David Matthews
Professional Mountain Leader

Special Activities

Residential Courses

Groups of students, friends, families and corporate groups can be accommodated at Smelt Mill, a very high quality residential centre located in the centre of the Forest of Bowland, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  The facility is a row of traditional stone cottages which have been tastefully converted into a fully equipped outdoor centre, and owned by the Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team.

Smelt Mill must not be confused with a bunkhouse nor hostel, it is well appointed with comfortable beds, fully carpeted, centrally heated and double glazed.

Short Breaks in Bowland - Click here

The courses are fully catered with all meals included and all the hot water you might need for showers etc.  There are no additional costs whatsoever.  You have the added satisfaction of knowing that by using Smelt Mill you are making a valued financial contribution of the Mountain Rescue Team.

This base is ideal for groups wishing to explore the fells, with the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales a short drive away, or simply walk from the front door right into the idyllic Bowland Fells.  Whatever you do, be assured that each day you return from your activities to well prepared meals in a comfortable, warm base, situated in lovely countryside.

A full programme of activity can be planned to meet your own specific requirements, simply discuss it for a quote.  The centre is in very heavy demand, so it is necessary to book well in advance, especially for weekend use.

Corporate Groups

The centre is an ideal base for providing 'team building' and 'team development' events, having all the equipment that might be needed for a huge range of planned activities covering team cohesion, planning, communication, etc.  Much of the important benefit of corporate events occurs in the evenings around a huge inglenook fireplace with real logs burning, and when delegates relax with each other.

Educational Groups

For school, college and amateur groups the centre is ideally located in the middle of 250 square miles of fell country, and is a perfect location for groups wishing to undertake study involving the natural environment. The magnificent geology and land form opportunities are right on the doorstep with many of Britain's most unique features close by.

The centre is equipped with teaching aids including OHP, digital projector, photocopying and PC.

Map and Compass Navigation

Never get lost again!  Learn to use a map and compass competently to navigate around the mountains and fells.  The centre is regularly used for providing navigation courses to a range of different groups.  Why not get a group of walking friends together and arrange a three day navigation course? 

For details of residential Navigation Courses - click here.

Short Breaks in Bowland - Click here

 

Ladies Only Navigation Courses

There has been a significant growth in the number of women participating in mountain activities in recent years, but there is a trend for them to sit back and let the men do the map and compass work.  This is probably because the men won't let go of the map and compass (rather like the TV remote control).  Experience has shown that lady walkers are keen to learn the skills involved, but sometimes feel intimidated in mixed groups. 

Rock Climbing

In a short course of three days an absolute beginner can learn the basics of rock climbing, abseiling, belaying and ropework, so that by the end of the course you are following climbing routes and belaying your partner with some confidence.  Groups are led and supervised with no more than 4 people to one supervisor.  All equipment can be provided except rock boots, which are not essential for the novice being introduced to the sport.

Children can only be accepted if they are accompanied by adults who are responsible for them (parent, teacher or guardian), and provided they are big enough to wear a climbing harness and helmet.

Be aware that the unpredictable British weather can make it inadvisable to climb on rocks.  In which case alternative activity would be provided, either by visiting an indoor climbing wall, or by activities such as hill walking or gorge scrambling for example.

Also visit the companion website at - www.mountain-leader.com