After a little bit of a delayed start, Year 6 made good time up the M1 and arrived in Castleton just before lunch - ready and raring to go! With a little bit of teamwork, bags were transferred from the coaches to the waiting minibuses which then whisked our belongings off up to the Hollowford Centre.

Following on foot behind, the children had their first glimpse of the peak of Mam Tor which towers over Castleton and the Hope Valley. After a speedy lunch, children were given a quick tour of their new home for the week: even the staff, for whom Hollowford is now like a second home, were excited to see some new additions – most exciting were the three new drying rooms which considering the week’s weather forecast will definitely come in handy!

The children were then introduced to their instructors who wasted no time in getting them ready for the first activity. Higger Tor provided a brilliant backdrop for weaselling where one group loved scrambling over, under and through the natural rock formations. We had our first group summit Mam Tor – and as this was done in record time, we even had time to make our way along the ridge to scale Back Tor too!

Back at the centre, much fun was had on the high ropes course, where many children faced their fears and conquered the infamous leap of faith. Also, some successful maiden voyages of our rafts on the ‘lake’ were made – and the children celebrated afterwards with a dunk! Mrs Pinborough very much enjoyed testing out the newly bought centrifugal spinner to dry off their clothes!

Returning back to the centre, and after a few fights with the duvet covers, all the children soon had beds made and were ready for dinner. The first of many delicious meals to be had from the Castleton kitchen. Following dinner, with a few droopy eyes, we all settled in the lounge, onesies adorned, teddies in hand, to watch a film before bed. Let’s hope that we have sufficiently worn them out on Day 1 so that everyone has a good night’s sleep.

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