Gwilym's Adventure Blog

London Bridge  Bet this goes fast (each one was 275hp) Today I was in Torbay with 4 clients on an introduction to Sit on Top paddling. During the day we looked at paddling skills and explored the coastline including boat spotting in Torquay Harbour. Afterlunch we did some more paddling, circumnavigated Thatcher Rock and then looked at self rescue skills. Overall we covered around 10km and explored a few caves. The weather was OK today, not as good as it has been but certainly not as bad as was forecast.

Today I was again out with Bridgwater College student. Only 6 today so we went for a nice 18km cycle around the Quantock hills taking in both forest single track and wide open bridleways. The sun shone all day and fortunately there was a breeze to keep us cool.

Today I was back working for Bridgwater College with some Level 4 students. We headed to Uphill Quarry to look at climbing skills. During the day the students all learnt how to set up top roped climbs, abseil and belay. Everyone managed 4 climbs each during the day. Another warm and sunny day but with a chilly wind at times.

 Heading Out Me at the helm (with the wrong mug) Tim and Cat Heading back in Today was my day off and I headed down to Wareham to join Tim and Cat on their new 28ft yacht for a jolly in the sun. Off we went up the river into Pool Harbour and a trip round Brownsea Island.We all took turns at being the Captain at the helm, Crew on the sheets and Cabin Boy making the tea (the latter being the most important job of the three). On arriving back at the mooring there was only one thing left to do and that was fish and chips on the quay. Am amazing day out with some good friends. The wind was perfect and the weather as it has been for a few weeks now was absolutely stunning.

Today we swapped groups and I headed out with the 4 candidates that Andy had yesterday. We looked at more complicated navigation and contour recognition. The weather for the last 3 days has been very hot (too hot at times) with fantastic views. Well done to all 7 candidates who passed.

Yesterday morning I left Princetown on Dartmoor with 3 candidates I am assessing for the WGL Award. The other 4 went with Andy Holborn. We were out on the moor with and overnight camp near Black Tor and stayed out until mid afternoon today. During the two days we looked at navigation skills, group management skills and tested the candidates knowledge on flora, fauna, geology and history of the moor.

Today Mark and I took the candidates to Hound Tor for the second day of the SPA Assessment and spent another day in the sun whilst looking at abseiling and rescue skills. Always odd to climb at Hound Tor as you are all roped up with helmet and harness then some 5 year old kid just appears next to you at the belay. A great result with all 7 candidates passing. Well done!

  Today I have been working* at Chudleigh with Mark on an SPA Assessment. We had 7 candidates between us and duirng the day they led routes at Severe 4a and also set up Top Ropes and demonstrated their knowledge of the crag environment. The latter part of the afternoon was spent at the River Dart Country Park firstly doing a theory paper and then Climbing Wall for the inside element of the assessment, it was actually a relief to get into the shade by then * sitting in the sun watching whilst candidates did all the actual work

Me and Jonny Jonny and Ben  One of the many canal boats Just testing my advanced paddling skills Today I was working for Jonny's new business Bath Adventure Tours who will be running activity trips in and around the Bath area. I was paddling with him on the Kennet and Avon Canal to assist with his Risk Assessments. Ben also came out for the day so we had a pleasant 5km paddle down the canal for a Cream Tea at Troughs in Avoncliff. We returned via the River Avon (and a portage up a steep bank) back to the canal. Yet another good weather day.

Jonny on Obelisk Crack Jonny and Ben topping out Ben on Bolg Practising Abseil setups Today I headed up to Goblin Combe to put Jonny through his paces before a SPA assessment next week. Jonny led Ben (who had offered to come out as a body for the day) up Obelisk Crack S 4a and Bolg S4a in the fantastic sunshine. After lunch we rigged up some scenarios with Jonny "rescueing Ben" from a climb and an abseil.

"Another day in the office".  Andy and I headed up onto the Quantock Hills with some Public Service students for some navigation practicals. It was sunny, very hot and an absolute pleasure to be out and about.

"stuck in the office again" Porlock Bay Me at Hurlstone Point Students enjoying the sunshine Today Ivor and I headed out onto Exmoor with some students for a spot of basic navigation practice. The weather was stunning with just a small breeze to keep the temperature down. So, with clear skies and the ability to see for miles not much map reading or compass bearings were needed, however energy conservation, shade hopping and keeping hydrated were skillsdeveloped during the day. I am out tomorrow on The Quantock Hills with another group and it is due to be even hotter. I don't want to speak to soon but maybe the Summer is here .....

Bike Repairs Slow Speed Riding Skills Climbing Wall  Jacob's Ladder I was back up at the Cannington Activity Centre again today and we spent the morning looking at Cycle Maintainence and slow speed riding skills to prepare the group before we hit the hills after the Easter Holidays. After lunch we headed outside (as the rain had stopped) and used the climbing wall and the Jacobs Ladder challenge to further encourage team work whilst learning belay skills again as a preparation for rock climbing trips after Easter.