Four adventurous members of staff set out to conquer a small corner of the Lake District on Saturday morning as part of a series of staff climbing days.

Four adventurous members of staff set out to conquer a small corner of the Lake District on Saturday morning. The trip was organised and run by Mr Bede who last year completed a Mountain Leader qualification after years of experience of mountain walking across the British Isles. It appears we found the best of the weather and were rewarded with warm sun and mostly clear skies.

Mr King, Mr Soochit and Mr Seaman were challenged with a 9.25km walk to the summits of Mardale Ill Bell (760m) and High Street (828m) showcasing some of the most beautiful sites the Lake District has to offer. The real surprise occurred about an hour into the walk when Mr Bede and Mr Seaman produced bread buns, bacon and a small travel stove from their bags and proceeded to cook hot bacon sandwiches for the group.

At the summit of High Street, the group set out to find some remains of the Roman road which once ran across the top of the hill en route from Penrith to Ambleside. While the road isn't evident anymore, there are likely routes which the Roman Legions may well have followed all those years ago.

Mr Soochit was keen to learn about navigation and with support from Mr Bede was able to get all the staff safely back to the car park via the spectacular descent of Rough Crag and Long Stile.

There are two more staff walks to come; a traverse of Crinkle Crags at the head of Great Langdale, and a chance to complete one of the classic Lakeland circuits – an ascent of Helvellyn via Striding and Swirral Edges.

Year 9 students will soon have the opportunity to experience similar adventures and so much more in the upcoming Adventure CAVE in the challenge weeks organised by Mr Bede.

Report by Mr King.