Beaumont School's site manager Anthony Bowden sets off an epic adventure

Beaumont School's site manager Anthony' Ant' Bowden and his son Charlie are off on a summer adventure testing their bushcraft skills to the limit.

They will be joined by fellow wild campers, many who have a huge following on YouTube.

In just a matter of days they two will be embarking on a canoeing and wild camping adventure in Scotland as they make an epic 60 mile journey.

The expedition is designed to raise awareness of the devastating illness Alzheimers and money to help find a cure, after a family member was diagnosed with the condition.

Waving him off on his summer adventure were the children at his school, who got to see the canoe him and his team will be paddling along the canals and the lochs.

Anthony, who lives in Smithills, will taking along the bare essentials with him, and this is his most exciting adventure yet after taking up bush craft four years ago.

The team will start at Fort William to finish at Inverness, which will take in the world famous Loch Ness, where the group will enjoy two days of paddling. The trip is estimated to last five days and five nights.

Anthony, who lives in Smithills, said: "I'll be looking forward to spending quality time with Charlie my 13 yr old son who goes to Rivington and Blackrod school, spending time with good friends and making new ones and the gorgeous scenery Scotland as to offer.

(Anthony and Charlie enjoying the great outdoors)

"The least thing I am looking forward to I would say would be the toilet situation haha. Portages can be tough where you have to lift the canoe out of the water, strap it to a two wheeled trolley and push it to the next location where you can "put in" again."

He added: "I got in to wild camping first to spend time with Charlie in our great outdoors. There is no better place to spend time than our great outdoors.

"We are feeling great ­— a little nervous but feeling very excited about starting the trip in less than two weeks time.

"We have now made over £6000 last night for research into Alzheimers with the very kind donations from our followers which we have immense gratitude for."

Anthony, bought the canoe during lockdown and thanks to the people at the Anderton Centre in Adlington, honed his canoeing skills.

"I would like to say thank you to the Anderton Centre where I have done two weeks training with James and Rachael allowing me to train on the water."

(Anthony at Beaumont School)

Headteacher Stacey Postle said: "Anthony will be leading a forest school in September which will help bring learning to life for pupils.

"We held a special non-uniform day when Anthony brought his canoe in and the children loved it."

People can follow Anthony's adventures on his own YouTube channel at Ant Survive The Night

He urged people who see the canoe of the roof of the car to show their support by sounding the horn.

Sponsor Anthony here 

The adventure:

Start: Fort William in the West of Scotland to finish in the East at Inverness.

Day 1: Banavie, Moy and Gairlochy.

Day 2: First huge Loch, Loch Lochy

Day 3: Fort Augustus were there is a fantastic chip shop.

Said Anthony:" After the fish and chips we then start the two days paddle of the world famous Loch Ness and then on to the finish at Inverness. 5 days and 5 nights in total for the trip."

The Team:

Charlie - Youtube Channel - Charlie Survive The Night

Rick - Youtube Channel - Rick T Outdoor Adventure

Matt - Youtube Channel - Adventure Is Made

Mike - Youtube Channel -TA Outdoors (biggest Bushcrafter in the U.K. on Youtube)

Simon - Youtube Channel -Simon A Bloke In The Woods (another one of the biggest in the U.K.)

Ginger - No channel

Richard - Youtube Channel - Richard Outdoors

Matty - No channel

Simon - Youtube Channel - Simon Eardley (the team's official photographer).