Perse pupils in peak condition for Lake District adventure

More than 30 Perse pupils rounded off last term on a high note with a special trip to the Lake District.

The group of students, ranging from Year 10 to Upper Sixth, set off into the mountains with the promise of fun physical challenges.

In the absence of snow, pupils opted for the challenging and steep ascent of Scafell Pike, England’s highest mountain, from Wasdale Head. The route quickly ascended a steep rock staircase, culminating in a scree-choked gully.

Donning helmets for the final push through the gully, the group enjoyed the test of some steep scrambling before finishing the climb across broken ground and rock in cold, but dry, conditions. Pupils made the most of the small patches of remnant snow around the summit area with snowballs making an appearance.

Having made short work of Scafell Pike, many students opted to take on an additional summit in the form of Lingmell fell, before returning to the youth hostel at Eskdale for a well-deserved rest.

The second day of walking saw the group divide to take on hikes up the summit of Harter Fell and a local waterfall in deteriorating weather conditions. The day concluded with the group enjoying the shelter and comfort of the youth hostel whilst tucking into a three-course Christmas dinner.

Perse Head of Outdoor Education Ben Parker said: “The pupils had a wonderful time, spending time in each other’s company and taking part in outdoor activities. With no phones in sight, par for the course on outdoor education trips, pupils enjoyed the digital detox and headed home with excellent memories as well as being refreshed for the start of the holidays.”