World Mental Health Day taking place this Saturday (10th October) is a timely reminder that looking after our wellbeing is important at every age.
For Scouts, Guides, Explorers and other uniformed and community groups, getting away together can provide a valuable opportunity to step away from busy routines, spend time outdoors and simply enjoy being together.
Here at LNBP Community Boating in Braunston, the journey itself is part of the experience. Set among the waterways and countryside of Northamptonshire, close to the borders of Warwickshire and South Leicestershire, we offer groups the chance to enjoy a different kind of short break, one where there is time to slow down, explore, relax and reconnect.
The wellbeing of being outdoors
There is something naturally calming about life on the canals.
Away from traffic, screens and the pressures of everyday life, the gentle pace of a narrowboat encourages you to slow down. The changing landscape, open countryside, wildlife and sound of water create an environment where groups can spend quality time together without needing to rush from one activity to the next.
For young people in particular, a boating trip can provide a welcome opportunity to experience the outdoors in a different way. For adult leaders and community groups, it can offer a chance to step back from the usual demands of organising activities and enjoy the experience alongside everyone else.
Sometimes, wellbeing simply means having the opportunity to pause.
A weekend, midweek short break or holiday where the journey matters
Canal boating is wonderfully different from many traditional group holidays.
There is no need to hurry. A day can begin with breakfast together, followed by a gentle cruise through the countryside, stopping to explore a village, walk a stretch of towpath or countryside, or simply enjoy the view.
There can be laughter and conversation, practical tasks to share and quiet moments to yourself. Everyone can play a part, whether that’s helping with the boat, preparing a meal, navigating, steering the boat, working the locks, exploring ashore or simply sitting back and watching the countryside go by.
For Scouts, Guides and Explorers, these shared experiences can also encourage teamwork, communication, confidence, leadership and independence — all while having fun.
Discover so many places at a slower pace
Our boats moored at Braunston provide an excellent base for groups wanting to explore Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, North Oxfordshire and South Leicestershire.
Step ashore and discover countryside paths, canal towpaths, villages and green spaces. Groups can combine boating with walking, nature spotting, photography, outdoor cooking or simply finding a peaceful place to stop for lunch.
Northamptonshire’s countryside provides plenty of opportunities for exploration, while crossing into Warwickshire opens up an even wider choice of waterways, footpaths and rural landscapes. South Leicestershire is also within reach, providing further possibilities for a group short break or residential adventure.
The important thing isn’t how many miles you cover. It’s what you experience along the way.
Time together matters
For community groups, one of the greatest benefits of a residential trip can be the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time together.
A canal boat provides a shared environment where people can talk, laugh, learn and work together. Away from the normal meeting place, school, home or workplace, new friendships can develop and existing ones can grow stronger.
For younger members, it can be empowering to take on responsibility and discover that they can contribute to a team. For older members and leaders, it can be a chance to relax, enjoy the company of others and rediscover the pleasure of simply being outdoors.
And there is something special about sitting together at the end of the day, watching the light change across the water and knowing there is nowhere else you need to be.
Make time for wellbeing
So this World Mental Health Day, why not think about wellbeing in a different way?
You don’t necessarily need an action-packed itinerary. A little can do a lot!
Sometimes the most memorable group experiences come from slowing down, breathing in the fresh air, discovering somewhere new and sharing time together. Whether you’re planning a Scout residential, Guide weekend, Explorer adventure or community group short break, we offer relaxed and distinctive way to experience the waterways and countryside of central England.
Slow down. Get outside. Spend time together. Let the water set the pace.
Your next group adventure could be a journey towards better wellbeing; one mile of canal, one countryside walk and one shared experience at a time.
Plan Your Wellbeing Afloat Adventure
Discover a different kind of group break and find out how a canal boating residential break or holiday with us on our boats could bring your Scouts, Guides, Explorers or community group together.
To talk to us about planning your next group short break, telephone us on 07783 002073 or via email at bookings@lnbp.co.uk
