Obstacles, climbing, archery and more on a fun-filled adventure day organised by Groups Direct
Does your group fancy an adventure?
Essex Outdoors offers experiences and adventurous expeditions for groups of all ages. There are four centres across Essex – Bradwell, Danbury, Harlow and Mersea – all with great transportation links, and offer an abundance of challenges and activities to suit everyone.
Our group visited the largest of Essex Outdoors’ sites on the island of Mersea, near Colchester. There are 20 separate activities altogether at this location, and for this day we had three activities planned: An adventure and obstacle course, high ropes, and archery.
Groups can tailor their activities around their likes and dislikes, so if someone in the group is afraid of heights, you can choose to do the low ropes for example, or skip the ropes altogether.
Before setting off on this adventure day, ensure all attire is comfy and prepared for all weather conditions, as come rain or shine, the activities will still continue.
Overcoming obstacles
Our first activity of the day was the adventure and obstacle course. We were given a bucket of water which we had to complete the course with, and it wasn’t allowed to touch the floor for the duration.
Once we named our bucket of water, we began the first challenge which was to climb a brick wall. There were ropes available to help us pull ourselves up and classic climbing wall aids attached for us to use.
This was a great team building exercise, as two people from our group could sit on the top of the wall and help pull others up – trust is essential.
Once all the team and the bucket were over the wall we could progress to the next challenge.
The monkey bars posed the biggest challenge for our group – upper arm strength was not our forte, but again with the help of fellow team members we were all able to complete it.
The challenges were all heavily focused on working as a team. The seesaw obstacle saw our group attempt to find balance in order to lift the seesaw off the ground for a length of time. Competitiveness and frustration appeared on this challenge, as getting the weight distributed correctly was posing more difficult than expected.
More obstacles were completed and once at the end, the bucket was finally used.
As a team, we had to plug as many holes in the tube with our fingers. Once all of the holes were closed, the water was poured down the middle. When the water was at the top we were able to release it. Timing is everything to ensure you don’t get soaked.
These were just a few of the challenges on this course and some were easier than others. This whole course definitely requires an essence of team work – an entire group wouldn’t get far without it.
Reaching new heights
Heading over to the high ropes, nerves were also high. This challenge requires a good team who can encourage each other, as we found out on the day.
Once all geared up with our harnesses and helmets, there were different levels to climb before reaching the end.
First climb up an angled beam, then climb the ‘staples’ in a wooden post. You will then come to a wire which you will walk across – here you have a rope to hold on to – and once over to the other side, more staples are to be climbed. Now you are at the highest point of this obstacle, the last thing to do is walk across a wooden beam – finding balance was hard as there was no rope at this point, and once in the middle you crouch down and gently fall back off the beam.
As you climb higher and higher, the views across the sea become incredible, and that’s a great reason to keep climbing.
Aim for gold
Archery was our third and final activity of the day; the team spirit dispersed and the inner challengers within came out.
After the safety briefing we were free to shoot our arrows. Archery was harder than it looked, but with a few practices we were hitting gold.
This was a great way to wind down after the adrenalin rush of climbing great heights.
Where to stay
Essex Outdoors, and the Mersea centre in particular, are not short on accommodation for your groups.
Mersea has 148 beds in indoor accommodation, and tents are available for up to 300.
Blackwater Village can accommodate 54 people in nine cabins with three sets of bunk beds in each, all with disabled access.
The cabins are not en suite, however excellent toilet and shower facilities are available at the centre of the site and bedding is not provided, but can be arranged.
Camping is also an option in its own hardy patrol tents, which can be combined with cabin accommodation to suit your group’s needs.
Want to create the perfect camp? Marquees are also available to hire, and newly added are 16 Traditional 'Bell tents' which can accommodate up to 80 people in total.
Onsite is a dedicated catering team who can provide high quality, affordable meals to suit any visit.
