Wednesday

The groups who went for a full day of climbing first had a strenuous walk from their minibuses to the crags and then a scrambling session to warm up. After a picnic dinner, the top ropes were made ready and the brave and the bold made their attempts to scale the rock. So many achieved much more than they thought was possible.

Also on a full day adventure, our canoeists prepared their boats and practised the new skills they’d need. Then they dragged the boats into the Esk and clambered on board. First some control drills and games, then a long leisurely paddle down to the harbour in Whitby. Maybe shooting the weir wasn’t leisurely, but it was exciting.

A half-and-half day of beck scrambling and beach games completed our programme. Enormous fun for all involved.

A tasty chicken pie or gammon steak awaited us for tea, with a lovely chunk of arctic roll to finish off the meal. Games and activities continued into the evening before hot chocolate and bed.