After 3 day outings into the mountains of northern Scotland, it was time to set out on an overnight expedition. Whenever we've been on similar trips to this area in recent years, we've undertaken a 3 day, 2 night expedition through the Letterewe and Fisherfield Forests. However, this time, we opted for a change and decided to head further north to explore the lonely peaks … Read More »
An Teallach
Today's outing into the Scottish mountains had a bit of a false start. Having selected to ascend An Teallach, there was no need for transport as we could walk straight out of our accommodation. The other two groups, however, took off with the minibuses to head to different locations. It wasn't until we were almost ready to walk out of the door that we realised … Read More »
A Long Day in the Fannichs
After yesterday's gentle start to the week, I took my group into the Fannichs today. The target was Sgurr nan Clach Geala, with the options of scaling Sgurr nan Each and possibly even Meall a Chrasgaidh as well if the group were feeling strong enough. We started by following the stalkers path, heading south along the banks of Allt Breabaig. It's first time I've walked up … Read More »
A Gentle Start on Cul Beag
Having travelled up to the Scottish Highlands from Shropshire yesterday with 11 students from Ellesmere College, today was our first day out on the hill. Consequently, we opted for a relatively gentle day, and headed into the Drumrunie Forest, north of Ullapoll. Two groups, including mine, ear marked Cul Beag, while the third group went for Cul Mor. The route was always going to be relatively … Read More »
A Level Glaciation in Cwm Idwal
For the last few years, Ellesmere College Geography department have used me for an A level glaciation field trip for their Lower Sixth form students. Having looked around for venues within realistic striking distance from Shropshire, none have matched up to what Cwm Idwal in Snowdonia has to offer. With many glacial features on obvious display, and within a relatively short walking distance from the … Read More »
Indoor Church Abseil
It seems like this indoor church abseil has been a long time coming, but was worth the wait. My older son, Alfie, is due to go on an expedition to Morocco with a group from his school in July. They'll be gone for 2 weeks during which they'll do a mixture of community projects and an expedition up Mount Toubkal. To fund the venture, each of the … Read More »
Canoeing on the River Vyrnwy
Today saw me get out with Chris Hughes, friend and fellow outdoor instructor, and my son Charlie for a paddle on the River Vyrnwy. I must confess that my own canoe hasn't been on the water for a few months now, due to a broken yoke, but today's trip was the perfect motivation to get it fixed yesterday. We met up near Trefnanney this morning to … Read More »
Team Building with Ellesmere Titans
The Ellesmere Titans swimming squad have a training camp running this week. Much of their time is understandably spent in the pool but, even for them, all day in the water gets a bit much. Consequently, the programme has been split up to include a variety of other things. I was asked to come in and provide 3 hours worth of team building exercises for the … Read More »
Tara’s Rock Climbing Party
I was a little surprised to be asked to put on a rock climbing party in the cold of December, but we seem to have got away with it. Two years ago, I was asked to do a high ropes session for Tara's birthday. This time round she was up for something a bit more adventurous and rugged, and was prepared to tyke a chance … Read More »
Team Building with Ellesmere College Lower School
This time last year I was asked to run a team building day with the Year 7 pupils at Ellesmere College. It was a day run for several successive years by Huw Gilbert, a fellow outdoor instructor and friend. Last year, Huw was unable to make it due to a prior booking and asked me to stand in. This year, we decided that we'd try … Read More »
