Two weeks of expeditions: An Instructor’s Perspective
Although one should not have favourites, the two-week expedition summer camp is absolutely my favourite course at the adventure school. It is equally as intense as it is nourishing, giving young people a chance to develop friendships, challenge themselves and gain a deeper appreciation for the places they walk, swim, and kayak in.
Awe-struck or gobsmacked?
The location is pretty “out-there”. The far northwest of Scotland. It is exciting! The adventure school sits alone on the shores of a remote sea loch, far from the nearest habitation. It offers that feeling of a truly wild and remote place. For the young people who join the camp, there is a feeling that the adventure school exists in its own little world.
Usually, on arrival, we take the newly formed teams to the top of a hill above the adventure school, where we can point out the mountains that they will be hiking the next day. It is at this moment that there is a bit of a stunned silence. For many, this is their first big multi-day expedition. Rightfully so, this is bigger than anything they have done before. For many, the view out to the mountains on the first day is a gentle realisation that yes… this is not going to be easy.
Building a Team
As instructors, we get to see the young people’s confidence grow over the two weeks as they develop both as individuals and as part of their team. We have the joy of working with young people from all around the world, each bringing a completely different perspective. Yet the success of the two weeks for each team of eight or nine depends entirely on how well they pool their unique perspectives and skill sets.
It is incredible what you can pack into two weeks when you are out on expedition. For at least six of the nights, we will be out camping in the mountains, on beaches beside our sea kayaks or along the coast at Cape Wrath. This is when life is at its most simple. No phones, no distractions, only what you have carried on your back or in your kayak.
At first, you get the odd groan that they will not be able to use Snapchat or check the results from their favourite football team, but after a couple of days, that sentiment is entirely forgotten, and the simplicity of life with just a backpack and some new friends takes over.
A Real Adventure
What makes instructing at Ridgway Adventure unique is its location. A place where the mountains meet the sea with a little bit of magic in between. The experience of the young people is, of course, different to that of the instructors, but the things that will stun and amaze a young person will likely excite me too – for these are real adventures, and seeing an eagle soaring up from the cliffs at Cape Wrath or paddling a kayak just a few feet from an overly curious seal never gets old.
The Little Moments That Stick
The highlights of the two-week summer camps for me are the simpler moments. Seeing your group appreciating a sunset on the horizon, leading them through cloud high on Foinaven as it clears to reveal incredible views, or the moment they finally perfect mashed potatoes on a camping stove. These smaller moments are what I believe form the strongest memories that the young people take home with them. There is no doubt that it is a challenging two weeks for them. There will be highs of course, but they’re not going to come easily. I think what they take home from the two-week summer camp is absolutely worth the effort.
Written by Ben (Instructor at Ridgway Adventure 2024, 2025 and 2026)
About Ben
My first visit to the northwest Highlands was just after leaving school, during a long summer with not many plans. Some friends and I packed up a rickety 1990’s VW Polo, took some camping gear and Ralph Storer’s “100 Best Routes on Scottish Mountains”, and headed north. After an epic summer of adventures, the place that really left a mark on me was the northwest Highlands.
Ten years later, I cannot quite believe these are the same mountains that I am now instructing in. This trip kick-started a myriad of personal adventures: hiking across the Pyrenees, remote trips across Scandinavia, and many cycling adventures, including the length of the United Kingdom, towing a sewing machine. (Don’t ask…)
Going into my third season working with Rebecca and Mark, I hope my own passion for the natural world can inspire the next generation of adventurers through their time with us at Ridgway Adventure.
