Last updated 16:43, Friday, 03 October 2008

ENJOYING the outdoors has been a way of life for Carol Emmons and Richard Sagar. The two have been involved in outdoor pursuits from a young age and loved it so much they made a career from it.

Carol Emmons and Richard Sagar (and Sam the dog) with one of their training kayaks at the Carolclimb Field Centre

Carol and Richard run Carolclimb, a remote field centre based in a 15th century farmhouse in the Ennerdale Valley. Set up 12 years ago by Carol, the business has grown into one of the main outdoor pursuits centres in West Cumbria.

Running courses and adventures for all ages and abilities, the centre covers almost every outdoor activity available from ghyll scrambling, navigation and mountain leading to walking, kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

But the business evolved from Carol’s keen interest of being outside. “I remember thoroughly enjoying my school trip so that was probably the first moment when I became inspired by the outdoors,” said Carol. “I went on to take a social science degree at Nottingham University and while I was there I joined the climbing club.”

Carol, originally from Leicestershire, moved to Cumbria 16 years ago but has climbed and paddled throughout the UK, Europe, North America and Canada. She has also worked in outdoor education since 1984 in Scotland and the Lake District.

Richard, on the other hand, served his time as a lithographer in the printing industry but always had an interest in fishing and the outdoors.

Richard, originally from Lancashire, said: “I took a course at Brathay Hall and it was then that my love affair with the Lakes District began. I would drag my poor brother with me around these mountains almost every weekend; I would say we easily spent 48 weeks of the year climbing in Langdale.

“Consequently I got into fell running and orienteering then had the chance of a printing job in Carlisle in the mid-70s.”

Once in Cumbria his career took a change in direction and Richard went into residential training working with children in care. He eventually went freelance in 1989 but his love of the outdoors led him to get involved in numerous National Trust projects.

Working on a wide range of courses and activities for national and international companies, schools, LEAs, Outward Bound and Princes Trust volunteers has meant Richard has developed a skilled background in mountaineering, rock climbing and skiing in the UK and Europe.

The centre works with school parties, family groups, individuals, work colleagues on team building expeditions and even stag and hen parties, all of whom can stay for the day or up to a week at the centre.

“We’ve just had a group of firefighters in from Sellafield recently; we took them canoeing which was great fun for them and us,” explained Carol.

“The beauty of this job is being able to work with different people of all ages and abilities for what ever the reason they come to the centre which could be for training purposes or just for enjoyment.”

Through their years of experience Carol and Richard now offer extensive instructor training, advice and development courses.

“Our mountain leader training course runs for six days of which five are assessment days. That course enables people to take groups walking up mountains; it’s the first step to achieving a mountain instructor certificate,” Richard explained.

“In Kayaking and Canadian canoeing we can teach anything from basic skills to star awards which certifies people as instructors in the activity.

“Something which all our courses provide is development. From ghyll scrambling to mountaineering we aim to build teamwork, confidence and communication skills. Because we can mould a course around the needs of our customers we can adapt our training style and techniques.”

Carol explained: “Because we have such a broad range of customers our job is continually enjoyable; it never gets boring.

“Turning a hobby into a career and being able to spend all your time doing outdoor activities makes this the best job ever.”

For more information on training and development courses at Carolclimb visit www.carolclimb.co.uk; email www.carolclimb@tiscali.co.uk; or call 01946 862342.