Lake District
- Introduction
- News & Events
- Support us
- Activities
- The Water Centre
- Residential Courses & Short Breaks
- Single-activity (Specialist) Courses
- Accommodation and Facilities
- Bookings, Availability & Offers
- Self-catering Breaks
- Professional Development & Training
- Outreach & Expeditions
- Riding School
- Guest Comments
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- Risk Management & Information for Local Authorities
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Activities
Taking advantage of the amazing Lake District landscape, we run as many of our activities as we can away from the Centre. Each group is given an activity programme for the week, and this is tailored to meet the needs and objectives of the group members. The group will have a dedicated instructor for the whole of the visit, allowing our staff to get to know every individual - helping you to make the most of your stay!
Water Activities
These take place on Bassenthwaite Lake where the Centre has a fully accessible boathouse, jetty and teaching facilities. Activities are supported by two way radios and our well-equipped safety boat.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Canoe and Kayak trips may involve a short paddle across the lake, a longer trip to the pub, or even an expedition with an overnight camp. After a safety session in the pool, suitable boats are selected from our wide-ranging fleet to meet the needs of the group, the conditions and the planned trip.
Sailing
Our sailing craft range from high speed single-handed “Challengers”, specially designed for people with a disability, to larger boats, ideal for group work. We also have a cruiser on Lake Windermere.
Climbing and Abseiling
The Lake District is one of the premier climbing areas within the United Kingdom. Close to the Centre is a range of climbs to suit all abilities including easy-angled scrambles for people with limited mobility and low level routes for those with vertigo! An exciting alternative to climbing is abseiling. This is possible in wheelchairs or you can “hang free” leaving your chair behind. The Centre has its own indoor climbing wall and rope work area on site.
Trapeze and Swing
Do you dare leap for the suspended bar? Is it an optical illusion or can you really jump that far? Do you trust the person holding your safety rope? A great personal challenge! How high do you dare go before pulling the release cord on the big swing?
Riding and Trap Driving
At the Centre’s own stables just outside Keswick, visitors may learn the basics of horse riding in our indoor school, travel down secluded bridle paths or experience the excitement of carriage driving in our wheelchair accessible traps.
Hill Walking
The true spirit of the Lake District is imparted through walking amongst its magnificent scenery. A range of accessible walks, varied in both scenery and difficulty, are available in the local vicinity. The view from Latrigg (wheelchair accessible) is breathtaking and rivals any within the United Kingdom.
Caving
Experience the thrill of being underground. The centre has an artificial cave system on site and there are plenty of disused mines nearby to explore.
Archery
Try this ancient precision sport which requires concentration. The range of equipment makes it available to all and the competitive activities are fun.
Challenge Course
Test your balance, skill or teamwork to overcome the range of obstacles in front of you. A variety of courses are available including an innovative course for wheelchair users.
Problem Solving and Group Work
The “problem” may involve building a tower, crossing a river or completing a ropes course. As well as being fun, problem solving activities can enhance the personal development of individuals and assist in the team building of groups.
Orienteering
Orienteering, the thought sport - is fun and requires cunning use of the map! Progressive, accessible courses are available and include the first permanent Trail Orienteering course in the country.
Camping and Hut Nights
Some groups choose to spend a night under canvas or in a mountain hut, thus feeling very much at one with nature and with the rest of the group members. This is often a highlight of the course.
Paragliding
On occasion, the Centre is able to offer you the freedom of flying on our tandem paraglider. All participants are accompanied by a qualified pilot. It must be remembered that this activity is extremely weather-dependent and that it will involve an additional payment.
Hand Biking and Cycling
The Centre owns a selection of hand bikes and trikes and can offer an introduction to this excellent inclusive sport on nearby cycle tracks and quiet country roads.
Land Yachting
For the right groups, this non-adapted sport provides access to a fast-paced activity available in many parts of the UK.
Ghyll Scrambling/Gorge Walking
Experience this challenging group activity as you follow the route of a mountain stream. Participants should be prepared to get very wet!
'All pupils were given the chance to participate in a wide range of activities. The patience and enthusiasm of the instructors encouraged them to do as much as they could themselves. They were able to make choices for themselves, and to gain pleasure from even the simplest things, such as paddling in the lake, that they had never experienced before.'
Milton School
'All of our pupils have experienced success, which has led to massive increases in their self esteem and social development. The experience will last a lifetime.'
