Why Us?

25 years experience as a worldwide operator and provider in the adventure industry.

Proven track record of providing professional training in the UK and as far a field as the Himalayas.

Our facilities - tailor designed with possibly the largest and most diverse range of activities and courses on our own sites.

Highly qualified, experienced and active international coaches working in the Academy.

We offer professionally recognised qualifications, not just personal skill awards.

Very low Student to Instructor ratios.

Friendly comfortable learning environment with individually structured lesson plans for each student.

Intensive practical programme combined with a of lecture series to give you in depth knowledge on all areas of the industry including current guidelines, regulations and working abroad.

A comprehensive record of your training and personal post course guidance towards going straight into a working role.

The Old Vicarage Adventure Centre

The centre has been operating since 1984 and has a proven track record operating in the outdoor industry. We offer the largest selection of activities and the most diverse range of programmes of any UK centre. From children to adults courses, taster sessions to National Governing Body Awards, UK and international expeditions, the centre and our team have been at the forefront of the industry for nearly 25 years.

Course Director

ANTHONY EDDIES-DAVIES is one of the original founders of the centre. Anthony has been actively coaching adventure sports for 25 years and has been involved at the top end of this industry with first hand knowledge and experience of all areas of the work. His love of adventure has led him to leading expeditions world wide including first descents, working on Discovery Channel productions, being a technical expert for AALS and training the UK emergency services. With over 15 years experience guiding throughout the Himalayas he is one of three partners involved in the set up of the first ‘International River Guide Course’ being run in Nepal in 2009. Anthony will be personally overseeing the Instructor Academy programme and will be training and examining most of the formal Qualifications.

Head Instructor / Academy Manager

BILL BROWN – has been the Centre manager for nearly 10 years. He has had a life long passion for adventure sports and has accompanied Anthony on many expeditions around the world including leading the centres own range of international courses. He is highly experienced in coaching adventure sports and is responsible for the day to day operations. Bill heads the centres permanent team of staff and will be running the daily programme of the Instructor Academy and will monitor student progress to ensure each participant gets the most from the course.

Hiday Sharon - has over 10 years in the outdoor pursuits industry, leading a variety of activities, Hiday’s passion & speciality is in climbing and mountaineering. He has 15 years of personal experience which has taken him all around the U.K., Europe, Asia and Africa. As an M.I.A Hiday will be responsible for the Climbing Wall Award and Single Pitch Training elements of the academy.

The Instructing Team

The centre has a permanent team of qualified and experienced staff, each with their own passions in various activities. They will work directly with you in developing your personal skills.

The key to this scheme is high staffing ratios and small groups to ensure you own requirements are met and that you can get first hand advice and coaching tailored to your needs.