This week I’ve been working for Birdgwater College, on an outdoor activity week with their MOD engineering apprentices. Working with a great bunch of instructors co-ordinated by Gwilym from Wet and High Adventures. It’s great to get down to Dartmoor for some hill action, and this last week was my first one down there where I didn’t need to put a waterproof on all week! Bridgwater College sent us 30 apprentices, who were hear mainly to bond in the early stages of their course.
We had a 2 day walking exped, with an overnight wild camp. the weather was cool but dry, giving us great views across Dartmoor without being too hot. My group of 5 were great company and reveled in just being outside. A really enjoyable couple of days walking and camping.
Walking on Dartmoor with the Bridgwater College MOD apprentices
Walking on Dartmoor with the Bridgwater College MOD apprentices
Our next day with the Bridgwater College apprentices was at Haldon Forest, a Mountain Bike trail park. My small team put on loads of effort despite sore legs from the previous days, and we enjoyed an amazing day of weather on runs up to red difficulty…
Mountain Biking at Haldon Forest with the Bridgwater College MOD apprentices
Our final day of the week was up at Hound Tor, where the team climbed, scrambled, bouldered and abseiled till they were too tired to carry on! Lots of fears faced and a top effort by all!
Bridgwater College MOD apprentices climbing at Hound Tor
A week away working wouldn’t be the same without a bit of afterwork play, and we managed to get out bouldering at Bone Hill and Hound Tor on a couple of evenings. Great to make the most of the last rays of summer! Its getting cold and judging by the amount of berries on the Rowan trees – I’d say its going to be a good (cold!) winter!
Bouldering at Hound Tor
The sun goes down after an evening bouldering at Bone Hill, Dartmoor