Descent of the a Northern River in Open Canoes for Active Adults with a Mild Disability

This is canoeing expedition which is suitable for adults with a mild disability.  It is offers the chance to travel with a friendly supportive group on a wonderful adventure. We will paddle 2 man canoes and lots of help will be available to beginners. We will paddle through some beautiful countryside with plenty of time to stop and explore or simply enjoy the good company and surroundings!
To participate you need to be able contribute to the paddling of your canoe (we will be using 2 man canoes), be able to cope if you fall in the river (lifejackets will be worn and plenty of safety cover provided) and be willing and able to camp for three nights.

Monday
After an early meeting at Bendrigg we will set off for the river aiming to be on the road straight after lunch. We should arrive at the river by mid afternoon in time for an hour or two paddling to our first campsite. 
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
On each of these days we will have a fairly leisurely start. Each day we will paddle approximately 10 miles, spending between 4 and 6 hours on the river. On Thursday we will reach our final campsite.
Friday
On Friday we will head  back to Bendrigg, where we hope to arrive by 2pm. All Depart by 3pm.

Camping
We will spend 4 nights camping by the river. We will use recognised campsites which have toilet and washing facilities (although at some sites these may be fairly basic). Camping will be in 2 man tents (if you come on your own you may be asked to share with another participant of the same sex – please let us know if that would be a problem for you) We have some larger tents for people with reduced mobility. We have a mess tent for eating if the weather is wet, and camp tables and chairs to make life easier. We provide comfortable sleeping mats and warm sleeping bags (if you do not have your own).

We will do most of the cooking but will ask you to help with washing up etc. Similarly if people are able to help with pitching of tents etc the trip will run smoothly. Tents etc will be transported by our bank support team each day; they will meet us at the next campsite.

Descent of the River Wye in Open Canoes for Active Adults with a Mild Disability

This is canoeing expedition which is suitable for adults with a mild disability.  It is offers the chance to travel with a friendly supportive group on a wonderful adventure. We will paddle 2 man canoes and lots of help will be available to beginners. We will paddle through some beautiful countryside with plenty of time to stop and explore or simply enjoy the good company and surroundings!
To participate you need to be able contribute to the paddling of your canoe (we will be using 2 man canoes), be able to cope if you fall in the river (lifejackets will be worn and plenty of safety cover provided) and be willing and able to camp for three nights.

Monday
After an early meeting at Bendrigg we will set off for Wales aiming to be on the road by 9.30am. We can arrange to pick people up on route to Wales (only at motorway services) or from the train station at Hereford – please enquire when booking.
We should arrive at the river by mid afternoon in time for an hour or two paddling to our first campsite. 
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
On each of these days we will have a fairly leisurely start. Each day we will paddle approximately 10 miles, spending between 4 and 6 hours on the river. On Thursday we will reach the end of our river trip and will spend the night in a lovely bunkhouse with modern facilities where we will have an end of trip celebratory meal. 
Friday
On Friday we will head north back to Bendrigg, where we hope to arrive by 4pm. All Depart by 5pm. (If you wish to leave the course at the river or be dropped off at a suitable point on the way North this could be arranged, please enquire when booking)
Camping
We will spend 3 nights camping by the river. We will use recognised campsites which have toilet and washing facilities (although some may be fairly basic). Camping will be in 2 man tents (if you come on your own you may be asked to share with another participant of the same sex – please let us know if that would be a problem for you) We have some larger tents for people with reduced mobility. We have a mess tent for eating if the weather is wet, and camp tables and chairs to make life easier. We provide comfortable sleeping mats and warm sleeping bags (if you do not have your own).

We will do most of the cooking but will ask you to help with washing up etc. Similarly if people are able to help with pitching of tents etc the trip will run smoothly. Tents etc will be transported by our bank support team each day; they will meet us at the next campsite.

Important
You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Bendrigg provide activity staff, but not carers. If you choose to come on your own you must be able to look after all your own personal needs, medication etc and be unsupervised during leisure time.

Cost £362 (inc vat)

Introduction to Canoe Camping for Adults with a Mild Disability
(Weekend Course)

This is a introductory course where we will give you a gentle introduction you to a canoe expedition. This course may not be suitable for full time wheelchair users please contact us to discuss. Our instructors will work with each individual to adapt the canoeing and camping to their abilities. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Friday
The course will begin in the late afternoon. Participants are asked to arrive between 4pm and 6pm. The first evening will be spent on introductions and issue of expedition kit. Friday night will be spent at Bendrigg. Accommodation is in shared dormitories similar to a youth hostel.

Saturday
We will leave Bendrigg on Saturday morning and travel (approx 1hour) into the Lake District. We will launch our canoes and enjoy a leisurely paddle to the campsite, stopping for a picnic lunch on the way.

Camping
We will use a recognised campsite which has toilet and washing facilities. Camping will be in 2 man tents (if you come on your own you may be asked to share with another participant of the same sex – please let us know if that would be a problem for you) We have some larger tents for people with reduced mobility. We have a mess tent for eating if the weather is wet, and camp tables and chairs to make life easier. We provide comfortable sleeping mats and warm sleeping bags (if you do not have your own).
We will do most of the cooking but will ask you to help with washing up etc. Similarly if people are able to help with pitching of tents etc the trip will run smoothly

Sunday
After a short paddle we will reach the end of our journey and return to Bendrigg for lunch.
Kit return, clean up, debrief. Depart between 2pm and 3pm.

IMPORTANT 
You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Bendrigg provide activity staff, but not carers. If you choose to come on your own you must be able to look after all your own personal needs and medication and be able to be unsupervised during leisure time.
 
Cost £227 (inc vat)

Introduction to Canoeing and Kayaking for Active Adults with a Mild Disability

This is a specialist course where we will introduce you to various aspects of open canoeing and/ or kayaking. We will be based at the main centre. This course may not be suitable for full time wheelchair users please contact us to discuss. Our instructors will work with each individual to adapt canoeing and kayaking techniques to their abilities. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Monday
The course will begin with lunch. Participants are asked to arrive between 11am and noon. The first afternoon will be based on our local lake. Participants will get the opportunity to try different types of craft to see which best suits their needs and abilities.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
On each of these days we will travel (20mins—1 hour) to various local and Lake District lakes and rivers. Venues will be dependent on the weather and water levels.

Friday
Kit return, clean up, debrief. Depart at around 11.30am.

Evenings
After dinner you are free to relax (we do not have a licence for serving alcohol but you are welcome to bring your own supplies for a small tipple in the evenings!) Each evening we will show a DVD which will generally be related to an outdoor adventure.

Domestic Routine
This course is based in our Oakwood annex.  We ask everyone to help out a little with setting tables and washing up. We will have a rota so each person will help at one or two meals during the week. You will also need to make your own packed lunch each morning. Accommodation is in shared dormitories, similar to a youth hostel. (Make your own bed!)

IMPORTANT 
You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Bendrigg provide activity staff, but not carers. If you choose to come on your own you must be able to look after all your own personal needs and medication and be able to be unsupervised during leisure time.
 
Cost £336 (inc vat)

Introduction to Rock Climbing for Active Adults with a Mild Disability

This is a specialist course where we will introduce you to various aspects of rock climbing and rope work. We will be based at the main centre. This course is not suitable for full time wheelchair users; participants should be able to walk approximately half a mile (with help and rests as required). Our instructors will work with each individual to adapt climbing techniques to their abilities. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Monday
The course will begin with lunch. Participants are asked to arrive between 11am and noon. The first afternoon will be based on site. We will use Bendrigg’s 2 climbing walls to try out various climbing and abseiling skills and refine techniques to suit each person’s abilities.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
On each of these days we will travel (20mins—1 hour) to various local and Lake District crags where we will learn and practise further rock climbing and rope work skills. All the climbing will be single pitch and top roped. This means you will always be protected by a safety rope above you and will either be able to walk down from the top or be lowered back down the route. You will learn how to use the ropes to protect each other. There will also be a chance to have a go at abseiling on a small scale to begin with and if you wish move on to something more exciting!

Friday
Kit return, clean up, debrief. Depart at around 11.30am.

Evenings
After dinner you are free to relax (we do not have a licence for serving alcohol but you are welcome to bring your own supplies for a small tipple in the evenings!) Each evening we will show a DVD for the caving and rock climbing groups which will generally be related to an outdoor adventure.

Domestic Routine
This course is based in our Oakwood annex.  We ask everyone to help out a little with setting tables and washing up. We will have a rota so each person will help at one or two meals during the week. You will also need to make your own packed lunch each morning. Accommodation is in shared dormitories, similar to a youth hostel. (Make your own bed!)

IMPORTANT 
You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Bendrigg provide activity staff, but not carers. If you choose to come on your own you must be able to look after all your own personal needs and medication and be able to be unsupervised during leisure time.

Cost £336 (inc vat)

Introduction to Caving and Potholing for Active Adults with a Mild Disability

This is a specialist course where we will introduce you to all aspects of caving and potholing. We will be based at the main centre. This course is not suitable for full time wheelchair users; participants should be able to walk approximately half a mile (with help and rests as required). Our instructors will work with each individual to adapt caving techniques to people’s abilities and disabilities. The course is fairly physical and participants will need some determination. Suitable for beginners or those with some experience.

Monday
The course will begin with lunch. Participants are asked to arrive between 11am and noon. The first afternoon will be based on site. We will use Bendrigg’s 2 artificial caves and the climbing wall to try out various caving skills and refine techniques to suit each person’s abilities.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday,
On each of these days we will travel (30 –45 mins) to the Yorkshire Dales where we will explore some of the finest caves in the area. At least one of these days will be spent in a pothole (vertical cave) and will involve some abseiling and possibly SRT (single rope technique) to climb back up.

Friday
Kit return, clean up, debrief. Depart at around 11.30am.

Evenings
After dinner you are free to relax (we do not have a licence for serving alcohol but you are welcome to bring your own supplies for a small tipple in the evenings!) Each evening we will show a DVD for the caving and rock climbing groups which will generally be related to an outdoor adventure.

Domestic Routine
This course is based in our Oakwood annex.  We ask everyone to help out a little with setting tables and washing up. We will have a rota so each person will help at one or two meals during the week. You will also need to make your own packed lunch each morning. Accommodation is in shared dormitories, similar to a youth hostel. (Make your own bed!)

IMPORTANT 
You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or carer. Bendrigg provide activity staff, but not carers. If you choose to come on your own you must be able to look after all your own personal needs and medication and be able to be unsupervised during leisure time.
 

Cost £336 (inc vat)