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Scotland (Easter 2007)
In the first week of the Easter holidays a lucky group of nine students got the chance to go up to Scotland for week of AT, which would consist of three days ice climbing (hopefully ending with us reaching the summit of Ben Nevis), one day climbing and one day Canadian canoeing.
The first and last day would consist of the long journey to and from Scotland, which would take approximately 8 hours each way. During the journey up most people took the chance to catch up on some much needed sleep to prepare us for the days ahead.
The first evening was used to sort out all kit for the next few days of ice climbing, including everyone having to fit their crampons onto their boots which is an interesting feat in itself, for anyone who has never used them before, let alone walking in them!!!!!
Day 1 - The Cairngorms
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/scotland071.jpg");)
On the first day we travelled to the Cairngorms where, once split into two groups, we would trek into the range with full bergans to get to the snow where we could then practice some new skills and get to know some of the equipment we would be using.
Once we had reached the snow the crampons were put on. For most people it was the first time walking in them and watching everyone moving around as if they had a beach ball between their legs to avoid the spikes on the edge of the crampons is surely an experience we will not forget. Once we had practised walking up, down, sideways and across rocks we started our first climb up a steep slope of snow. Not realising how demanding wearing crampons is compared to normal hill walking boots this took us longer then we had expected but as we came across the top and out of the shade into the sun glistening off the snow it was a beautiful sight and well worth the climb. After a brief stop for lunch we headed across to a place well known for snow holes. The snow holes were definitely not what I expected, the two that we went into represented huge caves rather than small holes!
With learning so many new skills and seeing some amazing views we were all thoroughly looking forward to the next day, especially after a helping of Mr Shooter’s mild garlic bread accompanying one of Mr Dufton’s famous meals.
Day 2 - The Gondolas
After a short cable car ride we started, once again, to head for the snow. We spent most of the day throwing ourselves off ledges and then trying to stop ourselves using our ice axes. Having perfected this extremely important skill, we went on to building anchors using just dug into a lot of snow. To test these we attached ourselves to the end of a rope which, in turn, was attached to the anchor and proceeded to run down the hill! They held!! Now we had perfected these we really put them to the test by using them to secure ourselves as we ascended the hill. Once everyone was at the top we learnt another new trick. This involved digging a horseshoe in the snow/ice and running a rope through it which, once attached to us would hold our weight as we abseiled down. Another thoroughly enjoyable day ending with a wonderful meal courtesy of Mr Dufton and some not-so-mild garlic bread from Mr Shooter.
Day 3 – The Ben
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/scotland072.jpg");)
The day which all of us had been looking forward to most and an achievement which, once completed, was something to be immensely proud of, especially as we were only the second Welbeck expedition to make it to the summit and we didn’t go up the tourist route! This day really put into practice all the skills that we had learnt over the previous two days as well as requiring great team work.
As is the tradition the day ended with an incredible meal from Mr Dufton and an even stronger garlic bread from Mr Shooter.
Day 4 - Climbing
![Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC)](javascript:PopupPic("/trips/images/scotland073.jpg");)
A change of pace today with a relatively long lie-in. During the day we each did multiple climbs with different levels of difficulty and most got the chance to lead a climb. The sun was shining, it was a glorious day and at the end we got the chance to zip wire from the top to the bottom of the rock face. Brilliant! The garlic bread was more potent than ever!
Day 5 - Canadian Canoeing
From being at the highest point in Britain a few days ago we now took to the water. A lack of control for some of the canoes proved a slight issue when trying to stop! However, being Welbexians we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and made the most of our time on the water, despite being tired, wet and cold. Being the final night we went all out on the garlic bread (at least one clove per slice!) and Mr Dufton outdid himself with 6 roast chickens and we finished the meal with Ma’am Shooters amazing chocolate bread and butter pudding. Despite being physically exhausted, full of food we still managed to finish the evening with a good old morris dance (with a difference!).
A brilliant week was had by all and thanks must go to the four staff members, Mr Dufton, Mr Worral, Mr Shooter and Ma’am Shooter, who helped make it such a memorable trip.
Sophie Spencer-Small, Portland 05E
