Derwent Hill 2025

Day 1

After setting off in the rain from school, we arrived in even heavier rain at Derwent Hill. Luckily the staff were waiting for us and we were soon in the dry for the welcome briefing. Introductions over, the children were sent upstairs with their cases to unpack and make their beds. Yes you heard that right – they can now make their own beds! Once the hilarity of that was all sorted, the children headed downstairs for a quick spot of lunch before joining their activity groups, meeting their instructors and getting some kit together ready to brave the weather.

Fresh from the stores, groups 1 and 2 hopped on the minibus and set off in search of the Gruffalo trail in Whinlatter Forest. Here the children made the most of their new ‘tomato suit’ waterproofs to find the biggest possible puddles to jump in. In amongst the puddles, the children looked out for the hidden Gruffalo characters and various dens to try and take shelter from the urelenting rain. There was also the challenge to blindfold each other and attempt to find a route to particular trees.

Group 3 stayed in the grounds of the building to do a spot of orienteering – not an easy task considering the weather. Starting off small, the children worked their way up from finding specific markers on the outside of the building before heading further afield to find secret caches of household goods strung up in tress around the grounds.

Group 4 went for a quick of tour of the grounds before also hopping in a minibus and heading on down to Derwent Water itself. As with the first groups, there was plenty of puddle jumping involved in the short walk from the car park down to the lakeside. This was slightly bigger than puddles but did not stop plenty of jumping, splashing and generally giving the waterproof suits a very rigorous testing alongside some stone skimming.

As all the groups returned in rather waterlogged conditions, there was a little chance to dry off and enjoy some free time in the common room before a well-earned meal. That was certainly not the end of the days tasks though asit was now time to get back into the slightly soggy waterproofs and head back into the (now really quite heavy) rain for the night walk. Some of the groups went off in the minibus whilst others set off on foot from the centre to meet them halfway. The various routes all led down to the marina in one way or another before heading back through the village to Derwent Hill.

Warm dry pyjamas were found, juice and biscuits were enjoyed and we all sat and discussed what tomorrow would bring before making our way off to bed. It was not long before children and staff were fast asleep ready for our first full day.

With the weather as it was, it was very hard to get any pictures today but we will endeavour to get some up on the facebook page tomorrow as the weather is supposed to be a little bit nicer.

 

Day 2

After every single dormitory settled really well for bed on our first night, everyone was up bright and early ready for our first full day. An enormous breakfast was enjoyed by all before joining up with our groups ready to find out what the day’s activities had in store.

Group 1

Group 1 started their day off with a picturesque journey up to Whinlatter Forest in preparation for their gorge scrambling activity. After gearing up with helmets (and lots of thermal layers!), we began the walk up to Comb Ghyll. Admiring all of the lovely scenery, we discussed what we could see on our way. From roosters to alpacas, we saw all kinds of animals and nature and just took it all in. We had a chat about teamwork and confidence before climbing into the water and got used to the chilly temperatures and walking through the water. All of our group (even Miss Clapperton!) scrambled through the stream, supporting each other to ensure we were safe and working as a team. Most children even attempted a slide through the tunnel into the water. Luckily, the weather was on our side, and we didn’t get too cold! We took into more beautiful views of the stream and headed back through the forest, admittedly some with soggy waterproofs.

After a shower to warm up and a spot of lunch, children took part in orienteering. We worked our way through the building, using our map to find different letters across the rooms whilst in pairs. Once we got used to our maps, we headed outside to use our maps to find different animal pictures. The children even acted out their chosen animal with lots of added sound effects. Children then explored the grounds of Derwent Hill, using their maps to find different objects and codes. All children worked in groups, and some even spotted some wildlife such as pheasants and robins. Miss Clapperton was impressed with the way all children conducted themselves, especially working as a team to help each other out.

Group 2

Day 2 for group 2 began with a short ride to a local indoor climbing centre. Before we could even think about scaling the walls, the children were puzzled with putting on their harnesses, which almost rivalled making their beds for the most difficult task so far. Equipped and ready to climb, children learned the knots and belaying techniques required before being able to ascend the wall. If that didn’t challenge fears enough, children had to trust their team to let go of the wall and abseil safely down. Mr Warner was amazed with how the whole group encouraged each other, how they faced fears and conquered heights on the wall they did not think was possible. There was time for a quick game of shark attack and Simon says on the bouldering wall before they headed back to the centre for a well-deserved lunch.

The afternoon began with the promise of toasted marshmallows for dessert. However, to make this possible, children had to collect the right equipment and build their own fires. With only cotton wool, flint and steel, they were all successful to create a spark and use kindling to build up a fire. Children had to resist temptation to eat their marshmallow straight away before roasting and eating their treat. The afternoon was not over for Group 2 as they had not one but two orienteering challenges to complete, building on the wonderful teamwork and communication skills they have shown so far.

Group 3

After a great night’s sleep, and fuelled with a breakfast of champions, Group 3 tackled the week’s ‘Big Walk’. With back-packs stuffed with waterproofs and packed lunches, the children scaled the furthest (and highest!) trek at Whinlatter Forest. Reaching Lords Seat, 600 metres from the ground and very windy, the team demonstrated perseverance and determination to reach their goal. All complaints of broken feet and legs falling off seemed to disappear as the children undertook the steady and much slower walk back down. A well-deserved hot chocolate was a welcoming reward at the onsite café and a browse round the gift shop soothed the tired legs. Despite all of this, the children still seemed to find some energy to test out the local play area and returned to the house having achieved their biggest challenge of their stay so far.

Group 4 started the day with a trip to the climbing stores to be fitted up with harnesses and safety helmets ready for an attempt at the big swing. The first challenge was to work out how to put on the strange contraptions but, with that sorted, it was time to tackle what many feel is the most challenging activity of the trip. Fears were conquered as child after child clambered up the two ladders to the platform. Here they were safely attached before leaping (or being nudged) into the unknown. The others were not just stood cheering, however, as there were many other jobs to be done to safely unharness the jumpers and let them down ready for the next challenger.

After a quick pit stop for lunch, the children hopped on the bus and headed to the Newlands valley. A short walk up the dale led us past a former school for local farm children and through a working sheep farm where they learned about the different types of sheep that were farmed and the Viking origins of sheep farming in the Lakes. After this, a short scramble led up to Goldscope mine. Here the children were able to head deep into the mountainside along the old mine shafts and learn about the lead and copper that was once mined here. Once back out in the open air, the children headed down the spoil heaps, some on foot, others on backsides, and along the valley back to the bus, taking a moment to stop and be mindful about the beauty and tranquillity all around us.

Once we were all back at the centre, it was another enormous meal of curry or stir fry and then the Derwent Hill challenge where the groups were tested on their teamwork and problem-solving skills. Juice and biscuits were had as we discussed the day’s activities, identified the challenges we had faced and praised those who had supported us before everyone headed off for a well-earned rest ready for the next day’s adventures.

Day 3

At wake up time this morning it was clear that all the fantastic activities are starting to wear the children out a little bit. There was an awful lot of eye rubbing and groaning when the lights went on! But it wasn’t long before all of the children were up and eager to see what today had in store for them. Another hearty breakfast helped and everyone was soon sat with their instructors to see what equipment would be needed for the days challenges. Some of us were even lucky enough to spot a beautiful rainbow over Skiddaw across the river from the centre.``

Group 1 started the day with canoeing. Before we plunged our canoes into the water, it was essential that we fitted our buoyancy aids, packed our hot chocolate and walked on down to Derwent Hill Marina. Despite the bleak skies and rain, we showed excellent resilience and listened to instructions about how to successfully sail our canoes. Although at first we were a little uncertain about getting in, all children challenged themselves and jumped aboard. Once in, we started to sail and thankfully the skies cleared up as we began our journey. We saw a heron and some old boats and unpacked our hot chocolate, perfect for a chilly and wet day. All children enjoyed their hot chocolate, before even challenging themselves to stand up in the canoe and attempt playing heads, shoulders, knees and toes! We headed back to land and walked back, eager for some lunch.

After lunch, we headed to the anticipated big swing. Although we had some uncertainity at first, it wasn’t long until all children were harnessed and briefed with what to do. Children showed exceptional teamwork, striving to ensure all team members were safe and felt supported. All children attempted the challenge, (even those who were certain they wouldn’t try) and excelled in bravery. Miss Clapperton was astounded with their ability to cheer each other on at all times and test their limits. A very big well done to group 1!

The theme of the day for group 2 was wet and water with gorge scrambling and canoeing in store. We started the day with a short drive up to Whinlatter forest and a trudge down to Comb Ghyll. Children wasted no time by getting straight into the gorge and crawling under a bridge to start their scramble. Mr Warner was blown away by the support and teamwork from the whole team, motivation and encouragment from everyone and ensuring no one was left behind to make sure the whole group made it through the walk. If walking through the cold, running water wasn’t enough ALL children challenged themselves further by sliding through a tunnel.

A quick shower, something to eat and a fresh, dry pair of wellies later, we headed to the stores to grab a life-jacket and walked to Derwent Hill Marina to start our canoeing adventue. Again, resileince and bravery were shown by all children as we rowed our way into the lake. Our first stop was for a little round of the hokey-cokey which got us all dancing around while keeping our balance to not fall in. On our way again, we rowed our way to a near forest for a well-earned hot chocolate. We made it back to the marina just before sunset and some children were not cold or wet enough so wanted to take another quick dip in the lake before we went back to the centre. Another great day for group 2.

Group 3 had a chance to put their teamwork skills to the test with today’s activities. Starting with a trip to the stores for supplies of safety harnesses and helmets, the group undertook the Big Swing. Showing an abundance of maturity wrapped up in both physical and emotion support for each other; the children encouraged even the most reluctant climbers to challenge their personal best.

Having proved their ability to support each other when challenged, the children undertook gorge walking back at Whinlatter Forest. I can honestly say I have seen a side of them I have never seen before and despite being soaked to the bone within the first thirty seconds; the group looked after each other, shouting cheers of encouragement and even hugs of congratulations. I have never been so proud of them and their ability to adapt.

Group 4 were informed that we were going to spend the day out and about attempting to ascend Catbells. A lot of packing was required to ensure we were fully kitted out for what was looking like quite unpleasant weather conditions. With rucksacks full of sandwiches, spare clothes and hot chocolate, we hopped on the bus and skirted around the edge of Derwent Water to the start point. The climb began in earnest and it wasn’t long before all the little ascents we have done in the week paled into insignificance. However, we pressed on with some amazing teamwork as the children were amazing at supporting each other when the going got tough. Once up on the ridge, it got even tougher as wind, rain and hail seemed to assault us from every angle. It wasn’t long before we had to dive for shelter and unpack those extra clothes – even Mr Millett had to put some trousers over his shorts! But we kept going and kept supporting each other until eventually the weather got so bad that we had to find an unplanned shortcut to get down to the leeward side of the hill and splodge our way back to the bus. A spot of lunch on the bus helped to get the circulation going again and we headed of to investigate Bowder Stone – a 2,000 tonne rock that seems precariously balanced like a ship out of water. We were able to clamber up the staircase onto the top but also lie down and touch hands from either side underneath. After exhausting ourselves exploring this, it was back on the bus and back to the centre for a much-needed shower.

At dinner, burger night went down a treat but there was consternation when the desserts didn’t appear to be arriving. All became clearer though when a special, enormous chocolate cake was brought out to celebrate one of the children’s birthdays (what a place to celebrate your birthday in)! After the candles were blown, the cake was eaten and the children were ready for the evening activity. This time it was the Derwent Hill indoor challenge. This involved the children separating into groups and attempting to gain as many points as they could by completing the different challenges. Songs were written, blindfolded walking was tried, trivia about the centre was discovered and knots were learned, before the times was soon up and it was time to reveal the winners.

By the time juice and biscuits came around, some of the children were already beginning to nod off (not to mention the adults) and it wasn’t long before everyone was safely tucked up and snoring, recharging our bodies for the last full day of adventures tomorrow.

 

 

Day 4

Day 4

Today marked the last full day of our trip and there were definitely some sleepy heads at wake-up time. But the usual breakfast perked everyone up and it wasn’t long before we were all sat with our instructors finding out what the day had in store for us.

Group 1 prepared for a busy day of climbing of all kinds. After collecting lots of equipment, clothing and food, the children set off on the minibus to Keswick Climbing Wall to practise their skills of climbing, resilience and teamwork. We arrived and immediately harnessed up, excited for a morning of climbing. Starting on some simple climbs, all children used key skills to work their way up to the more challenging climbs, including climbing on slants and holding on with different grips. All children challenged themselves, whether that being going that little step higher, or being able to climb down and ensuring to support each other every part of the climb. Teamwork was key and even Miss Clapperton was involved in the climbing. We moved onto bouldering, which was especially exciting as we didn’t have a harness! Lunch was had and hot chocolates and sweet treats were purchased, fuelling us up for an afternoon of hill climbing.

After lunch, due to the wet and cloudy conditions, group 1 took part in a hill walk. Braving the elements, children started their walk up Latrigg, encountering lots of puddles, sheep and plenty of sheep poo. Despite pleas for children to take the sheep home in their suitcases to keep as pets, we plodded on and continued our journey. As we made it to the top, children supported each other, showing excellent displays of teamwork and encouragement. Plenty of rosy cheeks were in sight as we faced the rain and wind but finally we made it to the top! After a quick picture, we headed back down and back to the minibus. Miss Clapperton was really impressed with the resilience from all children today. Everyone faced a fear in some way and worked their hardest to power through day 4 tiredness!

Group 2 was presented with a choice this morning for their all-day hill walk. Shockingly, children chose the option that ended with a visit to the Keswick sweet shop. First, children had to wrap up warm, pack their lunch and tomato suit up for a gradual ascent up Walla Crag. Children powered through the wind and constant rain to trudge through the mud, along the stepping stones and over waterfalls to finally reach the summit. Ensuring there was time for a photo, we didn’t stay up there long – Mr Warner didn’t want to catch anyone being blown off the top by the wind. During the way down, games of telepathy and categories were played to add to the fantastic scenery and views of the mountains surrounding them. A dry, warm minibus was a welcome relief at the bottom, which gave the group shelter to have their lunch.

A short while later, the sweet shop owner in Keswick was presented with 10 wet, windswept children making the most important decision of the trip – which sweets to buy. Money spent and sweet bags full (including some with surprisingly spicy sweets), we went back to the centre. As the children completed the hill walk so fast, we had time for one more quick challenge for the day to test their teamwork and resilience even further. They were split into two teams and had to construct a ramp and a rocket to launch safely and hold an important passenger – an egg! Ramps built, rockets made, eggs securely fastened, it was time for take-off. Team one had a successful launch but unfortunately their egg did not make it. However, even after a slight technical difficulty with team two’s launch, their rocket eventually went soaring across the grounds. Eager to inspect the egg (named Dora the Eggsplorer), children ran and was thrilled to find the egg was safe. What a fantastic, final full day for group two. Mr Warner can’t wait to see the children use all the teamwork and resilience shown so far already on the big swing tomorrow. 

Group 3 headed down to the water this morning to take a power boat onto Derwent Water. After donning their trusty tomato suits and buoyance aids, the group took turns to steer the boat to St. Herbert’s Island where they undertook some independent exploration including that of the remains of an old church dating back to the 600’s! A quick hot chocolate to warm back through was exactly what was needed before returning to the marina, where the children took turns jumping into the lake (it seems the fun of being drenched through to the bone in freezing cold water the day before had left them pining for more.)  Thankfully, the afternoon brought an indoor visit to the local climbing wall, where the children warmed up with a little bouldering before tackling some harnessed climbs. It has been amazing to see the children pushing themselves further and further with their climbing over the week, achieving new heights with each try. Well done Group 3!

Group 4’s first activity of the day was the gorge scramble so we got suited and booted and set out for Whinlatter Forest. It was not long before we arrived and made our way down the valley and into Comb Ghyll. It seemed that the team have certainly been listening and learning about teamwork as the children tackled the scramble with an amazing attitude. The children made their way up the ghyll without any need for the instructor or Mr Millett to intervene as they constantly stopped and supported each other – helping others over rocks and under branches all the way up to the slide. Some of the more daring children here had the opportunity to slide down straight into the chilly pool below (some did it two or even three times). Another short scramble followed before ten wet and tired but very happy children sogged their way back up the valley and onto the bus.

After warm showers and a spot of lunch, we were back out on the bus, this time into Keswick to tackle the indoor climbing wall as the weather was just too bad to attempt the canoes. The children were delighted with the little change of plan and tackled the first section with glee, learning how to belay their friends up and down the different walls. With that done, they were able to attempt some more independent climbing on the clip and climb sections before finally tackling the bouldering room.

Once everyone was back at the centre, there was time for a spot of packing before we could all enjoy an enormous Christmas dinner. Bellies full and eyelids starting to droop, it was time to bring our duvets down to the common room and settle down for movie night.

Tomorrow will be our last day and the children will be able to tell you in person what they have been up to before we would have time to write anything so this will be the last blog of the week. We expect to be back for around 4pm tomorrow, traffic dependent.