Busy times lately with lot’s of great activity.

All well and good except it has slowed down the input of information here.

MTAF was a great event. well organised and only a few showers and midges to spoil the beautiful border scenery. Two groups of walkers keen to learn the intricacies of hill skills and navigation. On the downside, two hours isn’t a lot of time to cement the learning that went on but on the upside those that came along were eager and quick to learn. Some good groundwork put down for later detailed training! Well done all.

Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition. A small group from William Howard School walked from Keswick to Buttermere first night, Buttermere over Haystacks to Stonethwaite for the second night and finally back to Keswick on the third day. Quite hot weather and very competent candidates. It was almost as if they knew where they were going!

Back to a Langholm connection next and a team from Langholm Academy with an assault on England’s highest mountain. Enthusiastic walking in misty weather made short work of the ascent of the Pike and were rewarded by clearing clouds and some loveley views of Lingmell and the corridor route scenery on the return journey. They were going so well we took the scramble down past Taylor Ghyll Force with ease.

A quick visit next to Staffordshire and some walking and scrambling along the Roaches one day. On the way home a stroll along to Lud’s Church chasm.

Next came DofE Bronze qualifying expedition for three groups again from William Howard School. teesdale walking from the watershed past Cow Green reservoir to Middleton in Tessdale for one day. Next day continuing south along the Tees via Eggleston, Romaldskirk and finishing at Cotherstone.. Knackered kids but happy that they all passed their award.