Colston’s School is based in Central Bristol and Ex Scaffold Tower aim was to have a first foray further afield from Bristol in a true area of Wild Country summiting the peak of Scafell Pike.

The Lake District provided the area and the expedition was a great success despite the 10 cadets being wittled down to 7 with the girls abandoning us to play tennis.

After a comfortable Friday night at Halton Barracks in Lancaster and a large slap-up breakfast we made our way into the heart of the Lake District.

After a brief bit of re-packing and stowage of the obligatory D Shaped pasty (still frozen) off we went.

Up UpUpUp! was the first few hours to gain the start of Crinkle Crags, the visibility was excellent and the views truly magnificent.

As we headed across Crinkle Crags, Mr Kerry then told us about “The Bad Step” which sounded ominous. Bad step wasn’t the word, a small climb more like, still successfully negotiated we headed on towards our campsite for the cadets first true wild camp.

We reached the site at 1815hrs, time for tents up and dinner on and a dipping of the feet in the nice cool water. On the downside, now relieved of his heavy pack, Ollie started talking again. Still fortunately this was short lived with all parties in bed and sleeping by 2030hrs!

Reveille was 0530hrs and the view and weather that greeted us was the finest we have ever seen in the Lakes.

Up UpUp again was the order of the day to reach our objective, the Summit of Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. That just left up, down, up, down, up, down and a fair bit of along, enjoying the stunning blue skies and views as far as the eye could see. After a brief stop to tape Dom’s shoes back together, we started the long descent back to the bus with the main topic of conversation being the detailed analysis of fine cuisine. With KFC decided on, we arrived at the minibus to head for home, utterly shattered but with a true expedition under our belts.

I would like to thank Mr Kerry for being excellent company and the cadets for their effort - the terrain was difficult and their packs heavy. Whilst there were grumbles and some pained faces, none quit and from the feedback, all enjoyed the trip and are looking forward to our next foray further afield.

Captain Stuart Cumine, Training Officer, Colston’s School CCF