We will meet in Penrith on Friday evening before travelling by bus to Glenridding on the shores of Ullswater.

On arrival, we will introduce the equipment, complete the final packing and prepare the packrafts for the journey. Once everything is secured, we will paddle down Ullswater to a suitable wild campsite, where we will establish camp for the night.

The exact campsite will depend on the weather, wind, available daylight and the progress of the group.

After breakfast, we will prepare and pack the boats for the overnight journey, looking at weight distribution, waterproof storage and keeping essential equipment accessible.

We will begin on Ullswater, developing open-water paddling, group communication, capsize recovery and simple rescue skills before starting the journey onto the River Eamont.

As we travel downstream, the focus will move towards introductory river running. We will practise reading the flow, using eddies, ferry gliding, choosing suitable lines and deciding when features should be paddled, inspected or portaged.

The River Eamont joins the River Eden, which we will follow towards Mains Farm near Kirkoswald.

After setting up camp, the evening will cover expedition routines, including cooking, water purification, equipment care, packraft repairs, first aid and emergency planning.

After breakfast, we will review the weather, river levels and journey plan before packing the boats and returning to the River Eden.

During the journey to Armathwaite, participants will take increasing responsibility for identifying hazards, selecting lines, communicating decisions and helping to manage the group.

We will continue developing moving-water, rescue and throwline skills while working through practical scenarios involving capsizes, cold-water immersion, injuries, damaged equipment and changes to the planned route.

At Armathwaite, we will leave the river, deflate and pack the boats before returning towards the starting area by train.

The course finishes with a review of the journey, individual feedback and advice on equipment selection and progression towards longer packraft expeditions.

The exact route may change depending on weather, river levels, fallen trees, access, train services and the needs of the group. Adapting the plan and making sound decisions are fundamental parts of expedition travel.