ROAM-ing the Lake District

As you'll be well aware, the search for an adrenaline rush can be risky - but for some, making an informed choice about an activity provider can be just as treacherous. When scrambling up mountains, jumping off cliffs and surfing the waves you want the reassurance that the business providing these thrills are being assessed by an independent body.

A number of incidents in recent years, particularly invoving school groups, have led to calls for activity centres to be more closely monitored and ROAM, or Registered Outdoor Activity Member is an accreditation programme that attempts to tackle the problem. ROAM-registered businesses must be assessed for standards of quality and safety. They will be checked by Malcolm Campbell, a highly-experienced outdoor professional who will examine what the business does and compare it to national codes of good practice.

ROAM will work in conjunction with AALA regulations which only apply to a small part of the sector and have an emphasis on safety rather than quality, instead of both.

Businesses eligible for membership include those who run off-road cycle trails, walks, climbing walls, canoeing courses, kayaking and caving explorations. Outdoor centres and those which offer equipment hire such as bikes, canoes and dinghies can also gain membership – if, of course, they pass that all important assessment process.

Reassured yet? Legendary mountaineer Sir Chris Bonington is. He has backed the registration scheme and endorses the bid provide visitors to the Lakes with a safe activities and a high quality products.

So, the adrenaline-charged amongst you can apparently sleep easy; an element of the ‘blind trust’ has been taken out of choosing an adventure provider in Cumbria. Your own common sense of course, plays a part... but we’ll leave that type of advice to your mum.