corporate | team building | staff trips | work days out| Geology Rocks Adventure

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

Meeting at 07:00 at Carrick little top car park, we'll do a quick kit check before heading up the track. We have 9 peaks on this 7 -7s trek ( sounds weird given the name, but we have to cross 2 smaller peaks to get to some of the 7!), and it'll take us 11 to 13 hours to complete.

This is a very challenging event, covering lots of different terrain and with lots and lots of up and downs! Not to be underestimated, but an absolutely mega day in the hills that you'll remember always. Give it go this year and take on the 7-7s hike!

Our team of experienced moutnain leaders will guide you safely and push you to achieve your goals in a friendly and relaxed way. We know how to get the best of people all the while having a class day that you'll never forget.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting us bright and breezy at 04:00 in Newcastle, 04:45 in Newry, or anywhere in between en route, we'll bus you down to Cronin's Yard county Kerry to the start of the most breathtaking hike in Ireland!

We'll arrive at approximately 09:30 having stopped midway for a toilet break and food fuel, and start the hike up the main trail which is relatively flat for the first 4 km. As we approach the mountain, we begin to see how rugged and awe inspiring this place is, with lakes all over the place, and the most toblerone shaped peaks in Ireland looming over you. Totally class! From here, we head up the omniously name "Devil's ladder", which is a steep but managable hands on hike that takes us to the saddle before the summit climb. Up the scree path from the saddle to the summit is much easier, and if the weather gods are kind to us, you'll be blessed with the best view in Ireland ,with the Dingle pennisula, the Kerry lakes and the rest of the reeks range all in view.

After enjoying the summit, we'll return to cronins yard, victorious and tired, then zoom back up the road in time to show off your videos and snaps to your family with a cuppa / beer before bed.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting at Carrick Little Top car park for 07:00, we'll do a quick kit check followed by a brief ofthe day. After this, its straight to work, as we have a big day ahead of us. Following the Mourne wall for 22 miles / 33 kms, we'll cross 14 peaks as well as every type of ground you can encounter in the Mournes. Bogs, heathland, rivers, gravel tracks, roads, more bogs, we have it all! But mostly it's decent underfoot, and the views of peaks and valleys, crags and streams around every corner will make this challenging day so so worth the effort.

After plenty of highs and lows (literally as well as figureatively), we'll finish our hike about 11 to 13 hours after we started, and you'll have gone into the Mournes history books as one of the few to have completed this very challenging day out!

Our team of experienced moutnain leaders will guide you safely and push you to achieve your goals in a friendly and relaxed way. We know how to get the best of people all the while having a class day that you'll never forget.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

We start the activity off by taking a short hike into the forest, followed by a quick set up of base camp, and letting people know where the boundaries are. After a quick brief on the main elements of survival (heat, water, food, shelter and an escape plan), we layout our fun scenario for the young people. The scenario for the session involves a Special Forces unit (your young party goers) who's plane has crashed behind enemy lines. They have to survive the session time by evading the enemy soldiers (our instructors) until their back up comes to rescue them - thats the parents at the end of the session! The session involves:

Building a shelter to protect you against the elements
Sourcing food that may be scattered around the area
Finding ways to create some heat (supervised of course)
Cooking their food on the campfire!
Evading the enemy soldier who will issue punishments if caught (10 star jumps or press ups every time we catch them standing up while we patrol!)

This session is absolutely great craic, and although it's usually for kids aged 8 and upwards, we regularly run this activity for adults too - with some additional challenges added for the big kids!

- Fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders bushcraft guides to keep your young people safe in the hills

- Special Forces Survival scenario

- Provisions for fire lighting

- Food for outdoor cooking (CHOOSE ONE OF THE LIST AT BOOKING - bread sticks, soda bread, fish to gut, baked potatoes)

- Marshmallows for the fire

- Assistance with the shelter building and instruction on how light safe campfires

- Digital pictures and videos of your day so you can remember it forever

Although this session can run in almost any weather, as the forests are quite sheltered from heavy rain adn strong winds, there may be a time where it is unsafe to run the activity on the planned day.

We constantly monitor the weather, particularly in the week running up to your event. If we see any indication that the rconditions will be unsafe in the days before your event, we will contact you to keep you up to date.

IF YOU DON'T HEAR FROM US, ALL IS WELL AND WE WILL MEET YOU AT THE LOCATION DISCUSSED AT THE ARRANGED TIME

PLEASE NOTE: We very rarely have to postpone a session, but if we do have to we will first offer you another date, and if this doesn't suit then offer a credit note or a refund.

Hike

Starting at the beautiful Carrick Cottage Cafe, you set off gently up the trail head for approximately 5km, guided by local Mountain Leader and Earth Scientist, James, who passes on amazing geological and historical knowledge of the Mournes area. After a relaxing hike surrounded by the biggest peaks in Northern Ireland, you have a short, steep hike that leads to the base of the 50 metre cliff where you spend the rest of the day.

Cave

After a short re-fuelling break, you put on your helmet and harness, listen to a safety brief and then get ready to go to the cliff top the interesting way - by squeezing through a narrow constriction in the side of the mountain and then wriggling up through it to the summit - AMAZING!

The cave element is about 10 metres horizontally and then another 10 metres or so vertically, and although our team will guide you safely through it, this section is totally optional and can be avoided if it's not your thing.

Abseil

Once on the cliff top, you once again take in the stunning views over the Mourne Mountains, looking to Slieve Donard (Northern Ireland's highest peak), Binnian, Lamagan and the Annalong Valley southwards. Next, you get strapped in to two safety ropes and after a short safety brief start your descent back to the base which is over 150 feet (50 metres) from top to bottom! You're in the driver's seat, totally controlling your descent, but don't worry, our qualified Rock Climbing Instructors will keep you safe on a safety rope that they are in charge of at all times. It's the best way to get back to the ground - what a buzz!

Climb

After this big thrill, you spend a bit of time focussing your mind and body in a state of "active meditation", by learning some rock climbing skills as you scale back up the cliff you just came down. Your focus is 100% on the task at hand and everything else simply goes away for the time that you’re on the rock. Simultaneously an adrenaline filled and relaxing experience, this unique activity has to be tried to be understood. After an awe inspiring day in the mountains, you walk back out to Carrick Cottage, where there are local traybakes, coffees and tea made by local cafe owner Rachel, whose family have lived in the area for generations.

An experience day not to be missed!

- Fully qualified and experienced Rock Climbing Instructors & Mountain Leaders to guide you

- Comfortable climbing harness

- Climbing Helmet

- Climbing Shoes - most centres make you climb in trainers which really makes it hard!

- All other technical equipment

- Routes selected specifically for your abilities

- Digital pictures and videos of your day so you can remember it forever

- A great day out in the hills with lots of stunning views and interesting things to learn!

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A digital wrist watch or stopwatch - to measure timing

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting in the morning at Donard Car Park, we first of all collect registration forms and ensure everyone has all the kit they need for the day. If you need the loo, this is also the best time to go, there are public facilities in the car park and also in the nearby O'hares Bar - just as long as there's no pints just yet!

On The Hill

After, we set off steeply up the hill, passing through Donard Forest in a beautiful beech and oak wood, with multiple waterfalls and pools from the Glen river flowing along the way.

After 30 minutes or so, the forest clears and the mountains open up in front of us, the steep scree fields on the side of Slieve Commedagh to the right and the imposing cliffs of Eagle Rocks on the slopes of Slieve Donard to the left.

We walk on a firm surfaced mountain track, passing the 19th century ice house which takes us up to the base of granite steps, eventually leading onto the col between Donard and Commedagh before the steep ascent on looser gravel to the 850m summit - the roof of Northern Ireland!

From the top, you can see views towards Belfast, Dublin and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The mjaestic Mourne Wall passes over the summit, and the huge summit cairn also rests here, the perfect place for a few snaps for social media.

After returning to the col of Donard, we take a quick jaunt up to the summit of Commedagh, the Mourne's second highest peak!

After this, the descent is simply a reversal of the ascent, finishing at the car park where we now can have those well deserved pints before heading home.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting at the end of Sandy Brae, Attical - make sure you park in a sensible place to not block the farmer's access - we'll do a kit check before heading off up the mountain track, on easy angle gravel paths.

The path soon begins to steepen towards the Eagle / Slievemoughanmore Col, where we walk underneath the most impressive cliff faces in the entire Mourne range - the Great Gully.

After a break, we head steeply up the hill, before reaching the twin summit of Eagle and Shanlieve. From here, views are simply spectacular, overlooking Carlingford Lough to the south and the entire Mourne range to the North.

Our descent takes us off the shoulder right atop the Great Gully, for more amazing views before reaching the cars and heading home, tired but happy

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A digital wrist watch or stopwatch - to measure timing

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

The Geology Tour

Starting at the beautiful Carrick Cottage you set off up the trail for approximately 5km before reaching Lower Cove, guided by local Earth Scientist, Mountain Leader and Rock Climbing Instructor James. You learn about the amazing geology and history of the area, learning how to ID the rocks at your feet, and also see a selection of rock found in other parts of the Mournes, helping to build a picture of how this stunning place came to be over the past 440 million years. Along the way, you also hear stories of the great Mourne Wall, where Geology and Engineering met to create a 22 mile long masterpiece.

The Twist

Once we arrive at the base of Cove mountain and after a refuelling stop, you now get a different kind of “hands on” Geology, by exploring the huge cave that meanders through the mountain. Under safe guidance from our experienced team, you go INSIDE the huge monolith of Granite, before popping out on the summit, 50 metres above where you started! After exploring the rocks inside the hill, you then strap in to safety gear for an optional 150 foot abseil back to the ground – AMAZING!

This unique and exciting chance to explore the Geology of the Mournes is not to be missed, so grab friend and sign up while you can!

- Fully qualified and experienced Rock Climbing Instructors & Mountain Leaders to guide you

- Comfortable climbing harness

- Climbing Helmet

- Climbing Shoes - most centres make you climb in trainers which really makes it hard!

- All other technical equipment

- Routes selected specifically for your abilities

- Digital pictures and videos of your day so you can remember it forever

- A great day out in the hills with lots of stunning views and interesting things to learn!

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A digital wrist watch or stopwatch - to measure timing

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

After meeting at the Dunnywater Gates, Annalong, and after the usual brief and kit check, we'll head on up the track and start out on a lesser walked yet beautiful walk in the hills.

Beginning in a mystical mossy forest, then quickly heading out over the short yet imposing hill of Round Seefin, you are all of sudden in the centre of the hills, walking along the Mourne Wall all the way up Long Seefin until we cut out west and up the domed summit of Rocky (one of three in the Mournes with this name!).

On top of this rugged peak, we'll be overlooking the Annalong Valley below us, with Donard, Commedagh, Lamagan and Binnian all surrounding us. Absolutely a fantastic hike, a must do on a Mournes bucket list.

After summiting, we'll drop down along the river and pass the great cliff faces carved out of the old quarry site at Hare's Castle, before heading back through the forest to the Dunnywater Gates.

The whole trip out should take around 3 - 5 hours including breaks, and is suitable for anyone with a determined mindset and moderate level of fitness.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

The Venue

Arrive at Cranfield, park up and come down to meet us on the wide expansive, sandy Blue Flag beach, with the beaufitul Haulbowline light house in the background.

Getting Started

After checking the place out and meeting your new paddle board pals for the evening, we'll give you a top quality wetsuit to change into as well as a changing robe if you don't have your own with you. We'll also take registration forms off you at this stage and hand out the obligatory glow sticks to attach to your head, face, neck and anywhere else you fancy!

After all that, we get straight to your paddle session, giving you a top end board and after a quick safety brief head straight out onto the sheltered waters of Cranfield bay.

During The Session

On the water, we'll guide you along the sandy coastline towards the world famous light house wwhich sits a 1km off shore. Don't worry though, we don't go that far out, but we'll get close enough to see it lit up by the moon's reflection on the water.

In regards to getting in the water or not, people can opt to stay dry and chill, or if you have plety of energy to expend after sitting at work all day we can offer plenty of fun challenges and games for you to take part in - the choice is yours!

Nature & Wildlife To See

Under clear skies and favourable tides, we may spot some of the 20+ COmmon Seals that fish in the area off Cranfield, having come here from their nearby home at Greencastle. You will likely also HEAR but maybe not see Arctic Terns, Oyster Catchers and Black Headed Gulls

Off The Water

Once back on shore, you'll be greeted by a blazing camp fire to warm you up after you get changed out of your wet gear. Gather round the fire and grab a few complimentary teas /coffees and traybakes, and unwind and chat with us and your new found paddle buddies. Sit on the sand, take it all in and just CHILL.

We'll be in no hurry to head home so stay and have the craic as long as you like, we'll likely have some music playing, or we can just have the soundtrack of the waves and ind playing if you like, your call

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

Meet and Greet

We'll start your day by meeting at a pre-arranged Mournes destination - usually we'll call or text you the day before with the most up to date weather forecast details in mind - and gather in registration forms as well as a quick kit check. At this starting point we'll also discuss our aims for the day, so that we can deliver a personalised experience you'll remember forever.

NOTE: We will need you to carry your harness, helmet, climbing shoes and possibly a rope, so please ensure your rucksack has extra room in it (reccommend a 35 - 45 litre bag)

Getting Started

After this, we grab our kit and head off up the trail. Depending on the location most suitable for the day in question, the hike in could be as long as 1.5 hours for the larger mountain crags, or as little as 30 seonds for the roadside quarries we use. Whatever the location picked, you'll have plenty of time to get loads of climbing done.

At the Crag

Once we arrive at the base of the crag, we'll stop, have a break, add a layer and show you the local guidebook and what we plan to climb for the day. Depending on your experience and aims, we will either set up top rope climbs (most common on this type of day), or lead some routes with you belaying and "seconding" or following afterwards.

Either way, you'll spend the rest of the day going up and down the cliff face, getting loads of routes ticked until you can't climb any longer!

To Finish

At the end of the day's climbing, we'll pack up the gear, take one last look at the big lump of rock we hung off all day, and head back down the track thinking of all the great moments and planning the next ones already.

At this stage, we can give advice on how you can carry on with your new found favourite sport, where to do it reguarly, where to get kit etc.

- Fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors to teach you all the skills you'll need

- A full day of guided instruction in rock climbing

- Tailored content specifically for you

- Use of our maps and compasses (but we encourage you to bring your own if you have them)

- Digital pictures and videos of your day to remember it forever

- First aid cover and insurance

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner (35 - 45 litres)

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

After meeting roadside at the Killowen old Road, Rostrevor, and after the usual brief and kit check, we'll head on up the track and start out on a lesser walked yet absolutely beautiful walk in the Western Mournes.

Starting off on the tarmac, we walk uphill and quickly find ourselves in a gorgeous little forest with a gravel path. As we walk through this wood, we often get the most awe inspiring beams of light passing through the trees - you don't get it quite like this anywhere else in the Mournes, so it's worth it just for this alone!

Once out of the forest, we're onto open mountain land, still on a great mountain track, and now we can see our two goals, Slieve Fadda and Knockshee. We come to Slieve Fadda first, a broad flat topped mountain (as the name fadda suggests for any irish speakers out there!), before going along a flat ridge to the cone shaped Knockshee, where you'll see 360 degree views that are simply stunning! After lots of great pics and social media stories, we'll head back down the way we came from, with a nice introduction to hiking finished in style. If the group are fast and still feeling fresh, we can also take in a few other local peaks.

The whole trip out should take around 3 hours including breaks, and is suitable for anyone with a determined mindset and moderate level of fitness.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

DAY ONE

Starting in pairs or small groups, and after a detailed brief and kit check, you and your team will set out from the starting point at Meelmore Lodge carpark (cars can be left here or people can get dropped off), navigating your way through the heart of the Mournes, completing a range of tasks along the way that will test your brains, braun and bravery, as well as gaining your team points for the finish. You will have to solve unique problems, build structures, boulder rivers, climb AND descend rock faces – on a rope held by our experienced instructors of course!

At the end of day one, you’ll reach a beautiful wild camping site with a bunk style accommodation attached, where our experienced bushcraft instructors will pass on knowledge to help you prepare your bed for the night, which will be built by you and your team completely from the natural environment around you! Once your amazing home is built from nature, we will spend some time showing you some basic survival skills that will get you through the evening outdoors in surprising comfort. With outdoor cooking led by us, we’ll feed you with some hot and tasty grub by the fire and even supply a few drinks for you after your hard day’s adventuring.

NOTE: we have bunkstyle accommodation available too for people who don't fancy the wild camp, and we supply tarps for the wild camp to add to your shelters should you need them.

AT NIGHT

That night, we’ll take you to the edge of the campsite and tell stories under the stars (if they show their face!), of how the ancient Greeks and Celtic people viewed the night sky, and into the modern era of astronomy, with some fascinating facts equally as awe inspiring as the myths.

The rest of the night will be spent sitting around the outside fire pit, with chat, a few bevs and craic with our new found pals from the day of adventure you've just had.

DAY TWO

The next morning, we'll have some breakfast, take down our camp – leaving no trace that we were there – and transport you around to Bloody Bridge for a refreshing and exhilarating morning of wet bouldering and coasteering. Here, we'll take you along the coast and then up the river, scrambling over rock faces, climbing up waterfalls, sliding down natural rock slides and jumping off of cliffs! All of this is led by experienced guides and is suitable for non swimmers who are up for a challenge. This is possible as we give your winter wetsuits, bouyancy aids and helmets to keep you safe, and each section is avoidable for those who are nervous of deep water. SUITABLE FOR NON-SWIMMERS

PERSONAL SKILLS / PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR THE WEEKEND

This weekend adventure is suitable for people of a moderate level of fitness who are up for spending 30 hours straight in the great outdoors trying a variety of outdoor challenges. There will be two potential route options on the hike, the harder one gaining more points for your team, but the other option being available for folks who find it too tough.

OUR STAFF WILL BE POSITIONED AT KEY PARTS OF YOUR ROUTE TO ENSURE YOU DON'T GET LOST, HOWEVER YOU MUST ALSO BE ABLE TO NAVIGATE USING A COMPASS AND 1:25000 MAP OF THE AREA TO A DECENT STANDARD.

IF YOU ARE NOT ABLE TO DO THIS, PLEASE ATTEND ONE OF OUR NAVGIATION COURSES WELL BEFORE THE EVENT AS YOU WILL NEED TO PRACTICE THESE SKILLS TO BE PREPARED.

BATHROOMS

There are bathrooms available at the start of the hike on morning one, as well as at the campsite and again at teh bouldering site on day two. Outside of those hours, you'll have to "be at one with nature", so be prepared with some loo roll and a zip lock bag to take it out with you off the hill.

This event is in it's third year, and so far we've had noting but great reviews, so let's make 2023 even better than before ! Looking forward to giving you all an experience to remember in the mountains,

the Geology Rocks team

- Fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors to look after you on the mountain section

- First aid cover on the mountain

- Bushcraft instruction at the wild camp site

- Dinner on evening one, Drinks on evening one, breakfast on morning two (lnch on day one needs to be supplied by you)

- All technical equipment for the bouldering, rock climbing and abseiling

- Hiking in the mounres, Rock climbing, Aseiling, Wet Bouldering, Star talk in the evening

- Digital pictures and videos of your day so you can remember it forever

- A once in a lifetime experience with lots of stunning views and big challenges!

This course is designed to give you the skills needed to be a safe paddle boarder, to plan fun trips, to deal with emergencies and also to give you a good idea of where to find some awesome little spots to go paddle boarding in.

You won't be a pro after these four sessions, but you will be hooked on paddle boarding like we are!

Topics Covered

- Introduction to safety equipment needed and different types of SUP board available

- Getting onto your board and basic paddling strokes

- How to paddle in different environmental conditions

- Self rescue and rescuing your friends if you fall off / in an emergency

- Understanding environmental conditions and how they affect us and our SUP boards (tide, wind, hazards etc)

- Using weather forecasts & local knowledge to plan a safe trip

- Knowledge of SUP opportunities in Ireland, the UK and abroad (clubs, governing bodies etc)

Teaching Style

Our SUP skills courses are taught in a fun and relaxed style, often through games designed to test a certain technique or by going on spectacular journeys in stunning natural environments - and of course there is usually a LOT of falling / jumping into the water too!

Don't worry if you're nervous in the water or can't swim at all, our staff (and equipment) are well used to helping people like you overcome boundaries in an easy, no pressure way.

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

On week one (weather permitting) we'll meet at Cranfield Beach as listed in the description. However due to the nature of this course, we aim to bring you folks to several different amazing locations in the South Down area. We may take you to them all over the 4 week course, or if the weather is unfriendly for us, we may use the same location more than once.

Here they are:

-Greencastle Beach Greencastle Beach

-

All of these locations are absolutely beautiful places to paddle, and our aim is to teach to the safety precautions and localised weather patterns to watch for at each. We do this so you can come back here time and time again safely in the future.

Meet and Greet

We'll start your 4 week long course by meeting at a pre-arranged Mournes destination - usually we'll call or text you the day before with the most up to date weather forecast details in mind - and gather in registration forms as well as a quick kit check. At this starting point we'll also discuss our aims for the whole course, so that we can deliver a personalised experience and so that you can have a clear idea of what to expect each week.

NOTE: We will need you to carry your harness, helmet, climbing shoes and possibly a rope, so please ensure your rucksack has extra room in it (reccommend a 35 - 45 litre bag)

Getting Started

After this, we grab our kit and head off up the trail. Depending on the location most suitable for the day in question, the hike in could be as long as 1.5 hours for the larger mountain crags, or as little as 30 seonds for the roadside quarries we use. Whatever the location picked, you'll have plenty of time to get loads of climbing done each week, and loads of oppurtunities to learn the ropes

At the Crag

Once we arrive at the base of the crag, we'll stop, have a break, add a layer and show you the local guidebook and what we plan to climb for the day. After that, it's climb climb climb! We'll show you all how to "tie in" which will be a key end goal to have mastered after week four. You will also learn how to "belay" aka holding your climbing partner in a fall, keeping them safe on the rope.

Each week, we will practice tying in and belaying as standard key learning points. On top of this we will show you all the correct Climbing Calls and show you what equipment you need and where it's all used

To Finish

At the end of each day, we'll recap what we've learned and explain what will happen next week - everyone's learning journey is unique.

At the end of the entire course, we will give you advice on how to carry on with your new found favourite sport, where to do it reguarly, where to get kit, how to take it to the next level for you etc.

- Fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors to teach you all the skills you'll need

- FOUR full days of guided instruction in rock climbing

- Tailored content specifically for you

- Use of our maps and compasses (but we encourage you to bring your own if you have them)

- Digital pictures and videos of your day to remember it forever

- First aid cover and insurance

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- A rucksack with waterproof liner (35 - 45 litres)

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A digital wrist watch or stopwatch - to measure timing

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

With nothing but the light of your torch and our leaders to guide you, this peaceful walk lets your senses roam, the feel of the breeze on your face, the sound of the nearby river in your ears.

Meeting at OTT carpark, after around 30 minutes of gentle hiking we reach our destination, where you listen to our guides tell fascinating stories of times gone by; how the ancient Greeks cast their Gods to the heavens to live there forever, or the ancient Irish legend of the Brú na Bóinne and the connections between the famous River Boyne passage tombs and the night sky above us.

Later, our guides move to the modern age, the age of astronomy and science, and tell you of wonders of the night sky as seen through the eyes of humans today.

We'll also show you some mobile phone apps in order to give you something to take away from the event, so that you can keep on learning about the night sky for years to come.

If you have a moderate level of fitness, a passion for stories, the mountains and star gazing, and you have appropriate clothing to be outside for a couple of hours at night in the hills, then get you and your friends / family booked on to this fantastic evening which lets the imagination roam and re-connects you with the natural world around us.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Food and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

If the forecast shows that there will be heavy rain or very dense fog / low cloud, we will not run the event on the chosen date, but will move it to the evening following your original booking date, OR we will move the location to a nearby Mourne location so that the event can still run on the chosen evening. Please make a note of the backup date just in case we need to use it.

We will still go ahead with the event if there is higher cloudy conditions or the ideal clear skies for star talks.

We will let you know by 6pm on the day before the event date what the outcome is.

If you can't attend on the next available date, we will give yo a credit note OR refund if you give us enough notice to fill your space - see our terms and conditions for advice on this

This exciting adventure on the rugged Causeway Coast is guaranteed to get your blood pumping! We'll start your day with an adrenaline packed Rock Climbing & Abseiling session on coastal cliff faces near the Giant's Causeway, followed by a good old dunking into the waves after lunch for the most exciting adventure activity on offer - Coasteering! Rock Climbing & Abseiling Clip onto the rope and make your way up the vertical rock faces that watch over the ocean, with waves crashing nearby for added atmosphere. Our instructors will guide you up the cliff sometimes on edges just big enough to get a toe onto! Don't worry though, we have you covered with highly experienced climbing instructors, helmets, harnesses, well set up ropes and climbing shoes to get to grips with those little edges that otherwise you can't stay on. Once you're at the top, we'll rig an extra rope for you and coupled with an attached safety rope controlled by our team, we'll show you how to descend back to the ground with you in the driver's seat! Total buzz, yet totally safe. Lunch

After our morning activity, we'll treat you to a tasty hot lunch from a popular nearby restaurant to get us all warmed up and fuelled up before heading out for the afternoon session.

Coasteering Well, what can we say about coasteering, only that it's the absolute must do activity in the water! Climb cliff faces above the sea, swim through caves, get swirled about in wave washed coves and then jump off cliff tops into the water again! An absolutely exhilarating activity, it's so good our instructors fight to get onto these sessions time after time!

For those that are nervous of water or are poor swimmers, please note that all obstacles and setions are optional, and can simply be walked around if you don't facny any given section. For poor swimmers, our equipment and our team are well used to dealing with non swimmers - we'll help you along without the rest of the group even noticing that you're nervous!

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Lots of light layers to wear for the climbing

- Rain coat Hat and Gloves

- Changing Robe / Towel

- Spare Trainers for the water

- Swimsuit or similar for underneath your wetsuit

- A rucksack to carry items such as a harness and helmet, as well as your own things

- Anything else on the kit list - this will be sent at the booking stage (also available at the bottom of the page)

The Experience

Paddle

Led by local instructors James & Louise, you will meet at the beach front in the historic village of Greencastle, not far from the ancient 13th century Greencastle Castle that stands guard over the Lough. After kitting up, you enjoy a slow paced SUP session on Carlingford Bay, seeing lots of wildlife - Arctic Terns, Grey Seals and Brent Geese to name a few - surrounded by breathtaking views of the Mournes to the North and the Cooleys to the south. You listen to Giant Myths and Legends as we paddle at the foot of the resting place of Ireland's most famous giant, Fionn Mac Cumhaill , and hear stories connecting the Vikings and the Normans to this part of the country in times gone by.

Art Session

After drying off and warming up at the beach side fire, you get hands on with a pebble art session led by Louise, who will show you some simple yet effective art techniques, giving you plenty of inspiration to create your own pebble frame masterpiece to take home with you!

Tasty Food

While you're creating works of art, we'll have some locally caught fish and homemade soda bread cooking on the fire, to be enjoyed with locally sourced vegetables, produce and washed down with delicious hot / cold drinks.

Grab a friend or come alone, this immersive trip is one of a kind, and one not to be missed!

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A digital wrist watch or stopwatch - to measure timing

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting at the beautiful Meelmore Lodge, we'll set off up the hill at a pace to suit everyone in the group, walking on the well trodden Trassey track and passing directly underneath the impressive rock climbing cliffs of Spellack, where spectacular views and feelings of being tiny under the mountain usually follow.

Later, we'll pass the massive Bearnagh Slabs before tackling the steep gravel covered path to the summit. Once on top of the 739m rocky peaked summit, we'll take in the panoramic views of the Mournes, and get the obligatory social media pics at the best photograph spot in the whole range before heading downhill via Hare's Gap, walking past the huge tors of rock which scatter across the summit.

After a steep descent off the summit, we pass the glacially carved valley of the Hare's Gap, before finally reaching Meelmore Lodge again, for a debrief of the day and probably some tasty coffee and well deserved traybakes before saying farewell.

A classic Mournes hike, and one of the famous 7 7s!

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting in the morning at Donard Car Park, we first of all collect registration forms and ensure everyone has all the kit they need for the day. If you need the loo, this is also the best time to go, there are public facilities in the car park and also in the nearby O'hares Bar - just as long as there's no pints just yet!

After, we set off steeply up the hill, passing through Donard Forest in a beautiful beech and oak wood, with multiple waterfalls and pools from the Glen river flowing along the way.

After 30 minutes or so, the forest clears and the mountains open up in front of us, the steep scree fields on the side of Slieve Commedagh to the right and the imposing cliffs of Eagle Rocks on the slopes of Slieve Donard to the left.

We walk on a firm surfaced mountain track, passing the 19th century ice house which takes us up to the base of granite steps, eventually leading onto the col between Donard and Commedagh before the steep ascent on looser gravel to the 768 m summit, hadnrailing the famous Mourne Wall along the way.

From the top, you can see views towards Belfast, Dublin and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The mjaestic Mourne Wall passes over the summit, and the huge summit cairn also rests here, the perfect place for a few snaps for social media.

The descent is off the shoulder of the mountain, with spectacular situations, then into the forest before returning back to the car park.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting at the beautiful cafe and campsite at Meelmore Lodge, we'll do a brief of the day and kit check for the hill, then get straight onto the hill for a great day ahead.

After leaving the Lodge (stocked up with coffee and traybakes), we make a beeline for the huge cliff of Spellack on the side of Meelmore. . . But don't worry we won't be climbing it! We'll take the line to the side of it, zigzagging up the shoulder and onto the top of Meelmore, where we're greated by the now familar site of the Mourne Wall, with the summit ahead - and the next summit in sight!

After some grub and hot drinks, we descend Meelmore along the wall for a bit before hiking back up the other side to summit Meelbeg, grabbing two of the Mournes 7 7s within an hour of each other! After the obligatory pics and videos, we'll drop down a different side of the mountain before joining the Mourne Way route and a nice easy walk back to Meelmore for another cuppa before heading home victorious - and pretty tired too we'd say!

The whole trip out should take around 5 hours including breaks, and is suitable for anyone with a determined mindset and moderate level of fitness.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting at Carrick Cottage Cafe, and after a quick kit check, we start off up the mountain track, which is pretty much flat for a few kilometres. At the edge of the Annalng Forest the ground begins to gentle rise, passing under the monolith of Lamagan and up onto a mid -level plateau above the cliffs of Lower Cove and Cove Lough.

After having a break here, we ascend very steeply and slowly up the hill, reaching the summit of Lamagan at 704m, where theres spectacular views that are second to none!

After the usual socil media posts and enjoyment of the views, we descend down the other side of the mountain, where we pass the well known Blue Lough - optional dip if you're brave! - and down the track back to the cafe, for more coffee and chat before heading home

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting in the morning at Donard Car Park, we first of all collect registration forms and ensure everyone has all the kit they need for the day. If you need the loo, this is also the best time to go, there are public facilities in the car park and also in the nearby O'hares Bar - just as long as there's no pints just yet!

After, we set off steeply up the hill, passing through Donard Forest in a beautiful beech and oak wood, with multiple waterfalls and pools from the Glen river flowing along the way.

After 30 minutes or so, the forest clears and the mountains open up in front of us, the steep scree fields on the side of Slieve Commedagh to the right and the imposing cliffs of Eagle Rocks on the slopes of Slieve Donard to the left.

We walk on a firm surfaced mountain track, passing the 19th century ice house which takes us up to the base of granite steps, eventually leading onto the col between Donard and Commedagh before the steep ascent on looser gravel to the 850m summit - the roof of Northern Ireland!

From the top, you can see views towards Belfast, Dublin and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The mjaestic Mourne Wall passes over the summit, and the huge summit cairn also rests here, the perfect place for a few snaps for social media.

The descent is simply a reversal of the ascent, finishing at the car park where we now can have those wel deserved pints before heading home.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Meeting in the morning at Donard Car Park, we first of all collect registration forms and ensure everyone has all the kit they need for the day. If you need the loo, this is also the best time to go, there are public facilities in the car park and also in the nearby O'hares Bar - just as long as there's no pints just yet!

After, we set off steeply up the hill, passing through Donard Forest in a beautiful beech and oak wood, with multiple waterfalls and pools from the Glen river flowing along the way.

After 30 minutes or so, the forest clears and the mountains open up in front of us, the steep scree fields on the side of Slieve Commedagh to the right and the imposing cliffs of Eagle Rocks on the slopes of Slieve Donard to the left.

We walk on a firm surfaced mountain track, passing the 19th century ice house which takes us up to the base of granite steps, eventually leading onto the col between Donard and Commedagh before the steep ascent on looser gravel to the 850m summit - the roof of Northern Ireland!

From the top, you can see views towards Belfast, Dublin and even the Isle of Man on a clear day. The mjaestic Mourne Wall passes over the summit, and the huge summit cairn also rests here, the perfect place for a few snaps for social media.

The descent is simply a reversal of the ascent, finishing at the car park where we now can have those wel deserved pints before heading home.

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

Your amazing intro session starts at Cranfield Beach**, on the shores of Carlingford Lough, between the beautiful villlage of Rostrevor and the harbour town of Kilkeel.

Getting Started

You'll meet our friendly and fun instructors on the beach front just opposite the car park, who will kit you out in high quality winter grade wetsuits and asociated safety gear. Changing is available in the public facilites at the meeting point, however these are very busy in summer so it is advised to arrive wearing swim gear, ready to add the suit directly on top. Bring along a changing robe to get changed afterwards for your privacy - we usually bring some robes along for folks who dont have their own.

Moving To The Water

After kitting up, taking reigstration forms and discussing any health needs, we'll give you a quick brief of what the session involves, a quick demo of how the boards work and then get straight to it for a fun filled session on the water!

Once on the water, we'll give pointers on how to paddle, as well as showing you the beautiful wildlife that's in the area.

During your session, we'll tailor the time to what you want. Maybe you're a bit nervous and want to take it easy, just cruising around the bay, or maybe you want to go for it and play stacks of games getting in and out of the water. The session is yours, and our instructors will make sure the activity level is perfect for you.

An absolutely STUNNING location to give paddle boarding a go, book your place today!

**See the " Location " drop down menu for more info on poor weather adjustments

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

We have two options for session lengths, 1 hour or 2 hours.

While our 2 hour sessions are by far the most popular session we run, allowing you to get a full SUP experience, we recognise that some people can't commit the time or money just yet to paddle boarding and want to try a shortened version. Both are great choices and will get you a feel for what SUP is all about.

Here's a timetable of the hours they run - to see available dates, click the green "UPCOMING COURSE DATES" buttons at the top of the page

1 HOUR TIMES

12:00 - 13:00

09:30 - 11:30

14:00 - 16:00

Our primary location for this session is Cranfield Beach as listed above, however on very windy days, this location may not be safe or enjoyable to paddle on.

In these cases, we follow this procedure:

- Move the session to nearby Greencastle Beach or Cranfield East (both only 5 minutes drive from cranfield)

- If the above is not suitable, move to Castlewellan Lake (40 minutes away yet nearly always in good condition). Another alternative to Castlewellan is Victoria Lock Canal, another beautfiul and very sheltered location. If we have to move to either of these locations, we will contact you and discuss which option is best for you

- If neither of the above options are viable, it is likely too windy to deliver a safe session, and we we will reschedule for another day or offer you a credit note / refund.

PLEASE NOTE - We rarely have to change the location from the main beach at Cranfield, this is simply to inform you of the possibilities in poor weather. Unless you hear from us a day or two before the event, we'll see you at Cranfield main beach.

Your amazing intro session starts at Cranfield Beach**, on the shores of Carlingford Lough, between the beautiful villlage of Rostrevor and the harbour town of Kilkeel.

Getting Started

You'll meet our friendly and fun instructors on the beach front just opposite the car park, who will kit you out in high quality winter grade wetsuits and asociated safety gear. Changing is available in the public facilites at the meeting point, however these are very busy in summer so it is advised to arrive wearing swim gear, ready to add the suit directly on top. Bring along a changing robe to get changed afterwards for your privacy - we usually bring some robes along for folks who dont have their own.

Moving To The Water

After kitting up, taking reigstration forms and discussing any health needs, we'll give you a quick brief of what the session involves, a quick demo of how the boards work and then get straight to it for a fun filled session on the water!

Once on the water, we'll give pointers on how to paddle, as well as showing you the beautiful wildlife that's in the area.

During your session, we'll tailor the time to what you want. Maybe you're a bit nervous and want to take it easy, just cruising around the bay, or maybe you want to go for it and play stacks of games getting in and out of the water. The session is yours, and our instructors will make sure the activity level is perfect for you.

An absolutely STUNNING location to give paddle boarding a go, book your place today!

**See the " Location " drop down menu for more info on poor weather adjustments

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

We have two options for session lengths, 1 hour or 2 hours.

While our 2 hour sessions are by far the most popular session we run, allowing you to get a full SUP experience, we recognise that some people can't commit the time or money just yet to paddle boarding and want to try a shortened version. Both are great choices and will get you a feel for what SUP is all about.

Here's a timetable of the hours they run - to see available dates, click the green "UPCOMING COURSE DATES" buttons at the top of the page

1 HOUR TIMES

12:00 - 13:00

09:30 - 11:30

14:00 - 16:00

Our primary location for this session is Cranfield Beach as listed above, however on very windy days, this location may not be safe or enjoyable to paddle on.

In these cases, we follow this procedure:

- Move the session to nearby Greencastle Beach or Cranfield East (both only 5 minutes drive from cranfield)

- If the above is not suitable, move to Castlewellan Lake (40 minutes away yet nearly always in good condition)

- If neither of the above options are viable, it is likely too windy to deliver a safe session, and we we will reschedule for another day or offer you a credit note / refund.

PLEASE NOTE - We rarely have to change the location from the main beach at Cranfield, this is simply to inform you of the possibilities in poor weather. Unless you hear from us a day or two before the event, we'll see you at Cranfield main beach.

The Venue

Arrive at Greencastle, park up and get blown away by the scenery before you even get started with the paddle boarding! White sand beach, crystal clear water, the Cooleys to the south and the Mournes to the north. Class!

Getting Started

After checking the place out and meeting your new paddle board pals for the evening, we'll give you a top quality wetsuit to change into as well as a changing robe if you don't have your own with you. We'll also take registration forms off you at this stage and re-confirm any dietary needs from your online booking form for the BBQ later.

After all that, we get straight to your Sunset SUP Experience giving you a top end board, and after a quick safety brief head straight out onto the sheltered waters of mill bay.

During The Session

On the water, we'll guide you along the rugged coastline towards the Mournes which are always in the skyline in front of us. People can opt to stay dry and chill, or if you have plety of energy to expend after sitting at work all day we can offer plenty of fun challenges and games for you to take part in - the choice is yours!

Nature & Wildlife To See

Weather permitting, we can go out to the series of little islands scattered across the bay, the chillout place of our resident population of 20 + Common Seals! You will likely also see Arctic Terns, Oyster Catchers and even Brent Geese depending on the time of year. This place a proper haven for wildlife, and a brilliant place to spend your evening chill out time on the water.

Off The Water

Once back on shore, you'll be greeted by the smells of tasty BBQ cooking (vegan and veggie options available), and while you change, we'll get the camp fire blazing to warm you up too. Once all that is sorted, gather round the fire and grab a few complimentary beers / glasses of prosecco (alcohol free available too) , and unwind and chat with your tasty grub on hand. Sit on the sand and just CHILL.

We'll be in no hurry to head home, stay and have the craic as long as you like, we'll have some music playing, and even bring the guitar and banjo along for those who fancy a go - we do play but not too sure about playing in front of an audience!

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

Although we're usually pretty lucky with the weather at this location, if the forecast is really rough (particularly with wind in mind), we will aim to move the session to the next night, or weather permitting we could do it at another stunning location.

If these back up options don't suit you, we'll offer you another date for the course or a credit note / refund.

PLEASE NOTE: We will notify you one or two days before the event if the weather is likely to change the date. If you don't ear from us, all is well and we will meet you at the arranged time and place.

MAY COURSES

- 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th , 10am - 12pm each day

- 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th , 12:30pm - 2:30pm each day

JULY / AUGUST COURSES

- 26th July, 2nd August, 9th August & 16th August, 10am - 12pm each day

- 26th July, 2nd August, 9th August & 16th August, 12:30pm - 2:30pm each day

If you would like to come to this course but the dates aren't listed, please contact us to arrange a private booking

This course is designed to give you the skills needed to be a safe paddle boarder, to plan fun trips, to deal with emergencies and also to give you a good idea of where to find some awesome little spots to go paddle boarding in.

You won't be a pro after these four sessions, but you will be hooked on paddle boarding like we are!

Topics Covered

- Introduction to safety equipment needed and different types of SUP board available

- Getting onto your board and basic paddling strokes

- How to paddle in different environmental conditions

- Self rescue and rescuing your friends if you fall off / in an emergency

- Understanding environmental conditions and how they affect us and our SUP boards (tide, wind, hazards etc)

- Using weather forecasts & local knowledge to plan a safe trip

- Knowledge of SUP opportunities in Ireland, the UK and abroad (clubs, governing bodies etc)

Teaching Style

Our SUP skills courses are taught in a fun and relaxed style, often through games designed to test a certain technique or by going on spectacular journeys in stunning natural environments - and of course there is usually a LOT of falling / jumping into the water too!

Don't worry if you're nervous in the water or can't swim at all, our staff (and equipment) are well used to helping people like you overcome boundaries in an easy, no pressure way.

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

On week one (weather permitting) we'll meet at Cranfield Beach as listed in the description. However due to the nature of this course, we aim to bring you folks to several different amazing locations in the South Down area. We may take you to them all over the 4 week course, or if the weather is unfriendly for us, we may use the same location more than once.

Here they are:

-Greencastle Beach Greencastle Beach

-

All of these locations are absolutely beautiful places to paddle, and our aim is to teach to the safety precautions and localised weather patterns to watch for at each. We do this so you can come back here time and time again safely in the future.

Meet and Greet

We'll start your day by meeting at a pre-arranged Mournes destination - usually we'll call or text you the day before with the most up to date weather forecast details in mind - and gather in registration forms as well as a quick kit check. At this starting point we'll also discuss our aims for the day, so that we can deliver a personalised experience you'll remember forever.

NOTE: We will need you to carry your harness, helmet, climbing shoes and possibly a rope, so please ensure your rucksack has extra room in it (reccommend a 35 - 45 litre bag)

Getting Started

After this, we grab our kit and head off up the trail. Depending on the location most suitable for the day in question, the hike in could be as long as 1.5 hours for the larger mountain crags, or as little as 30 seonds for the roadside quarries we use. Whatever the location picked, you'll have plenty of time to get loads of climbing done.

At the Crag

Once we arrive at the base of the crag, we'll stop, have a break, add a layer and show you the local guidebook and what we plan to climb for the day. Depending on your experience and aims, we will either set up top rope climbs (most common on this type of day), or lead some routes with you belaying and "seconding" or following afterwards.

Either way, you'll spend the rest of the day going up and down the cliff face, getting loads of routes ticked until you can't climb any longer!

To Finish

At the end of the day's climbing, we'll pack up the gear, take one last look at the big lump of rock we hung off all day, and head back down the track thinking of all the great moments and planning the next ones already.

At this stage, we can give advice on how you can carry on with your new found favourite sport, where to do it reguarly, where to get kit etc.

- Fully qualified and experienced Mountain Leaders and Rock Climbing Instructors to teach you all the skills you'll need

- A full day of guided instruction in rock climbing

- Tailored content specifically for you

- Use of our maps and compasses (but we encourage you to bring your own if you have them)

- Digital pictures and videos of your day to remember it forever

- First aid cover and insurance

- A completed Health Declaration & Registration Form

- Any medication you may need

- Good hiking boots that are well broken in

- Map and compass if you have them - we supply these if you don't have them yet

- A rucksack with waterproof liner (35 - 45 litres)

- Head torch with spare batteries

- Emergency bivvy / survival blanket - the orange plastic sheeting with foil blanket inside

- Fully charged mobile

- Water proof jacket and trousers

- Additional warm layers for emergency (down jacket for example)

- Lots of light top layers

- Hat and gloves

- Lunch and water

- Flask of hot drink - optional but awesome

- Additional food for emergency

The Venue

Arrive at Cranfield, park up and come down to meet us on the wide expansive, sandy Blue Flag beach, with the beaufitul Haulbowline light house in the background.

Getting Started

After checking the place out and meeting your new paddle board pals for the evening, we'll give you a top quality wetsuit to change into as well as a changing robe if you don't have your own with you. We'll also take registration forms off you at this stage and hand out the obligatory glow sticks to attach to your head, face, neck and anywhere else you fancy!

After all that, we get straight to your paddle session, giving you a top end board and after a quick safety brief head straight out onto the sheltered waters of Cranfield bay.

During The Session

On the water, we'll guide you along the sandy coastline towards the world famous light house wwhich sits a 1km off shore. Don't worry though, we don't go that far out, but we'll get close enough to see it lit up by the moon's reflection on the water.

In regards to getting in the water or not, people can opt to stay dry and chill, or if you have plety of energy to expend after sitting at work all day we can offer plenty of fun challenges and games for you to take part in - the choice is yours!

Nature & Wildlife To See

Under clear skies and favourable tides, we may spot some of the 20+ COmmon Seals that fish in the area off Cranfield, having come here from their nearby home at Greencastle. You will likely also HEAR but maybe not see Arctic Terns, Oyster Catchers and Black Headed Gulls

Off The Water

Once back on shore, you'll be greeted by a blazing camp fire to warm you up after you get changed out of your wet gear. Gather round the fire and grab a few complimentary teas /coffees and traybakes, and unwind and chat with us and your new found paddle buddies. Sit on the sand, take it all in and just CHILL.

We'll be in no hurry to head home so stay and have the craic as long as you like, we'll likely have some music playing, or we can just have the soundtrack of the waves and ind playing if you like, your call

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

Although we're usually pretty lucky with the weather at this location, if the forecast is really rough (particularly with wind in mind), we will aim to move the session to the next night, or weather permitting we could do it at another stunning location on the orignally planned date.

If these back up options don't suit you, we'll offer you another date for the course or a credit note / refund.

PLEASE NOTE: We will notify you one or two days before the event if the weather is likely to change the date. If you don't ear from us, all is well and we will meet you at the arranged time and place.

The Venue

Please arrive at Bloody Bridge car park well in advance of your session (15 -20 minutes), as parking is sometimes a big issue, particularly during the warmer months. With this in mind, please try to arrive in one car where possible, or if possible get dropped off.

We'll meet and greet you in the car park, where we will gather in registration forms and hand out high quality winter wetsuits and other equipment for the session. There are lockable private bathrooms and a large open style changing room on site to get suited up, however if you can, arrive in your swim wear ready to stick the wetsuit on top. This will maximise the time you have on the water, but don't wrry if this isn't possible either.

Car keys can be locked in our secure van during session.

Getting Started

After kitting up, we'll give a quick brief of how the session runs and then get straight to the adventure! We start by walking to the bottom of the river (or even the sea if the conditions allow it), and work our way up stream.

During The Session

Once on the water, it's generally a follow the leader style activity, we'll go first and you can follow! There's no jump, slide, waterfall, pool or tunnel we won't tackle first, so rest easy that it's safe.

Each pool we encounter has it's own adventures, with the jumps getting bigger and the water faster flowing as we make our way to the top. After aout 1.5 hours and about 1Km up the river, we reach the "big jumps", where people usually enjoy spending a while jumping into the beautifully clear pools, getting pictures for social media taken, and generally just chilling in an absolutely stunning natural space. You can even see the Isle of Man on a clear day!

To Finish

After the jumps at the top, we walk down the mountain track that runs near the river, and in about 5 or 10 minutes of easy downhill walking we're back at the carpark, buzzing for an adventure second to none!

The Best Coffee In The Country!

After changing and before we say farewell ,we recommend a nice hot drink, and maybe a toasty or traybake from the fantastic Proper Coffee Co , who have a mobile coffee dock stationed right in the car park, they are amazing!

Absolutely! First of all, you'll be wearing the BEST safety equipment there is. A warm winter wetsuit to keep you toasty (this also helps you float), and importantly a buoyancy aid, designed to keep you afloat in the water - you don't have to do a thing!

Also, our watersports sessions are led by experienced and qualified staff, who have years of experience in looking after people who are nervous in the water. We'll progressively coach you from knee depth water to deep open water in no time at all. We do this every day, so just trust us and we'll have you chilled out and loving it!

The only weather event that may cause us to cancel / postpone the session is extremely heavy rain for a prolonged period. All other weather is fine for this session.

We constantly monitor the weather, particularly in the week running up to any events. If we see any indication that the river will be unsafe in the days before your event, we will contact you to keep you up to date.

IF YOU DON'T HEAR FROM US, ALL IS WELL AND WE WILL MEET YOU AT BLOODY BRIDGE AT THE ARRANGED TIME