In our constant drive to ensure customer satisfaction we now have an online feedback from that can be filled in by teachers and group leaders from our website.

Go to http://www.ghyllheadoec.com/feedback to leave us feedback on your visit to the Centre.

As fuel costs increase we are aware of the impact this is having on organisations booking coaches to bring groups to the Centre. To try to reduce this cost Manchester City Council asked a number of coach companies to tender quotes for coach and minibus hire.

The most competitive price for a delivery and a return trip was from Orion Coaches as follows:

53 Seater         £498
31 Seater         £390
16 Seater         £300

This price was quoted on the basis that Orion would be the recommended Company and if the majority of schools use them they are likely to get a considerable amount of business.  It would be helpful if whenever possible, schools would book their Ghyll Head transport with this Company.  Bookings will be made directly with Orion Coaches and not through Ghyll Head.  If there are any problems with the service provided this will be an issue between the school and the coach company, but if Ghyll Head is copied in to any correspondence then the arrangement can be monitored.

Contact details for booking

Orion Coaches, PO Box 15, New Bank Street, Manchester, M12 4AE
Contact person  - Ged Queenan, Dave Sweeney
Tel:  0161 273 3895
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please quote Reference no GhyllH/01 when booking.

When arranging transport for a Monday -Wednesday or a Wednesday - Friday course please liaise with the school who have booked the other half of the week in order that the coach on the Wednesday can be full both ways.  This should enable some additional savings.

You can now download this years application form for the Summer Expeditions from the documents section of the site. For more information on the expeditions visit the Courses >Expeditions page.

                        1st place           Barlow HS      

                        2nd place           Burnage HS     

                        3rd place           Trinity HS, Abraham Moss HS

Once again the standard of competition was remarkably high.  All the young people rose to the challenges that were presented and gave 100% effort.  We retained the usual format with a navigation exercise on Friday evening when the teams were sent off into the darkness unaccompanied, to make their way to a rendezvous on the far side of the hill.  On Saturday each team of ten had to reach a mountain summit despite the difficulties presented by the weather.  Saturday evening was taken up with a team problem solving exercise, followed by planning for the following day.  This involved choosing, from a long list of problem solving activities, which activities they would attempt in order to score maximum points.  Sunday proved to be a very tiring day with the pressure to complete the problems as quickly as possible in order to move on to the next activity.

Points were awarded for success in the activities, good teamwork, behaviour around the house, sportsmanship and the ability to socialise with the other groups.

There are certificates of achievement for all who took part, but there is also a trophy, to be retained for the year, which will be presented to the winning team.

Thanks to all of the members of staff who gave up their time to bring the students to the Centre and well done to all of the students involved.

2007 was an exciting year for us with the new improvements to the Centre as well as our 40th Anniversary.

We said goodbye to two valued members of staff both Paul and Lucy have left to have adventures in far off places, with Lucy going to Canada and closer to home with Paul heading up to Scotland.

We welcome two new members of Staff, Mel Sugden who started in October and Lisa Whetter who will hopefully be starting in the next term both very experienced teachers who have been working in outdoors for many years.

The Centre bookings are looking very good for the year ahead though there are still a few places available up until the summer, if you are thinking of booking for the Autumn term its worth getting in touch early to avoid disappointment.

Finally 2008 will mark the end of an era for the Centre with Dave Rogers the long standing Head of Centre due to retire in August, we wont let him disappear without a good send off so keep your eyes open for more news later on in the year.

The Bird camera has now been re-sited and is back online, it has 8 new pre set views. We have already seen a Lesser spotted woodpecker on one of the hangers. If you are viewing the cameras and see something of interest why not save a snapshot using the button provided and send us an e-mail.

We have the following National governing body awards courses and general Adult skills courses running in 2008.

These courses always prove popular and usually fill up quickly so please book early to avoid disappointment

All are based in the Bungalow with the exception of the February Hill walking course that is based in the Main House.

• 15th-17th 2008 February Hill Walking Weekend
• 30th March- 5th April Mountain Leader Training
• 30th March- 5th April Mountain Leader Assessment
• 30th March- 2nd April Walking Group Leader Training
• 27th-29th June Introduction to Sailing Weekend
• 27th-29th June Single Pitch Award

15-17 February 2008 

New Year's resolution to get fit?   Have an enjoyable weekend of healthy exercise at Manchester City Council's Outdoor Centre on the side of Lake Windermere. 

Beginners or experts - a choice of walks will be available.  Come along and just enjoy the walks or practice navigation skills and learn how to journey safely on the hills.

Good food and accommodation.  Rucksacks, boots, waterproof jackets and trousers are available.

All inclusive cost £92 per head.

You can download an application form from the documents page.