(minimum age 18)
Duration: 2
and a half days
It's 2 and
a bit full days, and no other company in the
country offers such an adventure! Although the terrain can be steep and
dangerous it is relatively safe for those trained in the safe and proper
handling of an A.T.V. We always have 2 instructors with each group, with a
recovery support vehicle on 24 hour standby.
To gain most benefit
from this two day expedition, we prefer the training to take place the
evening prior to departure.
The
program starts with an
introduction to the All Terrain Vehicles, then intense training on
the safe use of an A.T.V. over rough terrain (the Genesis Tracks). Hotel
and self-catering
accommodation can be arranged by Active Sports; click
here for details
Day 1
The following morning sees us loading up team
and equipment and heading southwest down the A7, past Hawick to Craik
Forest.
The first stage of this
expedition is on forest tracks allowing the team to develop their newly found
skills and iron out any rough edges.
For the second stage, we leave Craik
Forest and tackle a more open route on rough moorland, weaving our way through
the valleys to the Ettrick Valley - destination Gilmanscleuch! (Packed
lunch supplied.)
Stage 3 - this is
the most demanding
terrain.
It requires a high level of physical
and mental
aptitude. We
continue our drive northwest, scaling the Ettrick Valley hills, climbing up to a
height over 1600 feet! (No roads, just rough wild country, what a buzz!) We then
descend 1000 feet into the Yarrow Valley, stopping overnight at a local hotel
(camping is optional for the more adventurous - all camping equipment is carried
by the team on their A.T.V.s).
Day
2
Stage 4 - An early
start, scramble up Feuars Hill (1000 feet) and savour the views along the
Yarrow Valley - absolute poetry! From here we dip down to the old ford
at Catslackburn - time to make a splash!
We follow the drove road on
to the moor (bumpy!) and head for Traquair. (Packed lunch supplied.)
Stage 5 - takes us up
and over the Minch Moor, taking in the Three Brethren and down to the Tweed
Valley. At this point we are heading east along forest tracks towards
Fairnilee and ultimately our final destination at the Rink Farm near
Galashiels. Our support vehicle meets us and takes the team back to Whitmuir
Hall where a swim/sauna and buffet awaits.
