The Bear Trail set to get kids back in the great outdoors

Children today are often attached to a tablet, or a phone, or a computer. It’s little surprise when a day out with the family can cost a small fortune, but that is all set to change with the opening of The Bear Trail, Devon’s latest outdoor adventure centre.

The Bear Trail is an innovative and challenging outdoor adventure trail, masterminded by Ben Jordan, a former Captain who served for 5 years in The Rifles regiment of the British Army. Set over a 10 acre site in Wescott, near Cullompton, The Bear Trail features over 16 separate obstacles where children (and adults!) can run, jump and climb their way across zig-zag bridges, high nets and bear-infested mud pits. The course incorporates physical activity, teamwork and creative thinking, giving cubs and grizzly bears alike the chance to push their boundaries and test their limits.

The Bear Trail is celebrating its official Opening Day on Saturday 23rd July. There will be events and activities throughout the day including a series of exhilarating challenges, festival-style face painting and plenty of giveaways.

The project has been driven by Ben’s passion for outdoor learning and the important role it plays in the development of young people. Drawing upon his experience in the army, Ben has created a low-cost assault course that takes play back to its roots and encourages teamwork, ingenuity and, most importantly, a love for the outdoors.

Ben said “I’m delighted to launch The Bear Trail after months of hard work and preparation. The feedback has been overwhelming; we’ve been putting everything in place to make sure that the trail is as fun and engaging as possible and it will be a proud moment when we see the first cubs clambering across the challenges we’ve put together. This project is incredibly close to my heart, particularly because I think positive outdoor experiences and physical activity helped shape my childhood and made me the person I am today.

I wanted to offer families the chance to enjoy that too and be able to remove themselves from the gadgets and computers that seem to be everywhere these days. There’s almost a perception today that playing outside carries new risks, but nothing has changed; we’ve taken every step to ensure that The Bear Trail adheres to comprehensive health and safety standards so that our visitors can enjoy our activities in the safest possible environment. Although, I can’t guarantee that you won’t get a bit muddy along the way!”

Admission is priced at £6.50 per person, whilst children less than 1 metre tall will enjoy a discounted rate of £3.50 and babes in arms will receive free entry; 10% of your admission fee on the Opening Day will also go towards the Cullompton Swimming Pool Campaign. The Bear Cave Café will be open to offer both hot and cold refreshments for when the cubs have tired themselves out, however picnics are also welcome. The course can be booked in two hour slots, which will allow you to complete the trail at your pace. An online booking system will be launching soon; visit www.thebeartrail.co.uk for more details.

The Bear Trail launches on Saturday 23rd July and will be open daily from 10am until 5pm, from 23rd July until 4th September. Thereafter, The Bear Trail will be open Wednesday to Sunday until the 30thOctober (with daily opening hours during the half term week). To attend the Opening Day, join us in Westcott, Cullompton, EX15 1SA – free on-site parking will be available.