Our Story

Outdoor Elements: Our Adventure So Far

2001: The Beginning

After three years working at an outdoor activity centre, Jim Bowden made a pivotal choice in 2001 to launch his own venture. Thus, Outdoor Elements was born. From its base in the North West of England, Jim offered a variety of outdoor experiences to a wide range of groups, including climbing, hill walking, mountaineering, canoeing, kayaking, and team building activities.

2011: The Next Level

Together with Lee Bowden (wife of Jim) they decided to take a giant leap of faith and in 2009 started plans to open Outdoor Elements Team Building and Outdoor Activity Centre. With determination and the support of family and friends, they physically built the centre themselves, investing countless hours of hard work. The gates opened to the first visitors to the centre in May 2011 and the centre has since welcomed thousands of people.

2026: A Milestone Year

Celebrating 25 years established, Outdoor Elements has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality outdoor activity experiences. During that time there have been many bumps in the road and as a private business Outdoor Elements has shown itself to be resilient, sustainable and adaptable to change.

Looking Ahead

Outdoor Elements continues to evolve in the fast changing world we live in. As all our lives are influenced by the advancement of technology in an ever more digital world, the need for people of all ages to reconnect with nature and consider our impact on the environment becomes more important. Outdoor Elements is committed to help by providing excellence in outdoor activity experiences to all for the foreseeable future.

Our Mission

To exceed our customers’ expectations in the delivery of premium quality team building and outdoor activity experiences.

Our Ethos and Values

As individuals, we learn through a process of challenging ourselves by stepping outside of our comfort zones. Outdoor Elements believes our role is to facilitate this process within a safe and supportive environment that is inclusive to all. Our instructors are not just there to provide an experience but to encourage participants to learn and grow from it.

Nature, Environment, and Sustainability

Core to our ethos and values is the environment in which we carry out our activities. We are fortunate to have seven acres of beautiful mature woodland as our work place. We consider it our responsibility as custodians of this natural environment to care for it and minimise our impact on our surroundings. It is in all of our interests to protect the assets that have been given to us so that future generations can benefit equally. Outdoor Elements make every effort to recycle and reduce waste, whilst minimising the use of energy and most importantly actively improving the natural environment.