Derwent Hill

Day 1

After setting off from school, the journey across the Pennines was fairly uneventful and we arrived at Derwent Hill in good time. The first challenge was to wheel the suitcases up the hilll before meeting Chris, Josh and Cam, our group leaders. The next challenge, hilarious as alwas was making our beds and unpacking our stuff before heading down for pizza and fruit for lunch. Then it was time to separate into our groups and head off on our first adventures.

Group 1 headed straight for the stores and kitted out with some very fashionable tomato suits and boots, which were stashed in the cloakrooms. Following this, we embarked on a tour of the grounds to acquaint oursevles with the area before a spot of challenge on the low ropes course. Having burned off some energy, it was time to put our map reading skills to the test and try our hands at some orienteering, locating images and items from around the grounds of the building.

Group 2 hopped straight into the minibus and headed off for a spot of walking in Borrowdale. After parking up, they walked across to Bowder Stone – one of the most famous stones in the Lake District. Somehow this 2,000 tonne, 30ft tall rock balances at a seemingly possible angle and the children were able to climb and investigate this strange phenomenon.

Group 3 also leapt on a different minibus and headed off into the beautiful scenery of the Lake District. Not having time to scale a complete peak, they parked halfway up Lattrig and headed for the summit. Despite the strong winds, they all made it to the top and managed not to get blown away whilst enjoying the beautiful views across Derwent Water.

After returning to the house, groups 2 and 3 spent some time challenging each other in a quiz as they warmed themselves back up. A short spot of free time in the common room was followed by a huge dinner of either lasagne or curry and then onto the night-time activity – the Derwent Hill Challenge. Each group tackled a range of team building activities, with group 1 emerging victorious.

Finally it was time for pjs, juice and biscuits, a quick debrief and finally bed time, looking forward to our first full day tomorrow.

 

Day 2

 

Our first full day at Derwent started dark but the sunrise brought us lovely views of Skiddaw on one side and Derwent Water on the other side. An enormous breakfast was tucked into before we split off into our activity groups to discover what the day had in store.

Group 1 were on Mountain Walk duty so started off packing everything that we may need before hopping in a minibus and setting off around to Great Wood. Having arrived, we set off on the path through the wood heading up to Walla Crag, following the path up Cat Ghyll. There were a number of steep scrambles needed and the group showed excellent teamwork to support each other on the ascent, making friends with Olla the dog en route. As we climbed we were amazed by the views back across Derwent Water towards Catbells, with Scafell shrouded in mist in the distance. This was nothing compared to the views from the top down onto Keswick and the Borrowdale Valley. We thought it looked like a postcard view – almost too good to be real. The descent was a little easier, with a couple of streams to ford and some well-earned hot chocolate at the lakeside practicing our stone skimming. Finally, we made it back to the bus and headed back to the building via a quick stop for some sweets in Keswick.

In similar fashion, group 2 also stocked up on supplies and headed off for their hill climb up to Dodd summit. When we arrived we immediately had to contend with a steep incline into the woodland. Before long, their hard work was rewarded with amazing views across the valley. All members of the group put in huge amounts of effort to continue to put one foot in front of the other to tackle the almost never-ending inclines. Regular stops to fuel up with parts of their lunch and riddles to keep their mind busy meant that they had reached the top before they knew it. At the top, we stopped to have a celebratory hot chocolate and take in the panoramic views. Unfortunately, this experience was short lived as we had to put on our waterproofs and make our way down as it began to hail. The inclement weather only increased their walking speed, with them making their descent in record time with the goal of a visit to the café finally being in sight. Finally, when we returned to Derwent Hill and looked out of the window at the mountain they had climbed they were hugely proud of their achievement.

Group 3’s day began very differently to the other two. With a trip to the locker stores for the famous waterproof ‘tomato suits’, wellies and buoyance aids, they spent the morning on Derwent Water canoeing. Wearing multiple lays of clothing (due to Mrs Calcutt’s multiple requests) the children enjoyed a calm, (mostly dry) experience, working brilliantly together as a team. Completing a round trip of over a mile, the children made a mid-way stop on the famous ‘One Tree Island’, disturbing many-a-settled bird and dodging the duck poo to display their brilliant paddle skills once again for the return trip to shore. Encouraging each other the whole way and without a word of complaint about the cold temperature, the team truly were able to experience the beauty of their surroundings. After a quick lunch and another trip to stores for a kit of climbing harnesses and safety helmets, the children took to the infamous ‘Big Swing’ climbing up over 30 feet to a platform where the only way down involves a rather big jump. With screams of excitement and a huge sense of achievement, everyone got a chance to test themselves, with most begging instructors for another go!  Well done Group 3! What a sense of accomplishment and it’s only Tuesday.

Back at the ranch, a little bit of free time was well-earned before we sat down to huge plates of pasta and garlic bread to fill our grumbling stomachs. The day, however, was not over as we soon had to layer up again and head of in the minibuses for the night walk. Rather than heading on the usual route, we headed into Keswick to admire the amazing Christmas lights and learn a little about the history of the town and some of its buildings. We even found a Derby County sticker, much to Mr Millett’s delight!

Finally, it was time for pjs, juice and biscuits whilst we chatted about our favourite moments of the day, people who had helped us throughout the day and people who had impressed us in our groups. With a few drooping eyelids, we headed off to bed to recharge ready for tomorrow’s activities.

 

 

Day 3

Wednesday morning began bright and frosty with more beautiful views out over Derwent Water as the mist clung to the base of the mountains. The children piled out of the door to get a lungful of the beautiful crisp air and admire the view. After satisfying our eyes and lungs, it was time to satisfy our stomachs with another amazing breakfast before once again separating into our groups ready to find out what the morning had in store for us.

Unfortunately, Mrs Calcutt had been poorly over night so groups 1 and 2 had to join forces for the day. Some might say double the fun, others double trouble! Canoeing was first on the agenda so we all trekked down to the stores to collect some wellies and buoyancy aids before cutting across the fields to the lakeside. Here some great teamwork was shown to lash together eight canoes to make four rafts to carry us. After experimenting with some turns, we headed out across the water, just as the sun came out to join us giving some wonderful views of the mountains reflected in the lake. In no time at all, we had reached Bird Poo Island. Unfortunately, Bit had lived up to its name a little too much, making it a little too hazardous for an adventure. Unperturbed, we circled the island and headed across to make landfall at the isthmus on the other side of the lake. Hot chocolate (and tea for Mr Millett) was enjoyed before the short paddle back to the marina. Lunch followed before it was time to head to the climbing store for harnesses and ropes, ready for the big swing. Considering there were twice as many children as normal, the groups worked together in record time to support each other by pulling safety ropes and disconnecting people after the swing. Everyone did amazingly well and every single person made it up to the platform, challenging many fears along the way.

Group 3 had the pleasure of Miss Skeen’s company today for their mountain walk and decided that Walla Crag was the perfect spot to enjoy the views on such a clear day. A quick pit stop to collect some boots and provisions was made before they set off in the bus to Great Wood. After climbing up to Cat Ghyll, they made their way up the side of it, pausing to enjoy the spectacular views over Derwent Water. Scrambling, supporting each other and offer hugs when needed, the team made their way to the top and were stunned by the beauty of the panorama in front of them; it was celebrated with an impromptu rap session on the summit before a well-earned lunch was had. With the hardest part done, the team made light work of the descent through the woods to the lakeside to celebrate their achievements with an ice cream stop and stone skimming competitions. From here it was a short trek around the lake back to the bus to return to the centre, tired but proud.

Once the groups were reunited, a short amount of free times was had and hot showers were enjoyed (well enjoyed by some, taken under duress by others). With games played and postcards written it was time for another enormous dinner before the evening activity. Today they had an option. Some of the children stayed in the centre to tackle the Indoor Derwent Hill Challenges with Mrs Calcutt, testing their construction, research and teamwork skills. The rest headed back outside into the grounds for a spot of stargazing. Whilst waiting for the clouds to clear, we talked about the history of stargazing before finally they started to appear. First up was Saturn and Jupiter, followed by Vega and Cassiopeia and finally Polaris.

After another exhausting day, it was time for pjs, juice, biscuits and bed ready for our last full day tomorrow.

Day 4

We awoke once again to beautiful views out of every single window, with a hard frost covering the ground and crystal clear sky. Enormous breakfasts were consumed and the children once again split into their groups to discover what their last full day at Derwent Hill.

Group 1 Gathered together to prepare for their visit to Honister Ghyll. Waterproofs, helmets and buoyancy aids were collected and the group set off on the minibus to Seatoller. A short walk led them to the ghyll where the children held their breath before plunging into the chilly waters. Scrambling, slipping and wading, they began the trek up the gorge, pausing occasionally to clamber over or under a fallen tree trunk. Before long, some of us were waist deep in water but having the time of their lives. Especially when they had the chance to sit under the waterfall! After an hour’s scrambling, the summit was reached, where children had the option to climb through the tunnel under the road or cross over the top. After a short walk and bus ride, we were back at the centre to empty wellies, dry off and enjoy some lunch. Warm and full, we headed off into the forest for a spot of bushcraft, beginning with building some dens, followed by using flint and steels to light their own fires. Finally, we had the chance to toast some marshmallows before some well-earned showers.

Group 2’s morning mirrored that of Group 1, with a very similar visit to Honister Gill. After lunch and hot showers to warm back up, the groups separated and Group 2 headed out into the grounds of Derwent Hill to complete bushcraft activities. The afternoon session started with the children discussing the types of animals that live within the forest and the types of shelter that they need. They then foraged within the forest to find equipment to begin building waterproof and windproof shelters for these animals. Following this, the children learnt how to build a fire before using the fire to heat up water for hot chocolates and to toast marshmallows. Finally, we learnt the art of camouflage and hiding in plain sight by playing a bush craft version of hide and seek. The children loved exploring how close they could stand to the leader without being seen.

Group 3 started the day with the high rope challenge. After a quick trip to stores for harnesses, helmets and ropes, the team demonstrated their amazing climbing skills, racing each other to the top of the climbing frame with super speed. Showing determination and great team spirit , they encouraged and supported each other to climb further and further. After a speedy lunch, the team (after layered up their warm clothes, wellies and waterproofs) following in the other team’s footsteps with a climb up Honister Gill.

Reunited at the centre, the children spent a little time with the sad task of packing some things away before a full Christmas dinner was wolfed down. With full stomachs and tired bodies, it was finally time to chill out under the duvets in the common room whilst we enjoyed movie night before our final sleep.

This will be the last blog as your children will be able to share their adventures with you in person tomorrow evening. We expect to be back around 4pm but will update you with any changes due to traffic. All of the children have challenged themselves in some way or another, supported each other and hopefully made the most of the fabulous surroundings and expert guidance of the Derwent Hill staff. As always, behaviour was extremely good, maintaining the excellent relationship we have with the staff here.

Finally, I would like to say a massive thank you to Mrs Calcutt and Miss Skeen, without whom the trip would not have been possible.

When you brave the horrors that lurk in your child’s suitcase, if you find any clothing that does not belong or a lack of clothing that should belong, please let me know next week.