About us
Established in 1984 by Brian and Jane Eddies-Davies, The Old Vicarage was converted from their family home into hostel accommodation. In 1988, with their son Anthony becoming the UK’s youngest Senior Instructor at the age of 18, he joined his parents in setting the centre up as predominantly a provider of activities. A few years later the site expanded and the centre now operates from its 30 acres. By 1998 Anthony had taken over the running of the business, with his wife Stephanie running ‘Country treks’ and the horse riding part of the business.
Now over 25 years later the Old Vicarage Adventure centre is renowned as a fine activity centre, offering one of the largest ranges of activities, on its own sites with its own permanent team of staff of any UK provider. It offers a wide range of specialist adventure courses, training and expeditions throughout the world, and in 2010 expands its operations into Nepal with its own centre specialising in kayak and rafting, courses, trips and training.
Anthony Eddies-Davies – has always had a drive for adventure. He has worked in the industry as an instructor and coach at the top end of many sports for over 20 years and has been involved with countless worldwide expeditions. From his first Himalayan peak at the age of 21 to more recent work with the Discovery Channel on a first river descent in Bhutan, his passion and experience in this industry is what still drives the centre forward today. Anthony is a BCU level 4 coach and coaches adventure courses at all levels through to providing the current UKCC Coaching awards. He is one of only a handful of UK trainers for ‘Rescue 3 International’ offering the only recognised water rescue training and certification to river professionals and the emergency services, as well as being a qualified Rescue Boat Operator. Anthony is an experienced and qualified climber and mountaineer with the centre being a provider of MLTE courses, and is both EMT trained and a first aid trainer. Amongst the multitude of other qualifications in the outdoor industry Anthony also holds a recognised UK teaching qualification to work in training or tutoring role.
Anthony is the director of ‘The Outdoor Instructor Training Academy’ run by the centre, and joint director of ‘The International river guide training program’ run annually in Nepal.
Presently he is involved with the development of the centre's new site in the Himalayas.