About the RiverDeepMountainHigh experience...
About how we do 'outdoor activities' | Customer Comments | Meet the team | FAQs
About us and how we do 'outdoor activities'
River Deep Mountain High is owned and run by Johan and Emma Hoving. We feel that the world of outdoor activities is not just the domain of cold and wet school trips but that with quality equipment and service, is a pleasurable active way to enjoy the beautiful landscape we are blessed with living in the midst of.
Countering Misconceptions
We established River Deep Mountain High in 2002 on a mission to correct the largely held misconceptions about sports such as open canoeing and ‘the type’ of person that enjoys them. A high percentage of our customers are between 30 and 60 and rather than being 'outdoor types', they are more likely to have never been in a canoe before. They generally make a point however, of saying how much they are looking forward to going out with us again in the future.
We do not see disabilities as a barrier to outdoor activities and pride ourselves on our ability to enable people to achieve what they want to. For example we have taken blind people gorge walking and our canoeists have included wheelchair users, pregnant ladies and aquaphobics.
A Quality Experience
We aim for high quality and try to deliver this throughout. We have chosen equipment that makes for the most pleasurable ride. Our clothing is easy to put on, comfortable to wear when taking part in activities and doesn’t feel like thousands of people have worn it before you. We've also added in services such as one-way journeys on lakes to make the most of the wind and one-way biking journeys to enjoy the downhill trend. We don’t expect you to notice all these things when out with us, we just expect you to enjoy the experience without distraction.
Feedback from 2011
"...The whole experience was without doubt the best thing our family have ever done together, let alone on this holiday!! We have not stopped talking about it..." Read more
"Bearing in mind the quality of the equipment (Petzl harnesses and helmets rather than cheaper less comfortable ones), the excellence of the instructors, the superb hot chocolate and the high quality service RDMH provide excellent value for money." Read the full feedback on our blog
"thank you for a great holiday - it was perfect!"
"Really enjoyed it and members of the group commented that it was one of the best experiences they've had. Would use river deep mountain high again and again (intending to do so)."
"Thank you for a fabulous week in the Lake District. We thoroughly enjoyed all the activities which were fun and organised in a most professional way. Special thanks to Johan for his great instruction."
"Fantastic family run business offerin the real deal lakes adventure experience. Heartily recommended."
"Really enjoyed it. The team were really approachable and very knowledgeable. We'll be back for canoeing next year!"
"Very friendly outfit with a perfect balance between laid back yet professional. Well done and thank you."
"Lovely guide Johan and all staff very helpful. great experience we both really enjoyed our experience and would recommend to everyone!"
"Enjoyed the activity and was well impressed by all the team(Amanda, Brian & Malcom) who dealt with the admin. beforehand and made the activity safe and enjoyable on the day. A very happy bunny."
"Fantastic, warm kit, activity lasted just long enough. Brian was a great guide. He provided us with a history and geography lesson aswell as the activity. Felt very safe in his care. Paul, my boyfriend, who is training to be a mountain leader, says Brian was a fantastic guide. Thanks for a memorable experience!"
Great Feedback from 2010
"Just dropping you a line to let you know how much we enjoyed our kayaking session yesterday. Johan was a great instructor who built our confidence and abilities steadily throughout the day, and to be honest I really didn't want to get out of the water when it was all over. The scenery and weather all contributed to a fantastic, fun filled day. I will be recommending RiverDeepMountainHigh to all my friends and hopefully will be returning next year for the next level."
"Please pass on huge thanks to Johan and Robin for being brilliant instructors on the kayaking trip last Thursday! Its no mean feat encouraging 3 50 somethings and 2 teenagers to hurl themselves down rapids, fall in, get stuck, get cold and still be keen to do another day's kayaking! It was a great introduction, managed with skill!
Its says something about the air of confidence they inspired that I found my self going downstream (bumpily) without a paddle and finding it funny rather than scary!"
"Brilliant level, challenge, fun and enjoyment. Thank you for all your positivity, encouragment and organisation"
"We had a great time doing the gorge walk, even if we did wonder what the hell we were doing walking up a river full of melted snow at the beginning of March (yes, I know - you did say it would be cold!). A big thanks to Johan who was a great leader and thanks to yourself for helping us get organised - i'll recommend RDMH to anyone heading down to the lakes."
"It has definitely inspired us to get into rock climbing a bit more and even buy some equipment. We will look into it down in Kent. We loved our long weekend away in the Lake District and even attempted to cycle around Lake Windermere on Sunday (but did not realise how big it is!)Hope to "hook" up again next time we venture up (excuse the pun)"
"We had a fantastic time and can't wait to come back.The secret of eternal youth is not to be found in a bottle, its wading through a gorge up to your neck in mountain water.As a 46 year old mum, I now remember what it feels like to be six."
"What a fantastic time!! We did a DD day (dad & daughter) and I would strong recommend this experience to anyone. The RDMH team were so friendly, helpful and extremely professional with safety. After this we are looking to book more events. Well done to Matt and Hans for a great day. Kind regards Chris"
