Crosby Cumbria CA15 6SH
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
Early Booking Price Freeze
Book your trip and pay your deposit by 30 June 2026 to lock in 2025/2026 prices for the 2026/2027 season.
Protect your budget from rising costs and secure the best value today.
valid until: June 2026
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: September 2026
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments Bursaries or Funded Places Available Duke of Edinburgh Award £5m PL Insurance
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 2026?
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?
DofE Workshop
Approved Activity Provider offering Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions across the UK. Combining hiking, cycling and paddling, they deliver fully supported practice and qualifying journeys, with training, equipment, logistics, and 24/7 safety cover. Flexible programmes for schools, youth groups, and individuals, designed to build skills, confidence, and resilience in stunning outdoor settings.
Romans Workshop
The Roman Conquest and Hadrians Wall
Explore the Romans & Hadrian's Wall on Your DofE Expedition
Step back in time as you walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers on your Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition along the iconic Hadrian's Wall. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and stunning landscapes-perfect for a truly memorable Bronze, Silver, or Gold journey.
As you hike the ancient frontier of the Roman Empire, you'll pass crumbling forts, milecastles, and museums that bring Roman Britain to life. Learn about the engineering marvels of the wall, the daily lives of soldiers who patrolled it, and the powerful symbolism it held as the northernmost edge of Rome's reach.
Teamwork, navigation, and resilience come to life as your group tackles open moorlands, rolling hills, and dramatic escarpments. Whether you're camping under the stars or taking in views across the rugged Northumbrian countryside, every step offers both a challenge and a chance to connect with the past.
A Hadrian's Wall DofE expedition isn't just about ticking boxes-it's about discovering history in the wild, building lifelong skills, and making unforgettable memories along one of the UK's most famous trails.
History, adventure, and teamwork-unite your expedition with a journey through time.
Physical Geography
Rivers Map and atlas Mountains Weather
Explore Physical Geography on Your DofE Expedition
A Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition is the perfect opportunity to explore physical geography in a real, hands-on way. Far from the classroom, you'll experience the natural world up close-reading the landscape, observing geological features, and understanding how natural forces shape the environment around you.
Whether you're trekking across upland moors, through glacial valleys, or along dramatic coastlines, your route will take you through a variety of physical landscapes. Along the way, you'll encounter rivers, rock formations, soil types, and ecosystems that reflect thousands of years of geological and environmental change.
You'll also develop practical geographic skills-using maps and compasses to navigate terrain, reading contour lines to understand elevation, and recognising features like watersheds, ridgelines, and land use patterns.
Not only does this deepen your understanding of physical geography, but it also helps build observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills-key parts of both expedition success and academic learning.
Combining adventure with education, a DofE expedition lets you live the subject of geography-making it more meaningful, memorable, and relevant.
Turn the landscape into your classroom and discover the power of physical geography in action.
Team Building Workshop
Team building is a key part of any Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition. From planning routes to setting up camp, participants must work together to overcome challenges and reach shared goals. Communication, cooperation, and mutual support are essential-whether it's navigating tricky terrain, dividing up group tasks, or encouraging each other through tough moments.
The expedition helps individuals learn to trust one another, listen actively, and respect different strengths and personalities. As the journey progresses, teams naturally develop stronger bonds, greater resilience, and better problem-solving skills. These experiences not only lead to a successful expedition but also build confidence and friendships that last well beyond the award.
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.
Access for visitors with disabilities
Yes - this needs to be discussed on a trip by trip basis to ensure all planning is in place.
Visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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.
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.
Teacher Checklist
Get Risk Assessments Bursaries or Funded Places Available Duke of Edinburgh Award £5m PL Insurance
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