Outdoor activities don’t have to be exclusive to rain-free skies and sunshine.

Sometimes, winter makes us feel like staying indoors is the only option. However, outdoor winter activities come with unique rewards. Admittedly, feeling cosy is nice, but it’s even better when you’ve already got an uplift from embracing the outdoors beforehand.

Not only does braving the colder weather feel like an accomplishment, but it’s also an inspiring time of year to see nature at work—especially when the strikingly rugged Exmoor landscape is your backdrop!

Nestled in the stunning Exmoor National Park is a place that prides itself on helping everyone access the wondrous beauty of its natural surroundings, whatever the season. And when we say ‘everyone’, we mean everyone.

Calvert Exmoor is about making the outdoors accessible, rain or shine, and we explain why we’ve teamed up with them this winter to encourage everyone to get out, embrace the elements, and above all, have fun!

What makes Calvert Exmoor so special?

Since its establishment in 1996, Calvert Exmoor has been offering activities for people with physical, learning, behavioural, and sensory disabilities. It’s the only fully accessible activity centre outside the North of the UK.

The charity is a Gold Standard AHEOC-certified centre dedicated to empowering people through outdoor adventures. It opens the outdoors to anyone who wants to experience it, no matter their age or how much support they need. It provides a safe space where their sense of adventure can blossom.

“This is such a valuable local asset and has enabled so many young people to enjoy and experience a range of activities that we often take for granted." Visitor Testimonial.

Who can enjoy a winter break at the Calvert Exmoor?

Anyone who wants to! Whether you’re looking to enjoy an active family break, plan to get students outside for a school residential, open up the outdoors for a community experience, or want to feel refreshed on a solo trip, Calvert Exmoor is perfect for any occasion or situation.

The activity breaks undeniably enhance the lives of those who take part, like this person who expresses the impact it has had on them:

"Calvert is very important to me. Before I became disabled I was very active and loved adventure so finding adventure I can do NOW changed my life and how I feel about life now." Visitor Testimonial.

There’s a range of breaks available throughout the year, so you can enjoy nature at its rawest and most beautiful each season. Visit their website to check their options and availability for short, weekend, and midweek breaks including their upcoming festive breaks!

What accessible sports can you try at Calvert Exmoor?

There are a whole host of exciting outdoor activities for you to try. Please head to the Calvert Exmoor website to see the extensive list of activities available. Here are just a few of our favourite experiences on offer:

Watersports

Located next to the picturesque Wistlandpound Reservoir, Calvert Exmoor allows you to take in the beauty of this gorgeous place from the view of a canoe between March and November!

Surrounded by the vast moor and picture-perfect trees, the area quite rightfully attracts people throughout the year to see it in all its glory, and you can soak up its beauty right from the water.

Through customisable boat modifications and the use of a hoist from the jetty, everyone can enjoy paddling on the Wistlandpound Reservoir.

Biking

Calvert Exmoor boasts an extensive fleet of accessible bikes so everyone can get outside and embrace the fresh outdoor air. Some examples are specially designed tricycles, handcycles, tandem bikes, and wheelchair front-loaders. The benefits are enhanced by the experienced staff who offer personalised support and instruction.

Equestrian Centre

The Equestrian Centre is a truly unique part of Calvert Exmoor. It provides riding lessons and arena hire for people with and without disabilities. The centre is home to on-site stables, an indoor arena with a viewing gallery, and a purpose-built outdoor manège. There is also an adapted wheelchair-accessible carriage.

Adventure sports and activities

There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors at Calvert Exmoor. Whether you want to get up high and try abseiling and climbing or get right amongst nature learning bushcraft, hone your archery skills, or get a thrill from zooming on the zipwire or the giant swing - the list goes on!

How else can you experience Calvert Exmoor?

Indoor swimming pool

The centre's indoor swimming pool is open to the general public, local schools, groups, and care homes. It’s an invaluable facility, which can transform people’s lives. From those first learning how to swim at the Splash Swim School to those who are using it for vital therapy like this person who shared their gratitude:

"Thank you for having the pool facilities available to help me learn to walk again." Visitor Testimonial.

For more information about using the pool, visit the website here.

Sensory Room

Previously only available to residential guests, the centre is encouraging the local community to hire out the newly refurbished Sensory Room, which is now open for non-residential guests to use, as well as the swimming pool and stables.

Venue hire

In addition to the amazing range of activities available, you can also hire the characterful and recently refurbished Discovery Centre throughout the year. Find out more about using this brilliant space for classes, parties, functions, and meetings.

Why we support Calvert Exmoor through the dryrobe® Warmth Project

You can see why Calvert Exmoor is fundamental in getting people active and making the most of the natural world. The specialist equipment provides a safe place where activities such as abseiling, zip-lining, and canoeing are accessible to everyone, no matter the support they need.

That’s why when the charity was at risk of permanent closure if it was unable to raise £500,000 by 31 August 2024 we had to support them.

Through the dryrobe® Warmth Project, we support charities and organisations that share our values of protecting the environment and removing physical, social, and economic barriers that are hindering people from experiencing the benefits of the outdoors.

When the emergency Crowdfunding Campaign first launched, we were proudly one of the initial big supporters, which kicked off with rolling amounts of huge donations. Our support will continue year on year for the incredible charity, which includes everyone when it comes to enjoying activities.

Thankfully, the emergency Crowdfunding Campaign reached its goal on August 31. Thank you to the 2,200 individuals and businesses that donated a total of £514,000.

All there’s left to do now? For you to make the most of this incredible centre and embrace the outdoors!

Swap hibernating for celebrating the outdoors this winter. Contact Calvert Exmoor to book your next outdoor break now!

Follow Calvert Exmoor

Facebook: Calvert Exmoor
Instagram: @calverttrustexmoor
YouTube: @CalvertExmoor
LinkedIn: Calvert Exmoor
TikTok: @calvertexmoor

#dryrobeterritory

Published on November 25, 2024