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.

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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.

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Sailing

Our sailing craft on BassenthwaiteLake range from single handed “Access Dinghies” specially designed for people with disabilities, to high speed trimaran “Windriders”, to our larger “Longboats” which are ideal for group work. We also have an accessible sailing cruiser on Windermere.

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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.

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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? 

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Zip Wire

We have an exciting new activity coming soon. Whilst we have been lucky enough to be able to build the zip-wire, we still have volunteers working hard to complete the new path to allow us to access the top platform. Soon you will be able to feel the wind in you hair as you zoom through the treetops looking out over Bassenthwaite Lake.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Archery

Try this ancient precision sport which requires concentration. The range of equipment makes it available to all and the competitive activities are fun.

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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.

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Problem Solving/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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Land Yachting

For the right groups, this non-adapted sport provides access to a fast-paced activity available in many parts of the UK.

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Mine Visit

Experience the thrill of being underground by exploring “Goldscope Mine”, a disused copper mine in the Newlands valley. The centre also has a small artificial cave on site.