Tuesday 31st March, Day 4 – 21.5km
We began at 10 am with a stiff climb up to Belas Knap a restored ancient burial mound. Scouts climbed on top and tried to sky dive in the wind. It was very windy and got no better as the day progressed. We passed along the edge of a woodland and the trees sheltered us from the worse of the wind, although we could still hear it. We had a short detour around a farm which had sheep in lambing sheds. The scouts were fascinated by a barn of cows who were keen to see the scouts too. We then headed up onto Cleeve Common, steadily climbing higher and higher. The common was exposed to the wind and it howled around us as we walked onwards. We briefly met Tug, who had walked out to meet us and a few of the optimistic scouts asked if we had finished already! Walking around the common we headed upwards and were able to see for miles in all directions. We were able to see Cheltenham Racecourse in the distance in the sunshine as well as the misty storm that seemed to be approaching…
Scouts began to think about lunch but it was far too soon, and too exposed as we had reached the trig point at 317m. We walked onwards and began to head down into the valley. After a few more kms we reached a (slightly) more sheltered spot and leaned against the slope to eat. Scouts sat one side, Explorer scouts the other. When the weather closed in and we had a hailstorm, it was the explorers who had chosen wisely with the wind at their back not directly into their faces, so scouts changed sides. We left, the weather warmed up, and we began to get warm in our waterproofs. We walked on down and met Tug again as we crossed a small quiet road. We then walked on through another nature reserve under the trees where we all began to feel it was time to remove fleeces as well.
Reaching the bottom at the reservoir we paused again and made friends with a small brown dog who came to see us. We then crossed the road and began the stiff climb up again. It was steep! The group spread out and walked at our own pace. The four speedy explorer scouts and scouts were off. Most of us continued at our own slower pace and gradually made it to the top, although the steep steps were not very easy to climb up. We then were pleased to see Tug and news that the mini-buses were less than a mile away. The pace picked up and even the slower scouts put their heads down and raced off, most missing the Buzzard that took flight when they appeared. The last km was completed in record time and we were done.
Back on the buses after a long hard day, showers and dinner. Turkey and Ham pie, which had confused the scouts, meaning Skip had to explain to them exactly what it was, which was hysterical after 5 times!
Wednesday 1st April, Day 5 – Rest Day
We all had a lay in today, and didn’t have breakfast until 9am. We then packed our swimming clothes and headed off to Dursley swimming pool. Tug drove one mini-bus and the other was driven by the newly christened “Toastie”. The scouts promptly made up a song in his honour. At the pool, we had a great time playing with all the inflatables and using the aqua-slide. The acrobatics of many scouts when coming off the end into the pool were impressive! The leaders were less adventurous. This was followed by the chance to swim which most scouts and explorers enjoyed.
We then returned to base for pizza and salad for lunch. After the late lunch the young people were given the chance to buy souvenirs at the shop and some parents are going to be delighted at the whoopee cushions! There was then the opportunity for some free time and the scouts took themselves off to explore the camp, play rugby, play cards, revise or just chill. When dinner approached three scouts were missing, they were tucked up fast asleep on their bunks. They woke up for dinner, but clearly this rest day has been much needed! Time for a film now and then special hot chocolate and bed.
Thursday 2nd April, Day 6 – 17km
Today was a bit of a slow start, but we did get out on time after all. We were expecting cold weather so had plenty of layers on. We began the first climb and soon began to get warm. At various times we stopped and people took advantage to remove waterproof layers. The weather brightened up and we even saw the sun. We walked past Devils Chimney and saw the old quarries. We walked on using some of the quieter roads before passing a reservoir and old long barrow. We passed the site of an old roman villa but there was little evidence of it to be seen. We walked through Crickley Hill Country Park through several old enclosures and a hill fort, before taking a sharp left turn to double back but we all made a point of touching the signpost and not cutting off the corner! One of the younger scouts was encouraged to join the leading group and the pace today was faster than ever, even though the young people groaned at the start because muscles were slow to warm up after a day off. As we left the park and crossed the busy A417 we climbed up through a field of hairy cows who were interested in us. A small great tit was sat in the tree and called out encouragement to us as we passed.
The weather continued to help us the sun came out, and the wind dropped completely. It was perfect walking weather! The views at various points were breath-taking, we could see for miles as we walked along the ridge. Later we entered woodland and the views disappeared. We walked under the trees and were walking through wild garlic which covered the floor. The way continued through the woodlands but were very muddy in places. One scout left his boot behind as he walked through a particularly sticky part, although fortunately he did not put his foot back down into the mud! When it was recovered it was suggested that the laces needed to be tied a bit tighter. Through the trees we could see the large Witcombe reservoirs down in the valley as the path meandered between the trees and up and down. We paused briefly at a stream, the young people floated sticks and explored it briefly before we walked on. As we continued, on the floor, several of us noticed stick arrows…
We turned the corner and we had reached Tug and Toastie. The minibuses were there waiting for us by Coopers Hill, site of the cheese rolling competition and we were surprised by how small it was. We returned for showers, games and dinner.