Practice Gold

Day 2 - on their way up Carn Torcaidh out of Glen Tilt

This week I was working for Alison Culshaw with Alex Langdon on a Gold D of E practice expedition, for Albyn and St Margaret's Schools in Aberdeen. We headed off to Glen Tilt and started at Blair Atholl.

Fantastic views - River Tilt behind

During the 4 days we taught all the normal skills, and started to give them more space to show they could be independant for 4 days in the remote Scottish hills. Luckily the weather was perfect - cool, dry and clear - no midges, rain, sunburn or snow!! - nearly unbelievable.

Navigating back down to camp in Glen Tilt

Making decisions on steep ground

A good hawl of antlers after day 2 for Alex

Alison Culshaw going to work in the morning - not a bad commute

A fun day on the bike - over to Tarf Water

On day 3, one group had to put their training into practice as a girl got stuck in a bog - up to her hips, and the team couldn't get her out. By the time they found me, and I arrived, the rest of the team had got her out, a tent up, a stove on, and they were already treating her for hypothermia. Later Alex reviewed their day and I think they'll be navigating away from bog in the future.

Breakfast on a Gold Exped! This made my cup of tea look a bit sad!

Alex Langdon and her river crossing. I gave my bike a good workout this week - many miles, and only 1 puncture over all that rough ground.

End of a long 4 days for the girls

Congratulations to all the 6 teams for an excellent week - showing us how well they can perform. I would say go home and rest, but I know that some of them are out for a run tonight, or out for a ride on their horses, or going to 'army training ' tomorrow, with paintball fun, etc, etc. Enjoy your summer, and we'll see you on the assessemnt.

Ben Nevis tonight (Tuesday)