Year 10 Expedition

Every Year 10 student has the opportunity to develop advanced skills in a chosen outdoor activity before putting those skills into practice on a truly adventurous expedition.

The first four of this year’s seven expeditions have now safely returned to Gloddaeth Hall, following unforgettable experiences trekking in Andalucía, Spain, caving in England’s Yorkshire Dales, rock climbing in El Chorro, Spain, and undertaking a bushcraft expedition on the wild west coast of Scotland.

The Spanish trekking team completed several notable ascents of remote peaks as they journeyed through spectacular limestone landscapes. Blue skies, colourful wildflower meadows, and sightings of deer, boar and vultures all added to the experience of travelling together as a close-knit expedition team. Meanwhile, the rock climbers turned their attention to scaling dramatic tower formations while eagles soared past at eye level. The two groups also joined forces to traverse Spain’s most famous walkway, the Caminito del Rey, suspended high above the gorge at El Chorro.

The Bushcraft team put their survival skills to the test by building shelters and catching their own dinner during some entertaining sea fishing sessions. It was a true back-to-basics experience, with the campfire at the heart of daily life and the setting for some excellent meals, including campfire pizzas. The week also included a train journey to the western tip of Scotland and adventures high into the Nevis Range.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the Yorkshire Dales, the intrepid caving team explored underground passages and tunnels using highly technical rope skills. Under the expert guidance of Mr Jowett, students were able to independently abseil into the depths of the caves.

Still to come next month are expeditions in mountaineering in Morocco, sea kayaking in Scotland, and wilderness canoeing in Finland.