a lack of accessible facilities restricted people with disabilities from truly enjoying our beautiful countryside and benefiting from outdoor activity.

With this in mind, John Fryer-Spedding enlisted the help of Elinor, Viscountess Rochdale. Together they looked for people with the same vision and it wasn't long before a small group of people had been found and the decision to form a Trust had been made.

The Fryer-Spedding family donated two farmsteads, Old Windebrowe and Little Crosthwaite, to the Trust and, in 1978, the Little Crosthwaite Adventure Centre was formally opened.

Back then the centre had just one warden, a secretary, one instructor, two horses and two dinghies.  But soon demand grew and Calvert Trust Keswick was born.  Today the centre employs 35 permanent staff and has many facilities – welcoming over 3,000 people every year, from groups to families, to individuals.

Following the huge success of the Keswick centre, the founders realised that a second centre was required and today Calvert Trust Kielder welcomes over 5,000 visitors every year. As well as the centre and all its activities, there are also 10 wonderful fully accessible self catering log chalets, the fabulous 5* Straker Chalet and the special Sky Den, created by George Clark's Amazing Spaces Channel 4 TV programme.

A third centre was established in Exmoor National Park with wonderful countryside, fantastic beaches and good access to the road network. Today Calvert Trust Exmoor welcomes over 3,500 guests and has its own on-site riding school, an indoor climbing wall, and caters for groups, families and individuals.