DoE Bronze mapwork practice and expedition to Arran

Michael has written us a great report about his experience on Arran.

First, he shares the contents of his kit; all the essentials he packed:

• Sleeping Bag
• Torch
• Matches
• Plate
• Fork
• Knife
• Spoon
• First Aid Kit
• Food (Breakfast, Dinner, Snacks)
• Money
• Water (lots of it!)
• Walking Boots
• Another Pair Of Shoes
• Clothes For The Trip
• Rucksack
• Washing Up Liquid And Sponge
• Compass

Day One:

I was at school in the minibus and we were about to set off. I thought to myself, "What will the walk be like?" We drove off. I had nothing to fear because Mr. Maguire was driving the minibus. We arrived at the dock and waited to get onto the ferry. When we got on, we left the minibus and looked around the ferry. It had a gambling place, a shop and a place where you could get something to eat and drink. We got off the ferry and went to the starting point of our trip.

We got our bags on our shoulders and went on forward. We met Mr. Anderson at the first point and we did some map and compass work. 

A few hours later, we arrived at the campsite. We got the tents set up and cooked some food. Later, we walked down to the beach and back. Then we went to sleep.

Day Two:

We woke up and cooked some breakfast, then we cleaned up and packed the tents and our bags and headed on our way. We met Mr. Anderson for our map and compass work. 

Then we walked, walked and walked some more. We later met Mr. Anderson at a house and continued our walk. 

Then, we finally finished our walk. I cooked some food and gave some to Mr Anderson! We all bought a nice, cold, refreshing glass of coke and hopped on the minibus. We went around the shops of the dock where we were going to get the ferry home. We got on the ferry and eventually arrived back at school. I was tired.

Conclusion: 

I found this walk very challenging, yet I completed it. I am very pleased that this was a challenge I could accomplish because I plan to do Silver and maybe Gold in the future. In conclusion, I am very pleased that I completed the walk on Arran.