On Friday 8th June, 29 intrepid explorers and three mad leaders, set off for an adventure in the Peak District.  What an adventure it was.

The weekend started with a 'gentle walk' by the River Derwent to explore the area and get used to our walking boots and equipment.  We met a few cows along the way and encountered many bugs.  Our explorers were fascinated by the river and this helped us to decide on some additional activities for both Saturday and Sunday.  We headed back to the centre for a late tea of pizza, wedges and salad to fuel up for the adventures ahead.

Saturday dawned and what a beautiful day it was for a hike.  With backpacks loaded full of lunch we set off.  The aim was to walk to the top of Stanage Edge and then finish at the ice cream farm.  It was a massive undertaking for us all so we set a steady pace.  We had a snack stop at the Mill Ponds and Stepping Stones, where we decided to cool our feet in Hood Brook.  Then it was lunch at the Plantation before our final ascent of Stanage.  The view was breath-taking and we rested at the top to take it all in.  From there it was mainly downhill to Thorpe Farm for a tour of the ice cream farm and to sample the goods.  Sophie's strawberry and cream ice-cream was a definite favourite.  We finished the short walk back to St Michael's and a well earned rest.  A super achievement for all.

We spent Sunday orienteering and boat racing in the grounds of Brookfield Manor.  The weekend was rounded off with a final picnic lunch by Hood Brook and then a very tired group travelled back to school.

A selection of photos from the weekend are included with this report, please take a look.

I'm already looking forward to next year!