Students Tom L, Ilya, Louisa, Ollie, Seb and Tom W, along with NCW staff, took a trip to Arthog in Wales for a very wet but adventurous weekend!
Here is an account of what they got up to!…
After an eventful journey comprising of road closures and long diversions, the bus finally pulled up in a soggy field somewhere in Wales just as it got dark. The moment the ignition was switched off – the heavens opened!
Staff and students sprung into action and after a short while the tents were up, which was closely followed by warming hot chocolate and an early night ready for an even earlier start!
Saturday dawned with the promise of some blue sky! After bacon and sausage sandwiches, rucksacks were packed and the group was ready for the planned hike up Cadair Idris. The steep steps were climbed which led to the first stop at Llyn Cau, just one of the the beautiful lakes based in the crater of the mountain. After a further quick stop for lunch, the keen trekkers continued up the mountain, rambling their way up both scree and rocks to the summit!
Of course there was then plenty of time for photo opportunities and a chance to regain some strength and energy before the group began the downhill excursion. Extreme guiding was necessary on the way down as it was a little uneven under foot, but after no major slips or stumbles, the group reached the bottom unscathed! The students did brilliantly, and there wasn’t one “Are we there yet?!”.
Back at the camp, students were hands on cooking up their own meals with little assistance. The camp fire was lit, more hot chocolates were drank and the group chilled out together rejoicing on their challenging but rewarding day.
Students and staff awoke to wind and rain on Sunday, and the forecast was only going to get worse throughout the day so a cooked breakfast was definitely on the cards! After a very quick dismantle of the camp, the group piled into the bus. After a vote on whether to make straight for home or take a slight detour for a walk on the beach, it was decided another windswept stroll on the sand was the order of the day! With the red flag blowing in the howling gale, the sea didn’t look that inviting for a swim so it was off to McDonalds for lunch and home for much needed R&R!
A grand weekend was had by all, and the photos look great!
