Silver linings as students battle through intense heat of expedition

The last weekend of the school year saw twenty-five Year 12 students gather in Kilbroney Forest Park to begin a three-day trek through the Mournes to Shimna. Each of the four groups tackled both challenging routes and intense heat, with hydration proving crucial throughout.

Groups made their way out of Kilbroney via a mix of Ulster Way sections and higher forest paths, before passing through a checkpoint at Leitrim Lodge. From there, all groups ascended over Rocky Mountain to a spectacular riverside campsite along the Rocky River.

Morale was high at the end of the day, with meals ranging from Max, Kieran and Samuel's rump steaks to Eilah, Seren, Avelinn and Josh's chicken curry, alongside plenty of Haribo and Squashies, although midges proved as persistent a challenge as finding a suitable toileting spot.

Day 2 saw routes diverge towards Meelmore. Two groups followed the Ulster Way via Spelga, Fofanny Dam and Happy Valley, while the others headed south-east over Pigeon Rock Mountain, contouring Muck Mountain and crossing Pollaphuca, routes that demanded exceptional fitness and determination across all teams.

With the heat continuing into Day 3, routes were adapted as all groups made their way back to Shimna through Tollymore, even managing to squeeze in a rendition of Happy Birthday and a chocolate treat to celebrate Siomha’s 16th along the way.

It was a pleasure to spend three days with such a capable, civilised and resilient group. All of our students demonstrated excellent expedition skills throughout. Congratulations to all on reaching this stage, with the Silver Award now almost complete.

As ever, thanks to an exceptionally enthusiastic and highly skilled staff team of Maria Curran, Tom Rodgers, Niamh Lindsay, Chris Smyth, Campbell Mayers and Stuart Scott for supervising and assessing every step of the way.