Monday 6th April, Day 10 – 16.6km
A lovely hot day. Fleeces and jumpers were quickly removed after the first steep hill. We walked along the top of our first hill and at least there was a gentle breeze. We walked down towards Dursley and went along the diversion route as they are repairing the route. In Dursley we stopped for a quick food break and people were beginning to unzip their trousers, if they were lucky enough to be wearing the zip off type. We walked through Dursley and then there was a steep walk up the hill through the woods towards the golf course. It was a hard walk up and then we had the joy of a walk right around the top in the breeze, enjoying views all the way around. Tug, Toastie and several of the other catering team leaders joined us for a picnic on the edge of the golf course in the sunshine. One leader managed a short nap before we moved off and headed down the steep slope just 250 metres from where we came up after a 2.5km walk around the top… One explorer scout remembering the scouting law helpfully picked up a golfers golfball and gave it back to him.
We headed down across the fields and could see our next challenge in the distance: the Tyndale monument on the top of another steep hill… Once again there was a diversion as we ascended the steep slope and we made it to the monument. We had a stop for photos and then some of the leaders and the more energetic scouts climbed the steep, dark, spiral steps up the tower to the top. The views from the top were amazing. There was some debate: was it was 121 or 131 steps? I wasn’t going back up to check!
We continued to walk along the ridge through some woods that gave us some refreshing shade. There was a distinct smell of wild garlic, and signs that the wood anemones were responding to the rising temperatures as they were all in bloom. We even saw a lone bluebell. We left the woodland and arrived at the top of Wotton Hill where there were amazing views and a monument of trees celebrating the battle of Waterloo. Here we rested again in the sunshine as it was cool and refreshing and we enjoyed pleasant views across the river Severn. We then headed down into the town of Wotton-under-Edge that we could see at the bottom of the hill where we met Tug, Toastie and the other members of the team and drove back to camp. A beautiful walk today with lovely views and only a few hills! Let us hope the good weather continues.
Tuesday 7th April, Day 11 – 15.6km
When we awoke, the weather looked grand, sunshine and views across the Severn Valley. The scouts were all reminded to pack sun cream and sun hats as well as enough water. Leaders made sure they had extra bottles as well. We drove 2 miles up the motorway into fog and mist! It looked as if the weather forecasters had got it wrong. The weather when we arrived at the start point was slightly better and we had a pleasant and refreshing 20 minute walk through the town of Wotton-under-Edge. We then walked along the stream leading out of town, meeting several locals with their dogs all of whom warned us that there was a big hill coming… there was.
It was a stiff climb up to the top and the weather became rather damp and misty. We walked through some fields with damp grass that cleaned the boots nicely. The sun showed some promise of breaking through the mist and it began to warm up. We could see a castle type house on top of the nearby hill which was Newark Park. We re-entered the woods and met a large logging machine that was dragging logs away. We then descended down a track between trees and the bank got steadily higher and higher until the sides were higher than us. Trees had fallen across the top and visions of Jurassic park went through our minds as we expected to see a T-Rex peering at us.
We went through the small village of Alderley and then up a gentle incline following a clear stream. The weather was warming up nicely now and the sun came out. Stripping off those extra layers we passed several ponds where people were fishing and then turned up into a track leading upwards through another woods. It was a steep climb (again) with steps. We could now see the monument we were heading for in the distance as we left the woods and crossed open fields. We headed towards the monument and the sun shone down reminding us how necessary our hats were. Unfortunately, we were unable to get close to the monument but Tug, Toastie and members of the back-up team met us there and led us down to a quiet green in the town of Hawkesbury Upton where we had lunch. We saw a red kite circling above us along with a small aeroplane. It was lovely and warm and we chilled on the grass. Scouts and Explorers basked in the sun removing their tops and the young ladies rolled their tops up.
For the first time, we had a long leisurely lunch before we left for the last 3.5 km, many being very surprised about how little time it had taken. We saw a buzzard circling on the thermals. We headed down towards Horton Court through a small woods which was filled with wild garlic. On the way we came across a sign made from rocks an “R” that showed us exactly which path to take down to the minibuses. We were back in time to play games and to allow leaders to enjoy some rest in the sunshine. Tomorrow is a rest day and we are off swimming again. The forecast is good and we are beginning to think forward to our arrival in Bath…
Wednesday 8th April, Day 12 – Rest Day
Up early today and we were off to the swimming pool again. After time with the inflatables, we returned to base nice and early. We settled down to decorate gingerbread biscuits which they all seemed to enjoy. Then we completed the assault course that is next to our centre. Each scout and explorer was timed. The fastest time was 53 seconds and the slowest time was 2mins 15 secs. There was due to be a leaders race, but unfortunately the rope on the first obstacle broke so we were unable to show how fast we could be…
After a filling lunch of jacket potatoes we were off to take part in two onsite activities. The first was pedal cars and the oldest “scout” won (a leader!). Then we took part in tomahawk throwing. A new activity for the scouts, explorers and leaders. The first scout to get the axe to stick into the target was one of our youngest so well done to him! The leaders were also keen to have a go and even members of the catering team threw a few axes. I don’t think we will complain about the food again as they were very accurate… (Not that we have had any cause to do so!) Then it was back to the hall for the next activity.
The young people were divided into teams of 4 and were given instructions to construct a catapult/slingshot capable of propelling a small chocolate egg across the pathway. As an incentive, any team who succeeded would be able to eat the eggs! (They were all wrapped). There was also a special prize for the team who propelled their eggs the furthest, which lead to a leaders team being organised. The competition commenced with some success from most of the young people teams, but even with an extra hour, the leaders machine, although impressive, failed to launch an egg far enough to win. There was a short time to relax before it was dinner time. Later on, the scouts will be taking part in an evening activity outside while the warm weather lasts.
Tomorrow promises to be a hot day. It is our longest walking day as well. We are planning an early start so we can avoid the heat later on in the afternoon.