Over the weekend we had two days of climbing for pupils. On Saturday we went to North Wales with a mixed ability group and climbed at Castle Inn Quarry. This worked really well, giving a good range of climbs for everyone. For some it was their first time climbing outside, whilst others were continuing to progress with their lead climbing. Despite the very warm weather, pupils really worked hard and made great progress throughout the day. Yesterday an advanced group went to Horseshoe Quarry in the Peak District. The main focus of the day was to work on lead climbing and developing experience ..read more

On Sunday, a group of pupils went to Llandegla One Planet Adventure for the day. Despite there being a broad ability range, we managed to tailor the day to offer progression for everyone. For some, that was simply completing the larger ride with some sections of Red trail. Others completed their first black sections of trail, dropped new lines, or cleared jumps for the first time. It was great to watch pupils progress and identify areas they want to improve on or try for the first time. For those that have been coming regularly, I can now see they are starting to understand and appreciate th ..read more

Yesterday, a group of girls braved the conditions and went to Llandegla One Planet Adventure to bike for the day. The forecast was not too bad, but the weather we got was dreadful! The ride to the top was ok with a bit of light rain and wind, but as soon as we started down the Blue, it turned. The rapid drop in temperature and huge snowflakes went from beautiful to moral-destroying very quickly. After the first fun descent, it became an exercise in staying warm enough and getting down as quickly as possible. The freezing temperature and snow settling on the trail made that a challenge in itse ..read more

On Saturday, a group of pupils braved the cold misty conditions in the Peak District to go bouldering for the day. These days always present a greater challenge than the roped climbing ones, as the skills required for bouldering, especially on gritstone, are so varied. We started the day at Stanage Edge at the Apparent North area. This gave a good range of problems to try at the lower end on the grade range. The conditions made it very challenging, but pupil’s demonstrated good resilience and determination to climb many problems. By midday the temperature was starting to take it’s toll, so ..read more

Yesterday a group of girls took to the trails at Llandegla OnePlanet Adventure. With many returning, it was a good opportunity to look for ways to progress. After the initial refresh of some key skills, we made the slog up to the top. We started down the blue which gives a enjoyable start of fast flowing single track. Before we hit the joining track with the red, we had a little staggered start race to stretch the legs. We split at the junction, so those less experienced could enjoy the rest of the blue, whilst others finished down the red. This gave us a chance to stop and look at a couple ..read more

Last week a group of pupils ventured to Innerleithen for a week of technical and physically challenging riding. The trails there are some of the longest and best in the country and they tested the pupils’ riding skills to the limit. Throughout the week the riding progressed and the intensity of the trails increased. This gave pupils the chance to put all their skills into practice as they rode down the ever-steeping terrain. For some, this is their seventh year biking with school, and the level of riding they demonstrated was outstanding. The first four days were spent at the Golfie where w ..read more

Over the weekend there have been two different day trips. Saturday saw the climbers travel down to Castle Inn Quarry near Colwyn Bay. We were a little concerned as we drove through the odd shower and wet roads, but were greeted with dry rock and perfect climbing conditions. The group had a broad ability range, so we set up climbs to offer a range of challenges for everyone. The 17 climbs on offer gave pupils a chance to experience grades from 3+ to 6c – allowing them to find something to enjoy and push their climbing. For some it was their first time climbing outside, and they transferred wha ..read more

Sunday 18th September saw the first MTB day of the new school year. There were new faces, along with the usual suspects, to enjoy a good day at Llandegla. We made a nice link up of the blue and red which included sections that had been closed for most of last year due to storm damage. Time in the skills area was well spent as well, looking at the drops and jumps. It has been fantastic to get out with pupils again. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone ride and progress this year ..read more

This week a small group of pupils have been down in Wales for some advanced MTB at Coed y Brenin. The aim of the trip was to give pupils coaching on, and experience of, different trails away from what they usually ride. A big part of the days riding has been to focus on riding smoothly, using the terrain and good line selection. Throughout the four days, everyone has shown great improvement and coped with the hot weather well. After the drive down from school on Monday, we hit the trails straight away. A quick lap of the Red Fox set the tone for what was to come. The mix of both technical as ..read more

This week saw 120 pupils travel to mid Wales to take part in an Adventure Challenge and Leadership course at Outward Bound Aberdovey. The challenges pupils faced were not just physical after the affects of recent years. Covid has left pupils without residential trips and the skills acquired from those experiences. For many the greatest learning experience has come from being placed in groups and dorms with pupils outside their normal friendship group. With the challenges they face in the next academic year as they start to mix more across their year group through subjects, and further into 4t ..read more