Northern Odyssey September 2026

65 Degrees North delivered Northern Odyssey, a multi-activity adventure week based at Northern Outdoor’s Golden Hills location in Belford, Northumberland.

Set amongst the spectacular landscapes of Northumberland, the programme brought together a group of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans who had not previously met each other. Over the course of the week, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges and, most importantly, support and look out for one another.

The fully supported programme combined a wide range of outdoor activities, delivered in a safe, inclusive and encouraging environment by experienced and qualified instructors. Activities included climbing, abseiling, bushcraft, whittling and spoon carving, axe throwing and coastal rowing, alongside walking and exploration of the Northumberland coastline.

The group also spent time at Tynemouth Rowing Club, where Head Coach Heather McDermott introduced them to coastal rowing through erg work, technique training and on-water drills. The visit also provided an opportunity for 65 Degrees North to connect with local veterans' organisations, including Veterans at Ease, Forward Assist, Operation Veteran, Prudhoe Veterans Club and Mindful Step, strengthening relationships and exploring how greater collaboration could help veterans across the North East.

The final stage of Northern Odyssey took the group to Coldstream on the River Tweed for a kayak expedition and an overnight stay on a river island. The expedition provided a fitting final challenge, requiring the group to work together, support one another and put into practice many of the qualities developed throughout the week. The journey continued along the Tweed to Paxton House, where the programme concluded.

Building confidence through shared adventure

Northern Odyssey was about much more than the individual activities. The week was designed to create an environment where participants could challenge themselves at their own pace, discover new capabilities and develop confidence through shared experiences.

A group of individuals who arrived as strangers gradually developed into a cohesive and supportive team, encouraging one another through unfamiliar and sometimes challenging experiences. The combination of adventure, teamwork and time spent together created opportunities to build trust, camaraderie and a stronger sense of connection.

The week demonstrated the power of shared experiences in the outdoors. By bringing together people with similar experiences and challenges, Northern Odyssey provided an opportunity to develop relationships, build confidence and create a sense of belonging while experiencing some of the most spectacular landscapes that Northumberland and the River Tweed have to offer.

A week of challenge, adventure, teamwork and connection and a memorable experience for everyone involved.

From our participants on completion of the package:

"Just walked through the door! I'm shattered, my back is killing me and I got super emotional on the train but I can honestly say this has been one of the best weeks of my career so thank you to every single one of you for being you. If any of you find yourselves in the Portsmouth area please don't hesitate to reach out!"

"Just a massive thank you to the 65DN team and everyone else who made this week so enjoyable and worthwhile! 65DN keep doing what you are doing, you are truly inspiring and amazing people!"

"All I can say is thank you. To all the organisers and support staff, I couldn’t have wished for a better week. And even though my body is in pain now, I look forward to what else I can be involved in."

From Dan at Northern Outdoor: 

"A massive thank you to all the staff and guys at 65 Degrees North for such a brilliant week. It was lovely getting to know everyone and seeing the effort, encouragement and good spirit you brought each day. You all did an amazing job, and Caz, Richie and I truly loved putting the week together and being part of it."