Residential Trip School Workshop
Welcome to Bike Hike and Paddle Ltd.Explore. Achieve. Discover the Outdoors Like Never Before.
At Bike Hike and Paddle, we believe that life's greatest lessons, most transformative moments, and truest friendships are found not in classrooms or offices-but on winding trails, rushing rivers, and remote hilltops. We are proud to be one of the UK's premier outdoor adventure providers, specialising in immersive, safe, and enriching outdoor experiences for young people and adults alike.
From mountain paths to glistening lakes, from cycle routes through rolling countryside to team-building on paddleboards, we offer unforgettable adventures rooted in personal growth, physical challenge, and environmental awareness. But at the heart of everything we do is our commitment to delivering exceptional Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) expeditions.
Whether you're a school, a youth group, or an individual seeking to complete your Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award, Bike Hike and Paddle is your trusted partner on the journey.
Our Mission: Confidence Through Adventure
Bike Hike and Paddle was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to get people outdoors and push the boundaries of what they think is possible. We empower participants to build resilience, develop leadership skills, and foster a deep appreciation for the natural world-all while having a fantastic time.
Our highly trained and passionate team brings decades of experience in outdoor education, youth engagement, and expedition leadership. Safety is our highest priority, but fun, challenge, and self-discovery are never far behind.
Current special offers for school groups
Large Group Discount
Planning a year group trip? Groups of 28+ participants receive 10% off.
Perfect for maximising value on whole-year or large cohort bookings.
valid until: August 2027
Where we travel to
We can visit your school in: East Midlands, West Midlands, London & South East, East of England, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland
What activities are available during educational visits in 2027?
Why Choose Us for DofE Expeditions?
Complete End-to-End Support: From planning and training to the final qualifying expedition, we handle it all. Schools, youth organisations, and families can rest easy knowing we provide full logistics, professional instruction, and 24/7 support.
Flexible Locations: We operate in some of the UK's most stunning landscapes-Snowdonia, the Lake District, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, and more. Custom location requests are also welcome.
Multimodal Options: True to our name, we offer walking, cycling, and paddling-based DofE expeditions. Want a Gold Award by canoe? Or cycle through the highlands for your Silver? We can make it happen.
Tailored to Participants: We understand that every group is different. That's why we adapt each expedition to suit the group's ability, experience level, and goals. Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned adventurer, we'll support and challenge you in equal measure.
Our DofE Services Include:
Practice and Qualifying Expeditions
Training Sessions (campcraft, navigation, first aid, route planning)
Complete End-to-End Support: From planning and training to the final qualifying expedition, we handle it all. Schools, youth organisations, and families can rest easy knowing we provide full logistics, professional instruction, and 24/7 support.
Flexible Locations: We operate in some of the UK's most stunning landscapes-Snowdonia, the Lake District, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, and more. Custom location requests are also welcome.
Multimodal Options: True to our name, we offer walking, cycling, and paddling-based DofE expeditions. Want a Gold Award by canoe? Or cycle through the highlands for your Silver? We can make it happen.
Tailored to Participants: We understand that every group is different. That's why we adapt each expedition to suit the group's ability, experience level, and goals. Whether you're a complete novice or a seasoned adventurer, we'll support and challenge you in equal measure.
Our DofE Services Include:
Practice and Qualifying Expeditions
Training Sessions (campcraft, navigation, first aid, route planning)
Which curriculum topics do we cater for?
Outdoor Learning Workshop
Confidence Through Outdoor Adventure - Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expeditions and Gold Residentials
At Bike, Hike & Paddle Ltd, we believe life's most transformative moments are found on winding trails, rushing rivers and remote hilltops. Backed by over 25 years of outdoor leadership experience, we deliver safe, immersive, and unforgettable Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) Expeditions and Gold Residentials designed to build resilience, leadership and lifelong teamwork.
What We Offer
1. DofE Expeditions (Bronze, Silver & Gold)
End-to-End Delivery: Comprehensive handling of all planning, route cards, 24/7 safety logistics and Accredited Assessor sign-offs.
Multimodal Options: Complete your expedition on Foot (Trekking), Bike (Cycling) or Water (Canoe).
Full Training & Support: In-depth instruction in OS map & compass navigation, stove safety, emergency first aid, campcraft and route planning.
Cross-Curricular Integration: Enhance learning with real-world Physical Geography (river features, topography) or History-themed routes (e.g., Hadrian's Wall Roman trails).
2. DofE Gold Residentials (5 Days / 4 Nights)
Shared Purposeful Activity: Multi-activity adventure and wilderness residentials bringing together Gold candidates in an engaging, supportive environment.
Personal Growth & Leadership: Fosters self-reliance, communication and dynamic problem-solving while living away from home alongside new peers.
Approved Sign-Off: Full guidance and report generation from qualified DofE assessors to fulfill Gold Residential requirements.
Key Features & Group Info
Group Size: Ideal for cohorts of 14+ participants (smaller groups catered for on request).
Bursary Scheme Available: As a community-focused organisation, we offer bursary funding to help make expeditions accessible to all young people.
Safety & Quality First: £5M Public Liability Insurance, all instructors hold 16-Hour Outdoor First Aid qualifications, full greenfield shelter facilities and tailored support for SEND groups.
Book Your DofE Adventure Today
? Phone:
? Base Location: Crosby, Cumbria, CA15 6SH
? Operating Areas: East & West Midlands, London & South East, South West, North East, North West, Yorkshire, Wales, Scotland
What size groups do we cater for?
14+ participants. We can cater for 5 or more, though the minimum charge is for 14.
On-site classroom facilities?
We utilise green field sites. We have event shelters that can be utilised in the case of poor weather. Tea & coffee is available for teachers throughout. We can facilitate time in a cafe if wifi & power are needed.
Is there first aid on site?
Yes - all instructors have completed a minimum of a 16 hour outdoor first aid course.
Groups with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND)
Behaviour & flexibility
Individual needs discussed before visitStaff support
1:1 support workers admitted freeRisk assessment available
Pre-visit familiarisation visit welcome
Pre-visit planning available
Staff experienced with SEND groups
Medical & personal care
First aid trained staffLearning & communication
Small group sessions available
We are keen to support SEN groups wherever possible. These are planned individually and most needs can be met, the challenge can be the mix in a group. So please do get in touch and we can explore options together.
Yes - this needs to be discussed on a trip by trip basis to ensure all planning is in place.
Teacher Checklist
Enhanced DBS Check
Get Risk Assessments
Inspection Visits Bursaries or Funded Places Available
AALA Licence
Duke of Edinburgh Award
£5m PL Insurance
Anything else?
Feedback from Teachers
'Dave's interaction with the pupils was nothing short of exceptional. He struck the perfect balance between being approachable and maintaining clear boundaries, earning the trust and respect of the students early on. His ability to engage with young people, keep them motivated, and foster a sense of responsibility and teamwork made a lasting impression on all of us.'
Jenny Wood - Teaching Staff
'Dave consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, combining strong organisational skills with a warm, approachable demeanor. He is incredibly attentive to the needs of both students and staff, ensuring that every aspect of the expedition is meticulously planned and executed.
What sets him apart is his dedication to fostering personal growth among students. He skillfully creates an environment that encourages individuals to develop key leadership and teamwork skills while still allowing them to explore and grow into their own identities.'
'Dave's interaction with the pupils was nothing short of exceptional. He struck the perfect balance between being approachable and maintaining clear boundaries, earning the trust and respect of the students early on. His ability to engage with young people, keep them motivated, and foster a sense of responsibility and teamwork made a lasting impression on all of us.'
Jenny Wood - Teaching Staff
'Dave consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, combining strong organisational skills with a warm, approachable demeanor. He is incredibly attentive to the needs of both students and staff, ensuring that every aspect of the expedition is meticulously planned and executed.
What sets him apart is his dedication to fostering personal growth among students. He skillfully creates an environment that encourages individuals to develop key leadership and teamwork skills while still allowing them to explore and grow into their own identities.'
Who are Bike, Hike & Paddle?
About Team Bike Hike & Paddle
Team Bike Hike & Paddle is headed up by Dave, he is a passionate adventurer with more than 25 years of experience in the outdoor industry. As the founder of Bike Hike & Paddle, he combines his expertise with his love for creating challenging adventures that foster a deep appreciation for nature. With a rich background exploring forests, climbing mountains, and paddling lakes, Dave understands the transformative power of the wilderness. Bike Hike & Paddle offers extraordinary experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, pushing participants to overcome obstacles and discover their inner strength. Dave's commitment to safety, sustainability, and creating a supportive community sets him apart as a leader and companion. His goal is to ignite a lifelong love affair with the outdoors, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or a beginner. With Dave and Bike Hike & Paddle, embark on an unparalleled journey of growth, connection, and self-discovery, and create memories to cherish forever. Get ready to lace up, hop on, grab your paddle, and embrace the wild with Team Bike Hike & Paddle by your side.
Our Bursary Scheme At Bike Hike & Paddle, our bursary scheme aims to support individuals who might not afford participation in our activities through other means. Heres how it works: Affordability Focus: Our primary goal is to assist those who face financial challenges, ensuring they can still participate within the expedition. Not Just for Profit: As a 'not just for profit' organisation, we are committed to community and inclusivity, using our resources to make a positive impact beyond commercial interests. Application Process: Participants interested in applying for a bursary need to write a letter themselves, roughly one side of A4. This letter should express their interest, explain their needs and how this bursary will help them. We are especially interested in hearing the voice of the young person and their aspirations. Limited and Discretionary: Our bursaries are limited in number, and payments are made at our discretion. We carefully consider each application to allocate resources as fairly as possible. Support Welcomed: We openly welcome donations and support to our bursary scheme, allowing us to extend our help to more individuals. This scheme reflects our dedication to making our activities accessible to a wider community, ensuring inclusivity and support for everyone. Please contact us to discuss support available.
Every enquiry gives you a chance to win trips and workshops for your school - We are giving away a free trip for every week of the Autumn term!
Crosby Cumbria CA15 6SH
Unlocking High-Impact DofE: Insights and Advice from an Expedition Provider
To help you build a smooth and truly successful school DofE programme, specialists Bike, Hike & Paddle share their key observations and hands-on recommendations directly from the field, on how schools can streamline expedition logistics.
3 mins
