Day One: Settling In and Getting Started
The Year 5 boys arrived safely at Plas-Y-Brenin and were quickly swept up in the excitement of their first activities. Once bags were unpacked and lunch eaten, the group split in two. One half pulled on boots and set off for what was described as a “hill walk” — though many insisted it was closer to a mountain. The path was steep and rocky in places, but the boys pushed on with good humour, helping each other over the trickier patches. Meanwhile, the other group took to the lake with canoes. Keeping boats in a straight line was easier said than done, but the boys worked well together and eventually found their rhythm. The day finished with a few games and even some Welsh phrases, though not before a couple of boys ended up in the water — by accident, of course.

Day Two: A Day of Challenges
If the first day had been about finding their feet, the second was all about stretching themselves. Half the group plunged straight into the river to begin gorge walking, where they were taught to tread carefully and avoid the green and black rocks. The highlight was the so-called “washing machine,” a whirl of water that left everyone laughing (and rather wet). For the others, the morning brought more canoeing — this time in heavy rain and strong winds. It took real determination to keep the boats moving, but the boys stuck with it and enjoyed the ride. In the afternoon, attention turned to ropes and rock faces. Climbing up required steady concentration, while abseiling down called for a very different sort of courage. Both were tackled brilliantly.

Day Three: Growing in Confidence
By the third day it was clear how much the boys had grown in both confidence and skill. Activities varied — some returned to the water, others clipped on harnesses again — but the theme was the same: every boy pushed themselves in one way or another. There were plenty of proud moments, whether it was a nervous climber making it to the top or a canoeing group finally keeping perfect time with their paddles. Of course, there were still the occasional slips and splashes, but these only added to the stories that will be retold many times over. As the trip rolled on, so did the sense of achievement and camaraderie among the group.