insideKENT Magazine Issue 100 - August 2020 | Page 13

beauty of the Kent countryside. Opt to either canoe,
kayak or paddle board, whichever you choose it's
sure to be an experience to remember! If you are
feeling less than confident, try one of Canoe Wild’s
private 1-on-1 lessons to get you started, the instructor
will guide you through the basics, and go through
all the safety precautions you will need to feel safe
and happy atop your water vessel of choice. Once
you are comfortable you will be able to race friends
in an adrenaline pumping battle, or serenely bob
down the river taking in the lush green of the river
banks and their overhanging trees. This is an
experience that will leave you feeling relaxed,
refreshed and revitalised as you well and truly get
back to nature.
Air
Our air elemental experience is designed for all you
adrenaline junkies out there. Book yourself an
experience at Headcorn Skydiving centre
(www.headcorn.com), right in the heart of Kent. You
will enjoy a whole new perspective of the Garden of
England from 12,000ft! You will be terrified,
exhilarated and that smile on your face will be going
nowhere once you get your feet back on solid ground!
This is the perfect thrill for first timers as you’ll be
completely safe with one of the skydiving teams
highly qualified instructors strapped to you. After a
30-40 second free-fall your instructor will release
your parachute, and you will even get the opportunity
to steer! One of the best parts of the experience will
be remembering your moment of bravery forever,
and you can immortalise that: ‘heart in your mouth’
moment by getting your jump captured in HD, and
by having 30/50 digital photographs taken by your
very own professional skydiving photographer. Just
remember to say; ‘Cheese!’
Earth
For those who like to keep their feet (or wheels!)
firmly planted on the earth, our final elemental
activity is the perfect family day-out; filled with
action, adventure and the great outdoors. Discover
walking, cycling and orienteering trails; as well as
over 12,000 trees and even the odd Gruffalo!, at the
award-winning Bedgebury National Pinetum
and Forest (www.forestryengland.uk/bedgebury). The
trails, which offer something for all ages and abilities,
wind through the towering conifers with beautiful
vistas including the stunning lake. Bedgebury offers
the perfect spot for a peaceful walk and picnic, or
for an adrenaline fuelled adventure. As well as ample
car parking (currently limited to ensure distancing),
you can hire a cycle and visit the onsite cafe, perfect
for a replenishing pitstop after building up an activityfuelled
appetite. A perfect family-friendly - even the
dog can come too! - day out.
Enjoy these elemental activities and the memories
they bring with some much missed family and friends.
Grab what's left of our summer by the horns; take
on a challenge, get back in touch with nature or
simply splash out on a lavish dinner for two! Whatever
option you go for, we guarantee it will be an
experience you won’t want to forget!
BEDGEBURY NATIONAL PINETUM AND FOREST
© David Jenner
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