Easter Ireland - Tollymore

 We left the Isle of Man behind us, taking the short flight to Belfast City.

 Jonny and Keith picked us up in the centre minibuses, and we headed straight to Northern Ireland's National Outdoor Centre - Tollymore.

 With the whole group taking to the on-site mountain biking course, which winds its way around the centre, beginning with the basics

with increasing challenge for those who wish...

 Paddling from Newcastle (15 mins from Tollymore) in the afternoon.

 a range of ability within this Adventure Club exclusive trip, and plenty of fun!

 We all headed into the Mourne Mountains the following day, some to explore a circular ridge walk, and the other group to hike in to 'Lower Cove', an area of stunning rock climbing, with beautiful routes.

 Every evening we returned to Tollymore for a magnificent feast, conjured by by the in-house kitchen team, every morning we set off having eaten a hearty full cooked breakfast : ) 

 A river journey was selected for Easter Sunday (after the Easter Egg Hunt).

 some interesting bits of white-water, and well as plenty of stretches to try out some of skills Keith had been coaching, over on the Isle of Man in November.

 The paddling teams did very well, and we witnessed some impressive feats by Jan in her single canoe!

 Katia and Alice paddled my boat so I could catch some footage : )

 The last morning was open selection, so we headed out with the camera to catch some pranks on the bikes, with the other group completing the Tollymore Forest Orienteering route...

It was amazing to be back at the luxury centre and immensely helpful and talented staff.

Looking forward to our next trip.

 Happy Easter and all the best

Keirron

the sun rises in April

As we head at full bore into Easter, its a hive of activity outdoors.

 

Sea Kayak Trips, Youth Scholarship training sessions, excellent water clarity and plenty of wildlife...

 and just messing about with paddles... : )

Catch you on the water soon
K

bespoke school break

 With only 5 days to share some of our favourite locations and adventures on the Isle of Man, with the visiting school group, we designed a bespoke program of a flexible nature, to allow for varying weather conditions...

my favourite part of the trip was;

"kayaking backwards"

"we were coasteering and a massive wave nearly washed me out to sea"

"coasteering, when I fell in the water"

"playing pirates at the park and coasteering"

"we sat in the hut circle and drank hot ribena"

"when I kept rolling down the hill"

"just coming here was really fun"

 Hi Keirron, many thanks for a fantastic week and please pass on my thanks to George, Sam and Kim. Already looking forward to next year, cheers Mark Anderton

Things we've learnt whilst on the trip;

"always be prepared for a really long walk"

""I can't say 'I can't do it' before i've tried it"

"the things on the end of my legs are called feet"

"independence"

"that the Isle of Man is good"

Branwood Class of 2012