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Field trips

Kepplewray is a licensed residential Outdoor Adventure Centre in an area of stunning beauty, ideal for all forms of environmental study, away from the crowds and congestion of the central Lakes.  The building and facilities are fully accessible for any of your group that has a disability.

Kepplewray comfortably holds 40 (50 if you squeeze)

Here's a testimonial from Dave Horne of University of Greenwich:

"Students and staff from the University of Greenwich (School of Earth & Environmental Sciences) enjoyed a 10-day geological mapping trip in early March.  The centre is ideally placed for access to our main mapping areas on Torver Common, where our map-reading skills were fully tested on the first day due to low cloud; it's not enough to just identify a rock as andesitic lava, ignimbrite or limestone - you have to know where to mark it on the map.  In view of the general dampness, whether underfoot or coming from the sky (well what do you expect in the Lake District in March!) it was great to be able to come back to a roaring fire, pots of tea and  home-made cakes.  We did have some glorious weather too  -   a day exploring "Copper Mines Valley" below Coniston Old Man was particularly enjoyable - and some very entertaining evenings (four local pubs and excellent locally brewed beer - a geologists'  paradise!).  We found the facilities at the centre to be well-suited to all of our needs, and thank all the staff for making us feel so much at home.  Oh, and the "Donkey Rock" was an unexpected bonus!"

Here are some geological pictures they took.  Clicking on a thumbnail will bring up the full-size picture in a new browser window:

Torver Common geological mapping area; view West from the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man Torver Common geological mapping area; studying the Borrowdale Volcanic rocks at close hand Torver Common geological mapping area; view North towards Dow Crag Torver Common geological mapping area; "Bird's Eye Tuff" - one of the most distinctive rocks of the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, a lapilli tuff formed in a eruption during the Ordovician period Torver Common geological mapping area; view East from the lower slopes of Coniston Old Man

Kepplewray is located in the South-West corner of the Lakes - the most beautiful and undiscovered bit - on the shoulder of the Duddon valley, overlooking coastal estuaries to the south and Lakeland fells to the north. This presents a wealth of opportunities for study of a wide range of physical, biological and social environments. In close proximity are numerous localities enabling a breadth of study from National Park conflicts to alternative energy sources and freshwater habitats to glacial landforms. The South-West also has several nature reserves suitable for study within different disciplines.

Amazing tidal estuaries with miles of sand are just a short drive away. An experienced guide is essential for safety.

Resources

Kepplewray is a comfortable, well-equipped base for field trips, offering full use of the centre during the daytime and open access to tea and coffee-making facilities. The centre has a data/video projector, whiteboard, flip chart, OHP and TV/video for study purposes.  Kepplewray holds a small resource library with information on the region and associated environmental issues.

Transport

Kepplewray has two minibuses available to transport guests.  Both are equipped for wheelchair access.

Accommodation and food

Full board (with packed lunch) is provided. This includes cooked breakfast and choice of three-course evening meal.  We cater for a wide range of special dietary requirements.  Here's a sample menu for one day from our vast range of home-cooked pies, pastas, pizzas, curries, BBQs etc:

Breakfast Packed Lunch Evening Meal
Fruit Juice
Cereal
Toast
Bacon and egg
Tea or coffee		 Sandwiches with choice of 10 fillings
Crisps
Chocolate biscuit
Fruit		 Vegetable Soup
or
Fruit Juice

Chicken casserole with herb scone, potatoes and sweet corn
or
Vegetable Risotto with green beans
or
Jacket potato with choice of fillings

Fruit crumble & custard
or
Ice cream and sauces
or
Baked apple

Groups can help themselves to tea/coffee and cold drinks at any time, and there are always home-made biscuits or cakes for those who get peckish between meals.

The dining room

Kepplewray offers you warm hospitality, log fires and comfortable rooms. There are a variety of bedroom sizes and views. The availability of single/twin rooms and ensuite facilities will depend on whether your group requests exclusive use of the centre.  Bed linen is provided but please bring your own towels. The Kepplewray team is committed to taking care of you during the field trip and ensuring that your residential study is as comfortable as possible. The village of Broughton is two minutes walk away with Post Office, cafes, local store, pubs and Tourist Information Centre.

Food!

Price details

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The Kepplewray Centre, Broughton-in-Furness Cumbria, LA20 6HE, UK.  Tel: +44 (0)1229 716 936  Fax: +44 (0)1229 716 938