Peak District Explorer Day 3

Today’s walk was a relatively modest 15km to Bakewell and back. We have eaten our weight in the eponymous tart (the locals call it Bakewell Pudding) and observed the smoke rising from Saddleworth Moor, relieved that the blaze is 35 miles away.

Peak District Day 2

After a slightly delayed start for boutheatre – cow-gazing – by Giaime, Max and Tristan, we walked a long loop from Youlgr(e)ave [sic: the village has two different spellings and pronunciations depending upon which end you’re at] via Monyash. Graham-the-guide called it an 11-mile walk, but according to the Apple health app a 5’9” female has done 27,500 steps, covering 21.6km.

Peak District Explorer Day 1

Day 1 in Derbyshire began with a ‘gentle’ 3.5 hour hike from Buxton, uphill and down dale in bright (and hot) sunshine. Our walkers consist of 11 Year 9s and four L6 helpers, who are setting a swift pace and include expert photographer Ethan, winner of this year’s L6 Photography prize – see attached pics.

Peak District Explorer - Day 2

We made it to the Peak in Derbyshire! Our reward? Delicious ice cream and Pooh sticks.

Peak District Day Four

Peak District Day Four: Alton Towers

From Nature's idyll in the Peak District, we have come to the man-made, teenage paradise that is Alton Towers! Mrs Markowska felt sick in the first group ride on the Runaway Train and has re- fashioned herself as Team Photographer whilst a much bolder Mr Henwood has thrown himself into the fun; he was just upside down on Nemesis! Everyone is loving their day of thrills!

Trip Returns

ALL TRIPS: Essential information for parents

We are very much looking forward to our trips returning over the next day or so.
Please be assured that if any trips are delayed we will be in touch with you.
Please do not call the school to check on arrival times.

Peak District round up so far!

Peak District Days One, Two and Three!

In two days we have fled from the craziness of rush hour on the Piccadilly Line to the utter peace of the Peaks. We have survived a 5 minute train change in Stockport to get on an old puffer to Buxton. We have walked 22 miles in two days, uphill and down dale in stunning countryside. We all have aching legs but few blisters and full, happy hearts. Bananagram and competitive card games kept the troops going on the first night. Year 9 boy humour and L6 girl sophistication make a heady mix but throw in a couple of sensible Year 10s and we have a magical activity.

Day Three: 

The competitive general knowledge quiz on Tuesday evening went down a treat. Mr Henwood produced questions on every subject from boy bands and star constellations. Latymerians fought each other to produce the answers to each and every challenging question!

Today we enjoyed another glorious day of walking in this fantastic National Park. We celebrated a belated Summer Solstice at the Nine Sisters, passing a hippy encampment en route. Eight miles later a scavenger hunt in our village kept everyone busy collecting objects beginning with each letter of the alphabet.  

Tired legs look forward to a rest at Alton Towers tomorrow...

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORERS HEAD HOME

We are on the train home now. Have said fond farewells to our trusty guides who have been very patient with the southern softies with their blisters and terrible walking songs. Reached civilisation at Buxton after our last 8 mile trek across lovely rolling hills. Drizzle set in at last moments; we have been so lucky with the weather! 

On our last night we enjoyed a talent show and second round of Mr Henwood's quiz. In fact it was pretty much a lack-of-talent show although Remy Chopra's juggling was impressive. All tired now as we chug towards Stockport and the fast train to London.

We are proud to have walked the Peaks and to have enjoyed the beauty of these hills.

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORER - UPDATE

Cows just disturbed our lunch stop...

Peak time in the Peak District!

PEAK DISTRICT UPDATE - DAY 2

Day Two:

The Head joined us as we undertook a challenging 15 miles through Dovedale and Thor's Cave. We splashed through a ford and ate ice creams. Arrived back at our manor house hostel happy but with aching legs!

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORER - DAY 2

Mr Goodhew and Mr Henwood set off early this morning towards Dovedale with the Peak District hikers.

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORER - DAY 1

From the moment we arrived at Buxton station, we were in the hands of our three very experienced guides who seem to cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats almost weekly, climb mountains and made us all feel rather urban and unfit!

We walked up Shark's Fin, scrambling up sheer rock (well, big boulders anyway) until we saw an astonishing view for miles. This is a beautiful national park and in the glittering sunshine of a June afternoon, we saw it as its best. Finding our way through fields full of drying hay, sheep and rather large bulls, we ambled happily, some of us dreading the next vertical climb! Mr Henwood referred to the cows' "bladders being full of milk" which caused hilarity to the more countrified Latymerians.

Now we are at a rather grand hostel called Hartington Hall, an old manor, now owned by the YHA. Tired and hot, we have collapsed after a hearty meal. Blister plasters are at the ready for tomorrow's expedition, this time with Mr. Goodhew to encourage us!

SAFE ARRIVALS SO FAR...

Andalucía

Ardeche Adventure

Bushcraft Survival

Dartmoor

Defending England

Discovering Northern Ireland . A few bags to follow (very shortly!). Tut tut Aer Lingus!

Gredos

Ireland Surf and Turf

Peak District Explorer

Sailing in Scotland

Snowdonia

PEAK DISTRICT EXPLORER

All well with us! Twenty Year 9 and 10 are on train to Buxton! All in good spirits and eating a variety of junk food purchased at Euston (last shops until Friday?)

Mrs M.