Teams return from the mountain

Yesterday evening, after supper, we left for the short journey to the foot of Arkle and our wild mountain base camp. We have used the same spot at the old stone stables as a launchpad for expeditions into the mountains for over 50 years. It is a beautiful spot in any weather. We had a dry night with a good breeze. Tents were pitched quickly, water collected from the burn and long-drop loos dug as the light began to fade. With head-torches on the boys and girls settled into their respective tents.

The old stone stables doubles as a field kitchen where we prepare breakfast. Cups of tea, cereals, bread and jam and baked beans with boiled eggs.

The four separate teams set off in their own time with their instructor, picking different routes up the open south east slopes towards the first summit. From here the routes converge and drop to a col between the two summits before a ridge rises and narrows barring entry to the second summit. The narrow section requires a little more care and some close team work. It was pretty eerie as the cloud rolled in and out. The teams tackled the ridge well and the last team had reached the second summit by 1pm.

We were back at the Adventure School by late afternoon with time for a swim before supper. A great effort from all the young folk today. A big day designed to be a challenge.

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