Mountaineers return from double summit success

The team are in good spirits after a superb day in the mountains. Heavy overnight rain at the wild camp last night has given way to warm sunny weather with a nice breeze and the sunshine looks set to stay for the next few days.

The target today was the summit of Arkle. At 787m it isn’t the highest mountain in Scotland but with a sea-level start and two summits to take in it provides the perfect challenge for a Year 8 team (with a couple of Year 7). Two teams headed up the escarpment edge, a rocky spur the forms the southern end of the open ascent slopes, and the other two teams skipped up the smooth rocks of the major stream system on the mountain, drinking from the crystal clear pools and scrambling around waterfalls to the first summit.

From the first summit we dropped down into the col that links the two summits. From here a narrow ridge winds its way around to the second summit and we reached the top just after one o’clock. Wispy cloud came and went from the summits, revealing stunning views and then taking them from us.

A quick descent back to the camp and then on to the Adventure School saw us back in time for a swim before supper. Lasagne and pavlova didn&rqsuo;t last long on the plates this evening.

Another chance to swim before breakfast tomorrow and then the Reds will go sea kayaking with the Blues going lobster creeling, with the teams swapping over after lunch.

Everyone is well, some sleepy heads and tired legs but much gained from a good challenge in the mountains!