 Activities
Welcome to our world!
We offer a range of training courses and other activities in hill and mountaineering skills for all levels of experience led by professionally qualified, experienced and enthusiastic mountaineers eager to share their knowledge and enjoyment of the outdoors with you!
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General information
The links below will give you some useful information about our courses including 'how to book'.
If there's something you can't find then get in touch with us!
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 About our courses
Our Leaders are professionally qualified, experienced and enthusiastic mountaineers who are all eager to share their knowledge and enjoyment of the outdoors with you! Our Assistant Leaders may be under training but are also experienced and enthusiastic mountaineers.
Our price covers the services... |
How to book
It's easy as 1, 2, 3 ...
Read the course notes and decide what you'd like to do
See our programme for course dates & availability and choose a date that suits you.
Book your place by getting in touch with us!
If you've got something particular in mind, or can't find a date that suits then ... |
Navigation
These weekend navigation courses are graded to suit everyone, from the complete novice to those looking to explore the upland hills and mountains with increased skill and confidence.
Our courses are aligned with the National Navigation Award Scheme* (NNAS) allowing students to gain recognition... |
Navigation - Bronze award
Introductory Map Skills - Finding your way in the outdoors!
Course Scope:
Navigation in the countryside using paths, tracks and other linear features, basic map interpretation and compass work. This course has a minimum of 10 hours of training including assessment over a distance of between... |
Navigation - Silver award
Map and Compass - Into the wilderness!
Course Scope:
Navigation in the countryside using the skills acquired at the Bronze level and adding skills required to navigate to features and places some distance from paths and tracks. Accurate compass work is required and an ability to use appropriate... |
Navigation - Gold award
To the mountains!
Course Scope:
Navigation in the countryside using the skills of the first two awards, but adding techniques and skills for dealing with complex contour features on terrain with few man-made features. This award requires a high level of navigation skill. A minimum of 12 hours... |
Navigation - Using a GPS
This course helps you to understand the use of a GPS device when hill-walking or mountaineering in the UK. We'll include some practical and fun exercises built around the global game of Geocaching. Careful now, you could become hooked on this!
Location: Snowdonia or The Lake District National Park
Price... |
Scrambling
The beauty of British mountains, apart from their obvious natural beauty, is that, relatively speaking, they are not very high. A journey from valley to summit can be completed by an averagely fit person in somewhere around two hours. This makes for easy access to some of the island's most enjoyable... |
Scrambling - Participation statement
Scrambling is exciting, intoxicating and liberating. But it should also be noted that scrambling as with all outdoor pursuits, carries an inherent risk of injury and death, which cannot be eliminated. You must accept that although we do our utmost to reduce any risks to an acceptable level, there are... |
Scrambling - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need strong upper body strength?
No you don’t – if you’re working your upper body that much you’re doing something wrong. On all our scrambling weekends and courses we always take time to show you the appropriate technique. But – you do usually need good hill legs – especially for the Scrambles... |
Scrambles - Basics
These excellent scrambling weekends offer the novice the opportunity to try some classic grade 1 routes in the Lake District and Snowdonia. So long as you have a reasonable head for heights you will not fail to be inspired by these wonderful days on the hill!
Location: Snowdonia or The Lake District... |
Scrambles - Intermediate
This is a two day course for aspiring Mountain Leaders and experienced scramblers alike. It aims to develop the skills needed for leading a group when on steep ground. While this course can't teach you everything for all scrambling terrain, it will point you in the right direction and hopefully it will... |
Scrambles - Advanced
Hooked and looking for more? Try this two-day course to consolidate the lessons from Scrambles 2 and gain further skills to get you started independently. Plus, with a leader to client ratio of no more than 1:3 you'll get to sample some fantastic high and airy grade 2 and 3 routes!
See our programme... |
Scrambles - Advanced +
Hooked and looking for more? Try this week-long course to consolidate the lessons from Scrambles 2 and gain further skills to get you started independently. Plus, with a leader to client ratio of no more than 1:3 you'll get to sample some fantastic high and airy grade 2 and 3 routes!
... and the... |
Wild camping
Many outdoor activities, such as mountaineering or hill-walking, will often take you to remote areas where there are no established campsites or facilities. 'Wild camping' is camping out in remote areas.
When 'Wild camping' you have to be totally self-sufficient (e.g. food, water and fuel for... |
Wild camping - The Lake District
Camp far away from the madding crowds. This is a strenuous weekend of walking off the beaten tracks and pitching in remote locations. You will need to be fit and able to carry all your gear (tent, sleeping stuff, food and cooking stuff) for a two-day, one-night expendition in the hills.
See our programme... |
Wild camping - Snowdonia
Camp far away from the madding crowds. This is a strenuous weekend of walking off the beaten tracks and pitching in remote locations. You will need to be fit and able to carry all your gear (tent, sleeping stuff, food and cooking stuff) for a two-day, one-night expendition in the hills.
See our programme... |
Wild camping - Scotland
Camp far away from the madding crowds. This is a strenuous week of walking off the beaten tracks and pitching in remote locations. You will need to be fit and able to carry all your gear (tent, sleeping stuff, food and cooking stuff) for a couple of three-day, two-night expenditions in the hills.
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Outdoor photography
Have a good look around our gallery. Impressive? If you think so then join us and find out more about how we make these pictures.
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Outdoor photography
Join us for a weekend camping and easy walking with a programme specifically tailored to outdoor photography.
Location: Peak District, Snowdonia or The Lake District National Park
Price per person: £75
Course numbers: 2 – 12
Instructor/client ratio: 1:6
See our programme for course dates... |
| Countries |
Argentina
Following independence from Spain in 1816, Argentina experienced periods of internal political conflict between conservatives and liberals and between civilian and military factions. After World War II, a long period of Peronist authoritarian rule and interference in subsequent governments... |
Argentina: Introduction
I first visit this country as part of an overland journey from Santiago to Tierra del Fuego. I enter Argentina at noon on 27 Dec 2005 by Road at the border with Chile at Chile Chico on the shores of the Lago General Carrera/Lago Beunos Aires (the lake changes name at the border!). Here begins our long... |
Travels in Patagonia
This adventurous journey takes us by road and track south from [[Santiago de Chile]] and the lakes region of southern [[Chile]] through to [[Patagonia]] and [[Tierra del Fuego]], literally at the world's end, before flying back to [[Buenos Aires]]. Chile's [[Puerto Montt]] used to be the end of the... |
Australia
A member of the British Commonwealth since 1901, Australia has taken advantage of its natural resources to rapidly develop its agricultural and manufacturing industries. It made a major contribution to the British effort in World Wars I and II. Long-term concerns include pollution, particularly... |
Australia: Introduction
In 1996, as part of our Round The World trip we travel through the South and East of Australia. The west-east transit is by rail on the Indian-Pacific railway.
See photographs of this country
Sydney area
Eat/Drink? The Rocks restaurants/pubs, Festival Market Place, Hard Rock Cafe.
See/Do?... |
Australia: The Indian Pacific Railway
We travelled this journey in May 1996. Starting from and crossing the Nullarbor Plain to Adelaide, then on to Sydney. The complete journey takes 65 hours and covers 4,352 kilometres (2,704 miles). The train can carry a maximum of 106 first class, 32 economy and 104 coach class passengers.
Before... |
Australia: The Great Barrier Reef
We charter a small yacht and crew from Port Douglas and sail for an hour or so to the Low Isles where we spend the day diving, swimming with the fish and relaxing on the beach.
See photographs of this journey
Monday 3 June 1996
Evening, I stood at the Marina Mirage in Port Douglas watching... |
Belgium
Independent from the Netherlands since 1830, Belgium was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north... |
Belgium: Introduction
I first visit Belgium in 1967 on a school trip to Blankenberghe and Bruges. I return in 1995 to work briefly in Brussels.
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Brussels
Eat/Drink? Cafes around the Grand-Place and the Bourse
See/Do? Grand-Place, Manneken Pis
5 May 1995 I am... |
Canada
A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 whilst retaining ties to the British crown. Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbour to the south across an unfortified border. Its... |
Canada: Introduction
I first visit Canada in September 1995 when I work briefly in Toronto.
See photographs of this country
Toronto
Eat/Drink? Foodcourts, Hard Rock Cafe
See/Do? CN Tower, Skydome, City Hall, Yonge Street, explore the underground PATH, take the ferry out to the Islands for an evening... |
Chile
A three-year-old Marxist government was overthrown in 1973 by a dictatorial military regime led by Augusto PINOCHET, who ruled until a freely elected president was installed in 1990. Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth and have... |
Chile: Introduction
I arrive in Santiago in the morning of 18 Dec 2005 and make my way by Taxi from the airport to the Hotel Espania. After checking-in I explore the city and walk from the hotel to the main square by the Catherdral. Here there is a huge Christmas tree and many children (and their parents) are queuing to... |
Cook Islands
Named after Captain Cook, who sighted them in 1770, the islands became a British protectorate in 1888. By 1900, administrative control was transferred to New Zealand; in 1965 residents chose self-government in free association with New Zealand. Location: Oceania, group of islands in the South... |
Cook Islands: Introduction
We first visit the Cook Islands, in the middle of the South Pacific, in 1996 when we stop for four days on Rarotonga - the largest of the Cook Islands. This is our final stop on our first round the world trip.
See photographs of this country
Rarotonga
Eat/Drink? In Avarua: Blue Note... |
Czech Republic
Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic,... |
Czech Republic: Introduction
In September 2003 we travel from Venice, Italy on the Venice Simplon Orient Express to Prague. We stop here for two nights before rejoining the train to travel on to London.
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Prague
Eat/Drink? Many cafes and restaurants.
See/Do? Prague Castle, Old... |
Ecuador
What is now Ecuador formed part of the northern Inca Empire until the Spanish conquest in 1533. Quito became a seat of Spanish colonial government in 1563 and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada in 1717. The territories of the Viceroyalty - New Granada (Colombia), Venezuela, and Quito... |
Ecuador: World Challenge Expedition 2009
In June/July 2009, working as Expedition Leader for World Challenge, I lead an expedition to Ecuador with a group from La Chataigneraie, the International School of Geneva. For the pupils this four-week expedition is the culmination of a two-year Leadership and Personal Development programme.
Our... |
France
Although ultimately a victor in World Wars I and II, France suffered extensive losses in its empire, wealth, manpower, and rank as a dominant nation-state. Nevertheless, France today is one of the most modern countries in the world and is a leader among European nations. Since 1958, it has... |
France: Introduction
We first visit France in January 1995 when stay in Paris for a long weekend. In January 1997 I work briefly in Nice. From mid 1998 on I return frequently to France to work and rest in Paris and Versailles. In January 2003 we go to Nice for a short break and stay at the very centrally located Hotel Grand Aston... |
France: Mont Blanc climb
From the French side we climb the Gouter Route (French grade PD-), which is the most frequented ascent route with little technical difficulty in good conditions, but exposed snow crests in the upper section. Teams rope up from the Cabane des Tete Rousse and wear helmets up to the Cabane des Gouter.... |
France: GR20 Corsica
The Corsican GR20 is one of the toughest long distance trail in Europe. Since July 2008 I regularly lead this trek for adventure travel providers. The route penetrates the central mountain mass of the island amidst a superb variety of pine forests, granite rock formations, mountain torrents and rock... |
Germany
As Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed the country in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied... |
Germany: Introduction
I first visit Germany in September 1998 on business in Berlin for a week. I stay in the Kempiski Bristol Hotel on the Ku'damm. I have time to walk around the city and see the sights.
I return to Berlin for a week in October 1999, and again in September 2000, and stay each time in the Westin... |
Indonesia
The world's largest archipelago; Indonesia achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1949. Current issues include: alleviating widespread poverty, implementing IMF-mandated reforms of the banking sector, effecting a transition to a popularly-elected government after four decades of a... |
Indonesia: Introduction
We first visit Indonesia in May 1996 when we stop for a few days in Bali.
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Bali
Eat/Drink? Cafes
See/Do? Tour the island, see the temples, barter
More info? See Bali For You
16 May 1996 We arrive at midnight and are immediately hit... |
Italy
Italy became a nation-state in 1861 when the city-states of the peninsula, along with Sardinia and Sicily, were united under King Victor EMMANUEL. An era of parliamentary government came to a close in the early 1920s when Benito MUSSOLINI established a Fascist dictatorship. His disastrous... |
Italy: Introduction
In 2003 we fly to Italy and then return home on the Venice-Simplon Orient Express to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
In 2004 we base ourselves in Arabba in the Italian Dolomites for a week's walking, Via Ferrata and Paragliding.
See photographs of this country
Arabba
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Italy: Venice Simplon Orient Express
After two nights pure indulgence at the Luna Baglioni Hotel, Venice - one of The Leading Hotels of the World - we move on and board the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for our overnight journey to Prague. We leave Venice in the early evening and arrive in Prague in the mid afternoon of the following day... |
Italy: The Dolomites
We fly to Venice, pick up a hire car and drive to Arabba where we stay in the Chalet Belvedere.
From Arabba we journey out each day to successfully take on several Via Ferratas, including one of the most difficult - the VF Cesare Piazetta (graded 5C) to the summit of Piz Boe (3192m). On our... |
Monaco
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation centre. Location: Western... |
Monaco: Introduction
In January 2003 we visit Monaco for the day taking the bus from Nice.
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Monaco
Eat/Drink? Around Le Port
See/Do? Le Port, Jardin Exotique, Casino, Monaco Ville.
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Morocco
Morocco's long struggle for independence from France ended in 1956. The internationalised city of Tangier was turned over to the new country that same year. Morocco virtually annexed Western Sahara during the late 1970s, but final resolution on the status of the territory remains unresolved... |
Morocco: Introduction
In June/July 2003 I travel via London, Tangiers and Casablanca to Marrakech and then onwards into the High Atlas mountains. All arrangements were made through Explore Worldwide. I fly with British Midland and Royal Air Maroc.
See photographs of this country
Marrakech
Eat/Drink?... |
Morocco: High Atlas
The rugged Atlas Mountains, situated close to Marrakech, run east to west for some 1900 kilometres, reaching a spectacular 4165m at the summit of Jebel Toubkal. Few roads venture across the massive Atlas barrier, which falls away abruptly beyond the mountains to the Sahara desert. Tiny villages dot... |
Nepal
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained... |
Nepal: Introduction
In 2001 we visit Nepal on a package organised in the UK through Classic Journeys. We fly with Qatar Airways. Classic Journeys' local agents, who made all the ground arrangements in Nepal, is Himalaya Expeditions "Nuwakott Ghar", Sanepa Chowk, Lalitpur, PO Box: 105, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel:... |
Nepal: Panchase trek
Our trek starts from Nepal's second largest valley, the beautiful Pokhara Valley - with magnificent Himalayan panoramas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna & Manaslu range. Machapuchare, the Fish Tail peak, stands out majestically.
The trek combines incredible ethnic and cultural diversity and takes... |
Nepal: White-water rafting
Two days rafting on the Trusuli River, including overnight camping on the river bank.
See photographs of this journey
Monday 16 April 2001
After breakfast we load up the Tata bus for our five hour drive back along the Kathmandu to Pokhara highway, from Pokhara to the raft 'put in'... |
Nepal: Royal Chitwan National Park
After almost two weeks of trekking and river-rafting we arrive at Gaida Jungle Lodge, overlooking the Dungre river, on the edge of the Rhino Zone in the central area of Royal Chitwan National Park. We spend a few days here and take elephant rides into the jungle to look for Rhino, Tiger and other wildlife... |
New Zealand
The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. In that same year, the British began the first organized... |
New Zealand: Introduction
We fly with Malaysia Airlines and Air New Zealand from the UK via Kuala Lumpur and Auckland to Wellington, our base for this trip. Flights are arranged through STA Travel. Accommodation is a pleasant two bedroom apartment in the centre of Wellington arranged through What's New.
On the North Island... |
Portugal
Following its heyday as a world power during the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal lost much of its wealth and status with the destruction of Lisbon in a 1755 earthquake, occupation during the Napoleonic Wars, and the independence in 1822 of Brazil as a colony. A 1910 revolution deposed the... |
Portugal: Introduction
In April 1990 I have a two week break in the Algarve with my daughters (my wife, Fiona, goes to Cyprus for a week). For most of the time I lazed around the small village of Alvor, but before that have a few hectic days of seeing the entire length of the Algarve.
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Algarve... |
Russia
Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the 300-year old Romanov Dynasty. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal... |
Russia: Introduction
In 1993 I visit Russia and travel from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian railway. I stop off at Irkutsk and Khabarovsk and finally fly back from Vladivostok for a few days in St Petersburg.
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Irkutsk
Eat/Drink? The Siberian Tractor
See/Do?... |
Russia: The Trans-Siberian Railway
Featured in January 1996
During May/June 1993 I travel by train from Moscow to Vladivostok stopping in Irkutsk and Khabarovsk en route.
See photographs of this journey
Introduction I travelled this journey during May/June 1993. Starting from Moscow and crossing over the Urals... |
Spain
Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained... |
Spain: Introduction
I first visit Spain in 1972 for a two week holiday near Barcelona.
In 1988 we leave the kids at home and have a two week vacation in Gran Canaria.
In July 2003 our daughters send us on a three day break in Barcelona to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary.
See photographs of this... |
Switzerland
Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international... |
Switzerland: Alpine Mountaineering
Based in the Hotel Mont Collon in Arolla, we spend a week of alpine mountaineering, rock and ice climbing in the Swiss Alps with some two-day journeys where we stay overnight in mountain refuges. The high point of this week is out successful summit of the Pigne d'Arolla (3790m altitude).
See... |
Tanzania
Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s. Zanzibar's semi-autonomous status and popular opposition have led to two contentious... |
Tanzania: Mts Meru and Kilimanjaro
An exciting scrambling route up [[Kilimanjaro]], Africa's highest mountain, after acclimatising on [[Mount Meru, Tanzania]]. The extinct volcano of Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most recognisable peaks. It rises dramatically above the dusty East African plains with the impressive snow-capped summit... |
UK
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the dominant industrial and maritime power of the 19th century, played a leading role in developing parliamentary democracy and in advancing literature and science. At its zenith, the British Empire stretched over one-fourth of the... |
United Kingdom: Introduction
I live here (most of the time).
See photographs of this country
London, England Eat/Drink? Many restaurants, pubs and cafes. Try around Covent Garden or Rowley's, St James's See/Do? Visit the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the South Bank, etc., etc., the list goes on and on... |
United Kingdom: Wales: Cyfrwy Arete
The Cyfrwy Arete on Cadair Idris is a grade 3S scramble and in parts probably a Diff climb - do not take this on unless you know what you're doing.
See photographs of this walk/scramble
There are a number of ways of getting to this scramble but my preferred route is to park at the Ty Nant... |
USA
Britain's American colonies broke with the mother country in 1776 and were recognized as the new nation of the United States of America following the Treaty of Paris in 1783. During the 19th and 20th centuries, 37 new states were added to the original 13 as the nation expanded across the... |
USA: Introduction
We first visit the United States of America in 1992 when we stop for a short time in New York to visit my brother before touring the Californian coast line from San Diego up to San Francisco, stopping from several days to visit friends in Santa Barbara. In 1996 we stop off in LA for four hours to change... |
USA: Road trip California
In 1999 we tour inland California driving from San Francisco to LA via Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree and Palm Springs.
1999 Tour
Day 1 Manchester to San Francisco. Pick up hire car (four wheel drive [LW] Chevrolet Blazer) and drive to hotel in San Francisco to rest after flight. 20 miles... |
USA: Road trip LA to Fort Worth
In June/July 2004 we drive over 5,000 miles from Santa Barabara, CA through Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas to Fort Worth.
See photographs of this journey
05 Jun Fly MAN-LAX then drive Santa Barbara 06 Jun Santa Barbara, CA for R&R 07 Jun Santa Barbara, CA for R&R ... |
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