Derwent Hill 2025-2026
In November 2025, 70 children from across the trust visited Derwent Hill in the beautiful Lake District. A selection of photographs, and a blog detailing our visit, can be found below. All photos, along with some videos, can be viewed by following this link - Derwent Hill November 2025
Derwent Hill Blog
Monday 10th November 2025
We have had an amazing first day. The journey across was great and the children were fantastically behaved. After lunch, the children spent some time getting to know Derwent Hill; collecting the equipment which they’ll be using this week; and one group even took on the big swing!! Tonight, 3 groups enjoyed the night walk whilst the other 3 groups showed off their talents during the first instalment of Aim High’s Got Talent. What a talent group of children we have!!
Tuesday 11th November 2025
What a great first full day! The children are all sound asleep in bed in what must be record time! Certainly quicker than night 1! The Lake District fresh air and amazing activities has clearly worn them out!! After an amazing breakfast, 2 groups have stood up to the challenge of their hill walk. Ther children have shown fantastic resilience and teamwork. On what has been a rather soggy day, other groups have also rose to the challenge by taking on the big swing, high ropes course, canoeing on the lake, and a gorge scramble. Tonight, the children have enjoy a delicious tea of chilli and rice or baked potato with a variety of toppings. This was followed by an old classic of Arctic Roll. After that, three more groups enjoyed a night walk whilst the remaining had their chance to demonstrate their skills on night 2 of Aim High’s Got Talent! We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!
Wednesday 12th November 2025
Day 3 at Derwent Hill has come to an end. We have enjoyed much better weather with even the odd sighting of the sun. Two more groups have enjoyed their hill walks giving the children the chance to build their resilience and teamwork skills whilst experiencing the stunning Lake District scenery. Those groups not out in the hills have once again enjoyed a variety of activities including time canoeing on the lake followed by a paddle and in some cases a full dip for those brave enough; orienteering allowing them to explore the groups of Derwent Hill whilst working on their team work and communication skills; a gorge scramble in Whinlater Forest; and of course more attempts at the famous Derwent Hill big swing. Those groups around the centre were also treated to a show from the RAF and some of their fight planes out on manoeuvres. What an amazing sight!! This evening, an another delicious meal of lasagne or pasta and sauce, the children took part in team challenge activities. The children are now all in bed and the staff are now waiting for the final few children to fall off to sleep before our final full day tomorrow.
Thursday 12th November 2025
How is it possibly the last night? It has been another rainy one but it hasn’t spoilt any of our fun. Today, the final 2 groups completed their hill walks. The remaining groups either spent time canoeing on the Lake; visiting the Honister slate mine; learning bush craft skills including toasting marshmallows; or had the chance to visit the Keswick climbing wall. Tonight, after tea of burgers and chips, the children enjoyed a movie night with a chance to visit the Aim High Tuck Shop for some sweets and crisps. They are now tucked up in bed for their final night’s sleep.
Tomorrow, we are due to leave at around 1:30pm. Individual schools will post on Class Dojo to keep you informed of when we expect to arrive back at school.