BCU 2 * Paddle-sport Course on the Exeter Canal

Today I have been out on the Exeter Canal with some of the Staff from Plymouth College who were working towards their BCU 2* Paddle-sport certificate. The 2* is a pre-requisite for the Level 1 coach award which they need to assist with this years activities week.

We looked at all aspects of the syllabus in both open canoe and kayak. The guys did really well dealing with the stiff breeze and occasional strong gusts of wind. As you can see from the photos yesterdays rain had pushed the water levels up so much that even the canal was a foot higher than usual with excess water from the River Exe.

With another session planned for next thursday the guys should comfortably get through the award ready for their foundation safety and rescue course the following weekend.

Biking with Bridgwater College

Out and about on the Quantocks today Mountain Biking with group of foundation degree students from Bridgwater College. We met at Crowcombe Park Gate, sorted equipment, carried out safe cycle checks and headed off.

All of the students did really well given the weather conditions! The morning session took in a ride along the ridge toward Triscombe Stone, down into Ramscombe and back up to Crowcombe Park Gate. As you can see from the photos we did have some beautiful sunny spells but the shear amount of surface water from the previous nights rainfall meant everyone still got a good soaking!

After a stop for lunch we headed out along the ridge toward Staple Plain, This end of the Quantocks is a lot more exposed to the elements. This the students quickly realised due to the thick band of heavy rain that had moved in during the lunch break bringing with it some strong winds, perfect for pulling all your body heat from you when wet. The bottom picture shows the amount of surface water, the trails were more like tributaries!!

With the kit all packed away in the trailer it was time to wash the bikes before getting into dry clothes to warm up. Even the Royal Marines out training in the area didn't look impressed with the weather so hat's off to the students for keeping their spirits up!

Next Wednesday the students have to plan a route for themselves and work together to complete it while being self sufficient. Should be fun!!!

More Walking on Exmoor

Today I have been back out on Exmoor with more of the BTEC Level 3 Public Services students from Bridgwater College.

We split the students into two small groups and sent them off on different routes. I tailed one of the two groups for half of their route to get a few miles in and make sure they were ok. Andy check pointed the others in the mini-bus.

At the half way point I joined Andy once I was happy my group had the sufficient skills to navigate the rest of the route. Both groups made good time over their required distances battling miserable weather and a stif head wind along the top towards North Hill.

I decided not to take any pictures today due to the poor weather.

Canoeing for a Hen Party

Back in Taunton today and out on the River Tone for a spot of Open Canoeing. 11 ladies who are staying at Somerset Yurts booked the session through my company Discover Moor for a hen party. The group were looking for a sedate activity on the saturday afternoon before going out and enjoying the Taunton nightlife.
We got on the river near Firepool Lock and paddled upstream and against the stiff breeze to French Weir. Here we played a couple of games before heading back to Firepool and the get out point. After a couple of hours the ladies had had a great time but were getting a little chilly so we opted to cut the session a bit short based on a group decision.



Discover Moor can offer one off activities or bespoke packages for your group, for more info take a look at www.discovermoor.co.uk or send an e-mail to info@discovermoor.co.uk.

Bronze D of E Practice

I have been back down in South Devon working for Plymouth College again for the last two days. Yesterday was a busy day in the office catching up on many things after the easter break.
Today I have been out in South Hams in the Start Point area check pointing groups taking part in a practice expedition for their Bronze D of E award. All of the groups did really well covering their routes in roughly the time they had allocated. The weather struggled to make up it's mind with heavy showers coming and going leaving behind sunny spells and many rainbows. A little help pitching tents was needed by some groups but overall I was really impressed with their skill level and attitude.

Bike Maintenance and basic bike handling skills

Back out working with Bridgwater College today but with the Foundation degree students.
We spent the day at Cannington Activity Centre. The morning was spent with some time in the classroom looking at some theory behind mountain biking and an introduction to bike maintennance and safe cycle checks.
The afternoon sessions were made up of some basic bike skills and a further maintenance session looking at all the repairs that can be done out on the trail.
This was my first of four sessions with these students, a really nice group that I'm sure will enjoy the next three sessions out on the trails of the Quantock Hills.

Walking the Exmoor Coast

Today I have been out working with a group of btec level 3 students from Bridgwater College. We took the students to Whitstone post o Exmoor as the start point for a walk to the tank grounds on North hill just outside Minehead.
The students were set various navigation challenges along the route and had to complete the distance within a set time.
An interesting day with varying types of weather to test the students.

Raft Building on the River Tone

Today I have been out on the River Tone in Taunton delivering a Raft Building session for a family group. Most of the group travelled down from Sheffield to attend a 65th birthday party. As well as this activity they enjoyed a stay at Mill Meadow in Kingston St Mary.

The Activity was a surprise for the birthday boy and was organised by his daughter Anna.

The session consisted of splitting the group into two equal (ish) teams, building a raft and taking part in a challenge.

The groups were given 4 Barrels, 4 Long poles, 3 Short poles and a box of ropes to construct there vessel. After 45 minutes both teams had finished their build and took to the water once buoyancy aids and helmets had been fitted.

Their challenge: To race 200m up stream to collect a bucket full of water and transport it back to the start line spilling as little as possible. The team to complete the required distance spilling as little water as possible were declared the winners. Unfortunately on this occasion it wasn't the to be for the birthday boy!!  This was made more challenging by the stiff breeze.

Overall it was a really successful session and enjoyed by all who took part (and spectated).



For more details on booking an activity for your party please contact me on: info@discovermoor.co.uk

A Few days off in the Peak District

Over the last few days I have been making some use of a few days off to go somewhere new. I chose to head up to the Peak District, The UK's first National Park which sits on the border of Cheshire and Derbyshire.

The first day I decided to go for a short walk along the ridge from Mam Tor to Lose Hill via Holling's cross and returned through Castleton and the stunning Winnats Pass. By the time I got back to the van the weather had improved so I decided to head across to Stanage Edge for a little look. It's easy to see why this place is so famous amongst the climbing community, 6 miles from the centre of Sheffield lies at least two miles of single pitch gritstone. I'll definitely be back with my climbing gear in the near future.

On day two I headed for Edale. I made my way up to the trig point at Kinder Low on the Kinder Scout Plateaux via Jacob's ladder and Edale Rocks. I made a decision not to go to the summit which is only 3 metres higher as it is some 500 metres further across the plateaux but would've taken an hour to negotiate all the peat trenches which were extremely boggy due to the previous few days weather.
From Kinder Low I headed south along the ridge to Brown Knoll and then the saddle above Dalehead before descending down chapel gate track to Barber Booth and back to the van.

Friday was spent in Manchester  seeing friends before picking my folks up from Manchester Airport early saturday morning to be back in Taunton by 12.00pm to run a raft building session.

I will go back to the Peak District in the near future armed with both my climbing kit and the mountain bike.

Archery at The Wyvern

This afternoon I have been delivering a taster session in Archery with the help of Louise. The clients, Colin and Jo wanted a sedate activity to do with their families after their wedding. The couple got married at Hestercombe Gardens and all the family stayed at Mill Meadow.
In all 20 people took part and enjoyed learning a new skill and finishing with a little healthy competition!! The youngest person today was 12 and the eldest 86, it's always good to have three generations taking part together.
We managed to get the session in before the rain started and all had a great time.

Quantocks Mountain Biking

After completing my paperwork this morning I made use of the afternoon by getting out on the bike with Kev. We met at Lydeard Hill and took on some of the manmade trails in the woods before heading out onto the moorland for some natural singletrack. A good ride of 12 or so miles.

Coasteering at Anstey's Cove

It was great to make use of the fantastic weather today by taking a trip to Anstey's Cove near Torquay for some coasteering. I took Dave Jackson along from Active Adventure South West who hasn't been to this venue for a few years. I spent a lot of time showing Dave all the safe jump spots, the sumps and caves and looking at exit routes from the venue.
Anstey's cove is a fantastic venue for groups of all abilities. Whether you want the exhilaration of the high jumps, the interesting moves on the sea level traverse, explore the caves or get up close and personal with the coastline this venue has it all.
If you fancy taking part in a coasteering session or for a group booking then please get in touch, info@discovermoor.co.uk.