Navigation course vacations, Lake District

Planet

It is safe to drink the water from the tap in England, however, for customers keen to avoid buying single use plastic bottles we encourage customers the chance to purchase a discounted filter Water-To-Go bottle which combines three different technologies to remove over 99.9% of all microbiological contaminants in water.

We operate a ‘leave no trace’ policy on tour; our tour leaders are trained to promote this message to customers. As the focus of this trip is primarily walking, we aim to leave a minimal impact on the areas as possible. This trip actively encourages customers to reduce the carbon footprint to a minimum.

We encourage our customers to not deviate from designated walking areas so as not to upset ecosystems irrespective of the size. We also provide encouragement to not to feed birds and the red squirrels that roam the local area as they become reliant on tourists.

Our country house is careful to separate waste for recycling. Much of the food is prepared on site to reduce the use of single use plastic. Recyclable containers are used for the packed lunches we provide.

We’re committed to running our business responsibly. In our office we reduce, reuse, and recycle whenever possible. It’s in a refurbished mill, and we’ve also installed a waterwheel to generate electricity from the river. It was the first of its kind in Britain, gives us our own sustainable source of power and any excess goes to the National Grid.

People

We stay in a country house on the shores of Buttermere in the Lake District. Customers make their own way to the start of the tour; we give clear instructions on reaching the house using public transport.

All meals are provided at the house using a combination of locally sourced food and whole foods, with the exception of dinner on one evening (on one departure only). Customers can walk to and from one of the local pubs in Buttermere Village for this evening meal, which in turn, supports the local businesses.

We have financially supported the rebuilding of bridges washed away and walking paths that have fallen into disrepair, this ensures paths are maintained for years to come.

Every Thursday the Cumbrian Mountain Rescue team visit the country house and they provide a presentation about what they do and offer items for sale to support their cause. As a business, we support this company financially (they are volunteers) on an annual basis.

We cap customers at our country house to a maximum of 21 so as not to impact the environment surrounding Buttermere. We offer two courses; a three night course offering a Bronze Award from the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) and a four night course offering a Silver Award from the NNAS. Both practical courses aim to train you use a map and compass and will enable you to learn the necessary skills to navigate safely whilst out walking.