This week I have been working in Dartmoor for Wet and High Adventures, who organised a weeks activity and development programme for Bridgwater College and their MOD engineering apprentices. I always enjoy these weeks as not only do I get to go to new places and work, but the team of Instructors is always top notch, with a vast array of highly qualified and motivated people. You always learn more and develop as an instructor within the week.
The week started with some camp craft skills prep for our expedition later in the week, putting up tents, using stoves, how to pack and fit bags… And we managed a quick after-work hit to Bone Hill for a spot of bouldering, some decent problems climbed and an awesome sunset…
Camp craft skills in Dartmoor – pre expedition
After work Bouldering at Bone Hill
Pretty nice sunset post bouldering!
We had a day climbing at the Dewerstone, where we did loads of bouldering and scrambling, and got the students to rig all their own abseils, which we then turned into climbs – a top day in the sunshine! Mid week we travelled to the great trail centre at Haldon Forest, for some Mountain Biking. Everyone got down a red run, some managing a bit of black. Great effort from the team and only a few spills! Not too much blood spilt!
Mountain Biking at Haldon Forest
Rock Climbing at the Dewerstone
The last two days were a self sufficient exped walking on Dartmoor with a wild camp. The students were given all the knowledge and skills to navigate themselves, negotiate risk such as rivers and rocky ground, and how to look after themselves at camp. We couldn’t have asked for better weather, and as the guys were really competent, we were able to leave them too it and self lead at times. Great week with a great team of students and group of instructors – and not a drop of rain on Dartmoor for us! Who’d have thought it!
Alex teaching navigation skills on Dartmoor
The group walking on their own on Dartmoor