High Ropes and Drive back south

This morning we were up early to pack and load the trailer before breakfast. After breakfast the students had time for a quick high ropes session delivered by the centre staff to give Gwilym and I a break before the long drive back from Snowdonia to Somerset. 

Overall the week was a great success and it was good to be back working with the Bridgwater College level three outdoor education students. 

Raft Building, Overnight Expedition and Climbing

Over the last two days I have been delivering raft building, Rock Climbing and assessing the students overnight expedition for their BTEC expedition skills unit.

Raft Building: On Wednesday morning the students were set a task to design and build a raft to transport them from one side of the bay back to the boat house. They got to choose their launch location, design and teams. After transporting their raft parts to the other side of the bay by canoe, the canoes were towed back and the students left to build their raft and paddle it back. The results were very opposite with one team succeeding and the other having a shocker!

Overnight Expedition: Following some previous training back at college and the completion of the mountain skills course over the last two days the students were tasked to plan a route from Wenallt back to the centre via the Aran Ridge. After being bused out to Wenallt both groups ascended Aran Fawddwy before dropping down to their chosen camp sites on the east side of the ridge. The following morning they made their way back to the centre in time for lunch.

Rock Climbing: Once the students had freshened up after their overnight Camp we headed to Barmouth Slabs for a spot of climbing in the afternoon sun. I took some of the students for some top roping on the lower tier, Gwilym took two students for a session on lead climbing and Rhys took the rest for some bottom roping on the upper tier. Rhys and I swopped our groups half way through the session. 

It was a great couple of days with the students really showing the skills they've learned over the past 13 months. All finished off with an ice cream in Barmouth before heading back to the centre. 

Navigation training in Llanberis Pass, DMM and Mountain Rescue visits.

Busy day today! Day three of the Bridgwater College level three outdoor education residential. 

The majority of the day was spent looking at mountain navigation and emergency procedures in the pass of Llanberis. We used some mountainous terrain under Dinas Mot due to its varied range of small features to test the students. During this session we also covered what to do in the event of an emergency, pacing, boxing and human impact on the mountain environment. Gwilym covered the same aspects of the mountain skills course with the other half of the students.

Late afternoon we headed over to Llanberis mountain rescue to meet some of the team. While at the mountain rescue base the students attended three presentations including: Rescue equipment, the callout process and vehicles. 

A good day covering different aspects of the use of mountainous terrain. 

Wet and Windy day on Tryfan

Today I was working for Bridgwater College delivering the first day of a Mountain Skills course with Gwilym Starks under his provider-ship. 

We spent the day ascending the north ridge of Tryfan and coming down via the Heather Terrace. During the day we covered movement on steep ground, route selection, the mountain environment, equipment choice and the layering system for clothing. 

The forecast weather was for very high winds and constant rain. We got the constant rain but the wind had eased enabling us to make a safe ascent to the summit. The pictures reflect the days rain, plenty of water on the lens!!

North Wales - Drive and Canoe Orienteering

This week I am back working for Bridgwater College after leaving in July to take up a new full-time position at Somerset Progressive School. The college have asked me to come back and deliver on their North Wales residential for the Level three Outdoor Education students.

We met at the college at 07.00 to pack the vehicles and started the 6 hour journey to Bala. We will be staying at Glan Llyn, a welsh speaking activity centre on the edge of Llyn Tegid.

Once arrived and settled into rooms the students took part in a canoe orienteering exercise as well as a challenge to build a rafted canoe. The activity was moved forward a few hours due to the forecast weather that was due to come in. I provided safety cover from the power boat while Luc ceased the opportunity to have a sail.

After dinner Gwilym and I took the students for a theory session on weather and appropriate equipment in preparation for the next few days when the students will attend the Mountain Training, Mountain Skills course.

MIAS Level 1 and Level 2 Training

On Wednesday and Thursday last week I delivered my first MIAS (Mountain Bike Instructors Award Scheme) Level 1 and Level 2 Training course. Day 1 was delivered in the Bridgwater area and day 2 was delivered on the Quantock Hills AONB. The weather was stunning on both days with blue skies and sunshine.

The four candidates were staff from Bridgwater College looking to gain a qualification to allow them to take groups on non-technical terrain and assist other already qualified staff to take groups on technical terrain.

Over the two days we covered all aspects of the syllabus with a focus on the difference between non-technical and technical terrain, checking and maintaining equipment, leadership techniques and group management. The course also touched on basic navigation skills, legal responsibilities, ratios and access.

All 4 candidates successfully passed their Level 1 and are now trained at Level 2. 

If you are interested in becoming a mountain bike leader then get in touch for future course dates. 

Somerset 100 Road Cycling Event

As a way of getting together and socialising while raising some money for a worthwhile local charity, a few of us from Bridgwater College decide to enter the Somerset 100. A 100 mile road cycling sportive starting and finishing at Sweets cafe near Wedmore.

The route took in some lovely quiet roads around the various parts of the Somerset Levels before climbing up onto the Mendip Hills AONB towards the end. See the photo above for the actual route. 

As we decide to park our vehicles a little way from the venue start we covered a total of 106 miles in the day. 

A good day out with a great group of guys.

Climbing at the Dewerstone

Yesterday was the last day of the 2015 residentials for the Bridgwater College FdSc Public Services students. 

Gwilym and I took the students to the Dewerstone near Shaugh Prior in Dartmoor National Park for some rock climbing. We set up a number of routes on top ropes, the students then managed themselves having a go at all of the routes. 

As part of their ongoing assessment for the module they also took part in a session looking at suitable anchors and building belays. This was all done at ground level before Gwilym and I set up the climbs.

It was a good end to the two blocks of three days on Dartmoor. The students all showing good progress in the activities. 

Hills Skills - Day 2

Today I was back out on Dartmoor delivering the second day of the Mountain Training Hills Skills course for the FdSc public services students from Bridgwater College.

It was another stunning day on the moor with a few light rain flurries early on followed by sunny skies.

We covered the rest of the hills skills syllabus looking at navigation strategies, problem solving, independent leadership and relocation techniques. This was all covered while walking the route the students planned in the theory session. 

Our route took us on a loop from Whiteworks OEC via crock 'o'gold, nuns cross and fox tor mires.

River walk up the Plym, rigging and night navigation.

Today I travelled to Dartmoor for round two of the FdSc public services residentials. After collecting the students, getting supplies from the supermarket and travelling down we arrived at Whiteworks, our base for the three days.

Gwilym met us at whiteworks before heading over to the River Plym near the Dewerstone for a River Walking session followed by a re-cap on rigging for climbing.

The river walk session saw the students work as a team to negotiate the terrain and the rapids while making their way upstream. Each student took it in turns to lead sections focussing on communication, support and leadership styles. 

Once changed and dry we headed into the woods to find some good trees and boulders for anchors to simulate building belays before their assessment on friday.

After our evening meal (cooked by the students) we offered a night navigation session for those that were willing. This only equated to walking a few kilometers but gave the students an opportunity to test some of their recently learned navigation skills in poorer visibility rather than the blue sky days we have been having of late. 

Mountain Biking Assessments for Level 3 Outdoor Education Students

Today Hannah and I took the Level 3 Outdoor Education students for the mountain biking assessment of their skills for land-based activities module.

The students planned their route on the Quantock Hills, sorted their equipment and independently undertook the session with Hannah and I observing/assessing throughout the day.

The overnight rain made the previously dusty trails nice and grippy. The early morning cold wind gave way to a nice day with sunny spells. 

12.5 miles were covered by my half of the group stopping near 'Dead Woman's Ditch' for lunch and getting back to the minibus by 14.00. This gave enough time to return to Cannington Activity Centre to wash and lubricate the bikes before making our way back to Bridgwater College.

All the students performed really well showing the skills they have learned over the past year.