About

Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre is a community‑driven adventure hub offering accessible outdoor activities, learning opportunities and shared spaces for individuals, groups and organisations across Twechar and the surrounding areas. We provide a safe, inclusive environment where people can connect, develop new skills and enjoy the outdoors together.

A peaceful scene of a river running alongside a dirt path, with bare trees on both sides and mist rising from the water, sun shining through the branches in a clear winter sky.
Four people kayaking on a calm body of water with cloudy skies and bushes along the shoreline.
A group of five people kayaking on a calm river surrounded by trees and bushes, with cloudy skies overhead.
A woman with curly hair wearing a black quilted jacket is looking at a row of paddleboards stored vertically on a wall in a shop.
A black bicycle with a battery pack attached to the frame in front of a green sign reading 'Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre' outside a modern building with a black and green exterior.
Exterior view of the Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre building with a green sign.
A modern conference room with a U-shaped wooden table surrounded by black chairs, a wall-mounted TV, large windows facing an outdoor patio and greenery, and a fire extinguisher in the corner.
A spacious conference room with two large wooden tables, black chairs, a wall-mounted television, and large windows with blinds showing an outdoor view.
Indoor bike training room with three bikes mounted on stationary stands, including a pink mountain bike, a gray bike, and an orange bike, with windows covered by gray blinds.
Group of five people with bicycles posing outdoors on a sunny day, wearing helmets, some with sunglasses, standing on a paved path with grassy area and trees in the background.
Group of people paddleboarding on a calm river surrounded by trees with fall foliage.

Our Team

  • A man climbing a rock wall outdoors, wearing a helmet, reaching upward with his right arm, smiling.

    Ash Townshend

    As Centre Manager, Ash leads the day‑to‑day running of Twechar Outdoor Pursuits Centre with a calm, friendly & inclusive approach. With a strong background in outdoor leadership and adventure, he ensures every session is safe, welcoming, and accessible.

    To get in touch please email through to
    info@twecharoutdoors.org.uk

  • A woman in a blue jacket leaning on a wooden gate with a sign that reads "John Muir Way." She is outdoors in a grassy area with a tree behind her and cloudy skies above.

    Lorna Thomson

    Our Business Support Officer Lorna, has a passion for all things outdoors, particularly walking and cycling.

    Lorna will be happy to help with any questions you may have and can be reached on: info@twecharoutdoors.org.uk

  • A woman and a young girl planting a seedling in a garden bed outdoors on a sunny day.

    Meg Ralston

    Meg is our Senior Youth worker, who has over 15 years experience working with the youth of Twechar and beyond. Meg’s commitment to her community is unwavering and takes a pride in delivering the best experience possible for the youth groups she has worked with over the years.

    Meg can be reached at: meg.ralston@twecharhlec.org.uk

Our Instructors

  • Woman on a paddleboard outdoors, wearing a red life jacket, blue jacket, and blue leggings, holding a paddle.

    Meg Ralston

    Meg Ralston has recently qualified as a BCAB level 1 Paddle Sport Instructor Award her continued commitment to Twechar’s youth and beyond is unwavering, she truly wants the young people to have the best time while they gain confidence in the water “I would have loved this when I was younger, I cant wait to see the young people enjoying the space” Meg

  • Man standing on grass holding paddle boards with paddles nearby, wearing blue jacket, black pants, and shoes, next to a black fence and trees.

    Barry Shakeshaft

    Barry Shakeshaft is a personal trainer to trade, and regularly teaches fitness classes, he enjoys eating healthy and staying fit. Barry is passionate about food growing and gardening. Having recently completed his BCAB Level 1 in Paddle Sports Instructor Award. Barry says “I am really excited to get going and helping everyone enjoy the services we have on offer at the new centre, its a fabulous space” Barry

  • Man wakeboarding on a lake with mountains and trees in the background, sky with clouds.

    Barry McPherson

    Barry McPherson a passionate paddleboard instructor and lifelong lover of the outdoors. With over 17 years experience as a fully qualified lifeguard and certified life guard trainer and assessor - safety and confidence on the water are at the heart of everything he does. “whither paddleboarding, kayaking or exploring new ways to enjoy the water - I love helping people develop their confidence and skill” Barry

Our community instructor volunteers

Group of five people preparing for stand-up paddleboarding outdoors with paddleboards and paddles on grassy ground, trees, and cloudy sky in the background.

Our community instructor volunteers have completed a BCAB Level 1 Paddle Board Instructor Award and all have a real passion for giving back to their community,

“its been a fantastic opportunity for me to upskill and to give back feels right, I am really looking forward to it” says Caitlin.

Email info@twecharoutdoors.org.uk with any volunteering requests.