The Wilderness Company is a progressive and diverse outdoor activity provider delivering high-quality adventure experiences across the North of England. We specialise in outdoor education, school residentials, and unforgettable activity programmes for schools, families, groups, and businesses. Based in Baldersdale, near Barnard Castle, our location in the heart of the North Pennines provides the perfect setting for authentic outdoor experiences.

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Outdoor Activities in the North of England

We offer a wide range of expertly delivered outdoor activities designed to challenge, inspire, and engage participants of all ages and abilities.
Our activities include:

• Canyoning
• Climbing and abseiling
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking and canoeing

Whether you're booking a school residential, a family adventure, or a group experience, our programmes are designed with safety, quality, and enjoyment at their core.

School Residentials & Outdoor Education

We are proud to support schools across the North of England with high-quality outdoor education experiences. From residential stays at our Baldersdale glamping site to in-school camping packages and day activity programmes, we deliver engaging and educational experiences that build confidence, resilience, and teamwork.

Our Base in Baldersdale, Near Barnard Castle

Operating from our unique glamping site in Baldersdale, we provide a comfortable and immersive base for outdoor activity residentials. Surrounded by stunning countryside, our location allows easy access to some of the best outdoor environments in Northern England.

Crag Pond – Woodland & Water Experiences

We recently acquired Crag Pond, a 50-acre woodland and lake site that represents an exciting new chapter for The Wilderness Company.
This beautiful natural space is already home to our popular Twilight Pizza and Paddle evenings, combining relaxed outdoor dining with water-based adventure. As we continue to develop Crag Pond, we aim to expand our range of unique, nature-led experiences.

Our Approach

At The Wilderness Company, we are committed to delivering high-quality outdoor activity provision with a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and participant experience.
Our team is passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that connect people with nature while building confidence, skills, and lasting memories.

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“We operate across County Durham, The Yorkshire Dales, Teesdale, and the wider North Pennines, its where we live and where we grew up, and where we now are lucky enough to raise our family" Rob & Abi Atkinson, Founders

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The Wilderness Team

We are at heart a group of very passionate people, determined to share our enthusiasm for the outdoor with others.

Rob Atkinson
Opertions Director

Rob spent a childhood in and around Teesdale, a childhood spent scouting and adventuring in the hills of Northern England set Rob on the path into outdoor education. Following a Degree in Outdoor Leadership in the Lake District where he met Abi, Rob spend many years working in independant outdoor centres before taking the plunge with Abi to set up on their own!

Abi Atkinson
​Commercial Director

Abi has been an outdoorsy girl as long as she can remember, so much so that her mum sent her to the climbing wall at 12 as it seemed safer than climbing trees! A passion for outdoors took her to the Lake District for a Degree in Outdoor Leadership, from here Abi became a primary school teacher before heading back into the outdoors.

Rachel Dyke
​Senior Instructor

Rachel started her outdoor journey as an apprentice outdoor instructor over a decade ago! She's always got her smile on her face and when not paddling around a lake with school kids she'll be out on her bike or climbing a cliff somewhere.

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George
Duffy-Mcghie
operations manager

George has always had a passion for being outside, after jobs in marketing and as a postman, George came on board at Wilderness in 2024. George brings organisation and energy to the team and loves being out on activity sessions.

John Noble
instructor

John has been working with young people in the outdoors for decades, his wealth of experience combined with his sense of humour means the kids and staff alike always have a great time out with John. 

Peter Lovatt
instructor

Peter has spent most of his working career as a professional Geologist but 5 years ago Peter came along with his daughter for a work experiencer chat and ended up being roped into a season of outdoor ed! 4 full seasons later Peter is integral to our instruction team.

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​Based in Teesdale on the Durham/Yorkshire border, The Wilderness Company are specialists in school residentials, forest glamping, corporate and group adventure activities across the North East. From our woodland base to the 50-acre Crag Pond venue, we bring nature to life.