New Experiences....A Dartmoor Adventure!

Not only do a large number of our staff team teach outdoor activities, but it’s something many are passionate about. The team try to get out as often as possible, especially with our apprentices as it really helps with their training, to immerse themselves in the outdoors, build individual and team interpersonal skills, enjoy some of our local beauty hotspots and remind themselves of the challenges guests face as they enter new and just as challenging environments.

Our latest adventure was a Climbing trip to Dartmoor...

With the kit stacked in the minibus and everyone ready to go, a team of 9 hit the road to make the 4 hour journey to Princetown, heading to a pre-booked bunkhouse called Fox Tor Cafe, the perfect venue for getting out and about. Mainly drawn to it because of its underfloor heating in the bathroom, which as strange as that sounds, for anyone who has spent the day out on the moors or climbing, and has come back with cold feet - there is no warmer feeling than stepping on to toasty flagstones.

Saturday morning dawned and it was clear, although being shone on by a winter sun, there was still a chill in the wind. A production line was put in place to create a mountain of sandwiches and checks made on the walking and climbing kit intended to use that day. Everyone headed out of the door to the parked minibus, only to discover that one of the tyres was as flat as a pancake! 

Not deterred the team went out for a walk until it was fixed and after lunch headed out to a Hound Tor, a few miles away. It was bitterly cold and ferociously windy when the team arrived, but as hardy outdoor people, they wrapped up and headed on. Led by our chief instructor, the team enjoyed a climbing session and luckily the tor was sheltered from most of the wind.

For some of our new apprentices this was their first outdoor climbing experience, and with only a handful of hours until dark, time was well used. It is breaks like this that they really have to take advantage of, as it provides new opportunities to experience, learn and develop - 3 words that brilliantly summarise what we do for young people at Avon Tyrrell. In between climbs there was opportunity to explore the natural surroundings, play with the dog and of course take photos to share with our followers on Facebook! 

After a social evening, the more ‘mature’ ones went to bed, while the ‘young’ ones did whatever it is that young people do when away on an adventure trip with their friends. Unsurprisingly, Sunday morning resulted in a few more slow risers, but yet again they kitted up and headed out, and this time the minibus was OK (Phew!)

They went to Hay Tor - far more popular with the Sunday walkers, and as the weather was actually clear, warm and bright people were out in their masses, often stopping to chat or ask questions about the climbing taking place. Being on top of the tor (as you might expect) made some fantastic photo opportunities! 

By late afternoon, the light was fading and the team were ready for the journey home. Everyone was pleased with the day’s achievements and the new experience they had enjoyed and shared.

Including minibus travel, bunk house accommodation and food, the cost of the weekend was just £45 per person. We hope it has opened the apprentices eyes to some of the opportunities that are out there, and that others realise just what is on our doorstep and how accessible this is. It doesn’t have to be something as technical as climbing, or even the beautiful but rugged terrain of Dartmoor, it can be something near you – a shared experience with friends or colleagues getting back to nature and enjoying the great outdoors – there are so many ways in which you can get out and experience something brilliant on a relatively small budget. 

What's so great is the team are already thinking about their next trip - Perhaps they’ll go paddling, or biking, or maybe up some mountains...

To find out more about becoming an Avon Tyrrell team member, or joining the apprenticeship programme please contact us.

‘Make the Most of Your Environment. Get Back to Nature and Get Camping’

Modern camping as a recreational activity has been around for over 100 years, ever growing in popularity with around 1.2 million people in the UK alone camping each year.

Over recent years we have seen camping numbers increase, in part as a result of the financial crisis, but as we move to a more financially secure time for many at least, large numbers of people are still getting out and developing a passion for nature, exploring the delights of their local area and camping all across the UK. 

How did it all start - A brief history of camping:

Thomas Hiram Holding was once of the first to go the distance, travelling around 1200 miles across America on the first Camping experience. 

In 1908 he wrote a book about the experience and everything he had learned so that people today had a better experience. His book ‘Cycle and Camp in Connemara’ led to the formation of the Camping and Caravanning Club still going today. 

With past heads being Captain Robert Falcon-Scott  who later became known as 'Scott of the Antarctic,' Sir Robert Baden-Powell who went on to form the scouting movement and Dr David Bellamy OBE the famous Naturalist it is notable to see that without the discovery of Camping, the development of outdoor adventure may not be where it is today. 

So how can you get the most out of camping?

What you take when you go camping will depend on if you are staying in a campsite or camping in the wild. Either way it always best to be prepared, so we have put together a list for you to ensure you have the best experience.

First things first, following the scout motto ‘Be Prepared’…Write a kit list….

• Number 1 item – A tent
• Have a good sleeping bag
• Roll mat or Inflatable bed
• Camp chairs if you aren’t comfortable sitting cross legged on the ground
• Flip flops – A good idea for the showers
• A utility knife, can & bottle opener
• A cooking stove, with an extra gas canister and cooking utensils (including pots/pans)
• A first aid kit (plasters, bandages, safety pins, mosquito cream/repellant, aspirin, hand sanitizer.)
• Waterproof your bag (line it with something waterproof to protect the contents.)
• If you are staying in campsite…Book one & check it has the facilities you want
• Spare toilet paper – campsites do run out.
• If it’s Summer or really hot…Sun block, a hat & sunglasses.
• Bring tick removers - If you are in the forest it is a possibility you could get them
• A head torch (finding somewhere to go to the bathroom in the night is hard enough without tripping over your tent pegs as well.)
• Entertainment (Games, cards, books, sports equipment) – It is unlikely you will have Wi-Fi so ‘be prepared’

Camping Safely

• Don’t cook in your tent – it may sound obvious but don’t be tempted even if it gets cold outside.
• Don’t leave any disposable BBQ’s in the tent/caravan whilst they burn out – this can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Don’t smoke or light candles in or near your tent – make sure any cigarettes are properly put out.
• Always camp in a campsite unless you have authorized permission to camp – especially in the New Forest as there are wild animals and it may be unsafe. 
• Keep your tent well away from any campfires – they do sometimes spit out and it may cause your tent to catch fire. 

Research has shown that camping is also great for kids - They learn to slow down, move away from electronic devices and appreciate their environment. They gain skills around self-sufficiency and according to Prof Wright it might even help their body clocks reset?

What do you think? 

Based on your experience do children sleep better under canvas?

Has your child developed a love for the outdoors as a result of your last camping trip ?

Not been camping yet and keen to give it a try - come visit us or find a campsite near you.