Claudy kids enjoy outdoor adventures

The daring group held on tight while taking part in a tyrolean traverse in Learmount Forest, Claudy, which is a way of getting across a gorge using a tight rope and harness. It proved a challenge for each of the individuals which also encouraging them to work as a team supporting each other, and they also enjoyed mountain biking and climbing in the Sperrins followed by a session of archery, team games and canoeing along Upper River Bann.

Muireann McNulty, a member of the group said: “It was brilliant the climbing was good I want to do it again. I loved flying through the trees especially with a haunted Halloween theme it’s made me want to take part in more outdoor activities with my friends”. The outdoor activity ‘taster sessions’ were facilitated by Venture Outdoors.

The Craigbane Ramblers and Adventure Group is a community-based group from Claudy and one of it’s missions is to help young and old in the community get into the countryside and participate in exciting and challenging activities.

Conner McGuinness from the group said: “This was a great experience for me and I really enjoy being a member of this group. Life was great and provided us with lots of guidance and support. We are definitely going to continue trying out new outdoor activities”.

Claire Overend, Venture Outdoors Development Officer highlighted, “This is a fantastic opportunity for the Craigbane Activity group to enjoy getting outdoors and help in terms of raising awareness of all outdoor activities that are available within their locality.”

The Venture Outdoors Project is a three-year initiative of the Countryside Access and Activities Network and has been provided with a grant of £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities Programme and Ulster Garden Villages.