Lake District Activity Centre with Jim & Pat

Our first day was to canoe on Lake Windermere. We all helped to lash the canoes together for added stability and set off on the lake. The return journey gave us a chance to set sail by using two oars and some material to act as sails. After another wholesome dinner we spent the evening in a tepee huddled around a fire, roasting marshmallows, singing & playing charades.

The next day we kitted out for caving and set off firstly to Ingleton where we walked the gorge and spent lunch at the side of Thornton Force, which is the largest fall on our walk. Some were brave enough to climb behind the falls! On to Yordas caves and making use of our wet suits and torches mounted onto our helmets, we entered the caves and explored the darkness. At one period we all turned out the lights and were left momentarily in complete darkness....spooky. There we saw the Chapter House waterfall inside the cave. The evening was spent under the instruction of Emily who showed us how to make objects out of clay.

The following day was spent at the centre where we were shown how to wall climb and then to abseil back down. The afternoon session was the thrill of the zip-wire, indoor caving where we slid down and crawled through tunnels. The evening it was off to archery where Amber was found to be a crack shot.

A sightseeing day was in store for our next day and we were taken to Ambleside and set foot into Rydal Hall which is set in beautiful gardens and woodland. Then it was off to Grassmere where we just had to stop at the famous gingerbread shop and enjoy the famous product. The evening was spent in a local pub where we had fun playing pool before heading for home via Devils Bridge.

Another bright day was on the cards as we watched a local farmer and his sheep dog round up his sheep. On with our wet suits and wellies and off to Killington Reservoir where we paddled our canoes across the lake, tied up and walked across the field and into a tunnel. After lunch we had another go at archery and fired at targets with balloons attached. Then it was the challenge of the rope bridge and then messing about in the rope hammock. We also put on a parachute harness and were hoisted up and swung gently high above the ground. A nice period after all the amusement was to spend some time relaxing in the sensory room listening to music.

On our last day we were all presented with certificates showing that we had participated in a wonderful experience as both individuals and more importantly within teams as we helped each other in our pursuits.