The small group arrived at the Scout HQ at 6:30PM on Friday evening eager for their weekend away. Once the cars were packed full of personal kit and essentials they departed. The pitch black November evening sky didn't hold a single cloud so millions of stars could be seen above.
By the time that the 3 Seniors and 4 leaders had arrived at Low Skelgill Farm in Newlands Vale the temperature was -3! Wrapped up with more layers than an onion, they left their vehicles to inspect the accommodation where they would be living for the next 40 hours.
They swiftly walked to the bottom of a path which ran adjacent to the white farm house until they found two large wooden doors sat next to each other. One crooked door was opened to reveal a converted barn with a stage divided up by two concrete partisans and three strong, wooden support beams running across under the high roof. The room also offered 10 mattresses to sleep on, 11 chairs, a collapsible table, log burner and lots of booklets which featured various points of interest in the surrounding area. The kitchen area next door had huge tables, a bin and only the most basic kitchen appliance: a kettle. To the dismay of the adventurers, the bathroom was all the way at the top of the bank. Admittedly, the accommodation was not on par with the Four Seasons... or even a travel lodge to be honest but it was good enough.
Little could they tell in the darkness that our dinky barn was in the shadow of dozens of raspberry and mint coloured hills.As the ping pong journeys from the cars to the barn and back again with equipment commenced the barn's roof sprinkled with glittery ice reminded the Seniors of the harsh elements they were thankfully being sheltered from.
Before bed, there were Pies for supper which were heated up on the stove and were enjoyed outside whilst photographs with long exposure were taken attempting to capture the bright night sky.
Bright and early the next morning, everyone awoke after a chilly night to bacon sandwiches which were shared with some visitors whom had decided to not stay cooped up inside all day and instead had spread their wings to come and join us despite the cold and fowl weather.
Mark, Tom, Harry, James and Liam then packed a walking bag and headed off into the hills for their hike. Spectacular views surrounded them as they ascended up Catbells. The seniors gazed at leaves on trees which had a blended pallet of natural colours, and white houses in the nearest town reflected off the surface of Derwent Water.
The views were unappreciated until the group reached the top though as Catbells was so demanding and strenuous to climb it required their full attention. Sweat patches quickly broke through the first couple layers of clothing and thick jackets and coats were soon put in bags.
At their own pace, the Seniors and leaders trekked along the top of the hills to the next peak which was Maiden Moor before running into a problem you don't expect to find at the top of hills: traffic. What seemed like dozens of ramblers, were all using the same pathway to the top. Luckily though, it didn't take long for the 8th to overtake them all.The closer towards the peak of Dale Head the group came, the more like Winter it felt like. Marshes were no longer an issue since the moisture in them had frozen however this did make areas rather slippy however the energy burning off inside the bodies of the Seniors and co kept them toasty even when she ice turned into snow and there a bitter wind started howling.
After a quick lunch in the snow the group made their way along to Robinson where the snow was so thick, snowballs could be made; and made they were! Dozens of snowballs were catapulted at Mark by excitable Seniors. As the snow thinned out, the group zigzagged down the walkway like they were Skiing; making loose turns every time they reached the edge.
Among conversations about everything from taxidermists to rock formations the seniors also sung a symphony of sniffs.
One of the most challenging parts of the hike was climbing down approximately six meters of almost vertical rock. This took great precision and strength as one misplaced foot on an icy rock may have resulted in an injury. To great relief, they all completed it safely.
To get back down to the bottom of the valley, where the camping barn was located, the footpath look the group down a slippery, soaked slope. James, resident boffin, had a bright idea of sliding down it on his bum which actually worked surprisingly well. There was a break at the bottom of the 250 feet descent where steaming bodies could cool down.
The hike neared its end as the group walked over appreciated flat ground and past endless fields of sheep.
The exhausted bunch returned just after mid-afternoon and greeted Erika and Neil when they arrived 10 minutes later. Erika and Neil had got the boat to Keswick for the day to do some shopping and exploring. Free time to relax was in order whilst tea was prepared and some of the hikers got a shower. Pasta Bolognese was cooked for tea on the dining table and thoroughly enjoyed by all. This was followed by swiss-roll and custard.
Washing up completed and equipment packed away, the group settled down in front of the log burner and watched the DVD of stand-up comedian Ross Noble whose performance was unplanned yet very entertaining. Then before the group went to sleep they got cosy in their sleeping bags and played Trivia Pursuit which was won by Tom and Harry with Liam clearly being the most unknowledgeable team member.
The night was not as cold as the previous one and despite aching muscles and joints from the walk.
The group arose on Sunday morning bright and early and went through the same routine of washing, bacon sandwiches and then washing up before packing all the personal kit and equipment away and then packing it into the cars. Before going home, the group spent the morning in Keswick where Neil admired the Christmas decorations however the Seniors got bored of the countless Outdoors shops which sit comfortably inside of Keswick. One mildly interesting thing which was happening was an arts and crafts fair which took place in a local hotel. When Erika and Neil had visited the fair the day before they commented that it was very posh, and they were right. The feel of the spotless red carpeted corridors leading up to the room where the stalls were reflected the type of person who was attending the event.
After a decent bag of chips from the local 'chippy, which warmed everyone up, they set off back to the Scout HQ in Darlington.
Their weekend away was without a doubt an enjoyable experience overflowing will laughs and fun which the Seniors are likely to do again if they get their way. The breath-taking backdrop to the weekend was unforgettable and reminded the Seniors that they don't need to go far to see staggering countryside.
One of the most challenging parts of the hike was climbing down approximately six meters of almost vertical rock. This took great precision and strength as one misplaced foot on an icy rock may have resulted in an injury. To great relief, they all completed it safely.
To get back down to the bottom of the valley, where the camping barn was located, the footpath look the group down a slippery, soaked slope. James, resident boffin, had a bright idea of sliding down it on his bum which actually worked surprisingly well. There was a break at the bottom of the 250 feet descent where steaming bodies could cool down.
The hike neared its end as the group walked over appreciated flat ground and past endless fields of sheep.
The exhausted bunch returned just after mid-afternoon and greeted Erika and Neil when they arrived 10 minutes later. Erika and Neil had got the boat to Keswick for the day to do some shopping and exploring. Free time to relax was in order whilst tea was prepared and some of the hikers got a shower. Pasta Bolognese was cooked for tea on the dining table and thoroughly enjoyed by all. This was followed by swiss-roll and custard.
Washing up completed and equipment packed away, the group settled down in front of the log burner and watched the DVD of stand-up comedian Ross Noble whose performance was unplanned yet very entertaining. Then before the group went to sleep they got cosy in their sleeping bags and played Trivia Pursuit which was won by Tom and Harry with Liam clearly being the most unknowledgeable team member.
The night was not as cold as the previous one and despite aching muscles and joints from the walk.
The group arose on Sunday morning bright and early and went through the same routine of washing, bacon sandwiches and then washing up before packing all the personal kit and equipment away and then packing it into the cars. Before going home, the group spent the morning in Keswick where Neil admired the Christmas decorations however the Seniors got bored of the countless Outdoors shops which sit comfortably inside of Keswick. One mildly interesting thing which was happening was an arts and crafts fair which took place in a local hotel. When Erika and Neil had visited the fair the day before they commented that it was very posh, and they were right. The feel of the spotless red carpeted corridors leading up to the room where the stalls were reflected the type of person who was attending the event.
After a decent bag of chips from the local 'chippy, which warmed everyone up, they set off back to the Scout HQ in Darlington.
Their weekend away was without a doubt an enjoyable experience overflowing will laughs and fun which the Seniors are likely to do again if they get their way. The breath-taking backdrop to the weekend was unforgettable and reminded the Seniors that they don't need to go far to see staggering countryside.
