What a day on the mountain!

It could hardly have been a better day on Arkle. We were up at 6.30 am this morning. With the aim of reaching both of Arkle’s two summits, it was important to give ourselves plenty of time. Working in their four teams the pupils set off from our bothy camp after breakfast, each team taking their own route up the first part of the mountain. There are no paths and as you climb higher, moss, grass and heather give way to exposed slabs of rock and easy scree.

Last year the weather conspired against the S Anselm’s team and we backed off after the first, and slightly lower of the two summits. Not so this year! Near perfect weather conditions saw all teams tackle the narrow ridge that links the two summits, with the ‘Red Onions’ breaking the unofficial fasted recorded time by a few minutes. It is never billed as a race, or trying to beat the clock, but when the Red Onions found out at the first summit that they were in with a shout at getting the fastest time there was little stopping them!

The other teams weren’t far behind them. Spectacular views in all directions the reward for the hard work of the ascent.

Swimming at the Adventure School was in order on our return, a hearty supper and happy, if slightly tired faces this evening.

Some updates from the pupils and teachers to follow tomorrow!