Wednesday 7th November 2012 – Mobility training – 4.30 – 5.30  Meet in the school playground after school.  Mr Baum has booked a minibus to transport you up to NCW.  Mobility training will give you an idea of the difficulties faced by blind and visually impaired and how you can best help them in the training process and in Iceland.

Sunday 11th November 2012 – Day walk – The Martley Circular Walk   If you want a lift from NCW, meet there in front of reception at 9.30am.  Alternatively, meet at Martley Church (car park at rear) at 10.00am.  We should be finishing at the church at about 2.30pm or back at NCW at 3.00pm.  You will have an opportunity to phone parents if timing significantly changes.  Please make sure you have suitable footwear (preferably walking boots), warm clothing, waterproofs, hat, gloves etc., a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.  (Unfortunately, I will not be able to join you as I have a training commitment with another group.)

Sunday 9th December 2012 – Day walk – The Long Mynd Meet at NCW at 8.00am.  A combination of KSW and NCW minibuses will transport you to the start point.  Finish time at NCW will be 5.00pm approx. You will have an opportunity to phone parents if timing significantly changes. Please make sure you have suitable footwear (preferably walking boots), warm clothing, waterproofs, hat, gloves etc., a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.  (Unfortunately, I again will not be able to join you as I have a training commitment with another group.)

Thursday 17th January 2013 – Pizza Express NCW will join us in the school playground at 6.00pm and we will all walk over to Pizza Express for a meal.  The cost of the meal will be taken out of funds.  Please arrange to be picked up from Pizza Express at 8.00pm

Sunday 3rd March 2013 - Day walk – The Worcestershire Way (Berrow Green to Bewdley) Meet at the Admiral Rodney Inn, Berrow Green at 8.30am with the car park in Dog Lane, Bewdley as the pick up point at approx. 5.00pm. You will have an opportunity to phone parents if timing significantly changes.  Please make sure you have suitable footwear (walking boots), warm clothing, waterproofs, hat, gloves etc., a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.

Friday 15th March 2013 – Quiz Night & Supper 7.30 – 10.00pm This will be held in King’s and will be a fundraising activity.  Invitations will be sent to the whole school and the wider community.  Our aim will be to get 100+ people there.  Flyers with tear off slips will be sent out early next term. Cancelled

Sunday 17th March 2013 -  Half day walk – Bredon Hill  Meet at NCW at 10.00am where transport will take you to Bredon Hill.  You will be doing this walk without staff accompanying you.  Before you set off you will be given clear instructions regarding route, but you will have to be self reliant with the guiding.  It is not a long walk but you will need your full walking kit, waterproofs etc., a packed lunch and drink.  We anticipate having you ready for collection at NCW at 2.00pm 

Sunday 28th April 2013 – Day walk – Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons - Meet at NCW at 7.30am for the drive to the Brecon Beacons.  The approx. collection time from NCW will be 6.00pm.  You will have an opportunity to phone parents if timing significantly changes.  Please make sure you have suitable footwear (walking boots), warm clothing, waterproofs, hat, gloves etc., a packed lunch, snacks and plenty to drink.

Sunday 23rd June 2013 – Day walk – Cancelled

Friday 5th July 2013 – Event – To be decided Whatever we decide to do, this will be our final get together before departure and will include the distribution of kitbags and final instructions for both you and your parents.

19th – 30th August 2013 – Iceland Trip

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May – Mature Yetis for Everest returners and Mustang preparers.

Saturday 11th Meet at the car park for the pub on the A479 Tretower to Talgarth road at 10.00am (Grid Ref. 174296 OS Explorer OL13).  It costs £1 at the pub to park for the day.  From there we will walk up the Dragon’s Back Ridge to Pen y Manllwyn and on to Waun Fach before descending to the col at the top of McNamarra’s road and the easy descent back to the pub.  After, maybe, a little time to rehydrate, we will drive to the Old Chapel for an evening meal and stories of Everest around the camp fire.

Sunday 12th  Drive round to Llanfoist  walk up, around and over Blorenge (559m), an area steeped in history.  This is the walk we abandoned due to bad weather in February. Walking here makes the journey at the end of the day much easier.  Approx. 10km  OS Explorer OL13

Sunday 2nd June – The Stiperstones  Meet at 10.am at the car park at The Bog (Grid ref. 357978 OS Explorer 217).  The walk will initially take us towards the southern end of the Stiperstones, to ‘The Rock’, before turning back on ourselves and following the ridgeline towards the north, taking in Cranberry Rock, Manstone Rock (the highest point on the Stiperstones – 536m or 1750ft) and The Devil’s Chair.  Having travelled the length of the ridge we will drop steeply down to the village of Stiperstones and the Stiperstones Inn for a spot of liquid refreshment and a rest.  We will not be eating lunch there but will find an appropriate spot for that.  We will return to the ridge (it is a steep ascent) to follow a route which traverses the eastern side of the hills before finally crossing the ridge again in order to return to the car park.  Distance approx. 10 miles

Sunday 30th June – The Bryn, Brecon Spectacular and the Talybont Forest  Meet at 10.am at the northern end of the Talybont Reservoir where you can park at the side of the the road (Grid ref. 104205 OS Explorer OL12)  The route will take us up on to The Bryn with probably the best views of the Brecon Beacons from anywhere.  From there we will follow the ridge line south, steadily climbing to the point where the ridge narrows.  Instead of continuing along the arced ridge to Fan y Big, we will continue in a southerly direction, following the Beacons Way, descending into the forest on the southern side of Glyn Collwn.  The remainder of the walk will be through the forest along the length of the reservoir before crossing the dam to the finish point.  Approx. distance 15 miles

Friday 13th – Monday 16th September – The North Cotswold Diamond Way  This four day, 60 mile walk is available in a couple of ways.  Firstly it will be a fully supported expedition style walk but with a fixed camp at the Cotswold Farm Park.  Understandably, there is more cost involved in this.  Alternatively, you can dip in and out as you please, just doing any number of days but returning home at the end of each day.

Day 1 Moreton-in-Marsh to Far Upton Wold Farm (nearest roadside parking at Grid ref. 143329 OS Explorer OL45)  Meet at Redesdale Town Hall at 10.00am.  From Moreton-in-Marsh the route heads to the most northerly point of the diamond near Ebrington, before turning into Chipping Campden.  The day ends a couple of miles beyond Blockley.  At the end of the day’s walk transport will be available to return people to their cars in Moreton-in-Marsh and to Cotswold Farm Park where camp will be set up, the kettle boiling and dinner cooking.  Distance 15 miles

Day 2 Far Upton Wold Farm to Notgrove (Grid ref. 108202 OS Explorer OL45)  After a good breakfast for those camping and placing vehicles at the day’s end point, we will return to Far Upton Wold Farm for the start of the walk.  Those joining for the day need to be at the start by 10.00am.  The route meanders its way up, over abd down the Cotswolds taking in the beautiful villages of Temple Guiting, Guiting Power, Naunton and finally Notgrove.  At the end of the day people will be reunited with their cars or taken back to camp.  Distance 15 miles

Day 3 Notgrove to Bourton-on-the-Water 10.00am start for those joining on the day.  Today we reach the southern tip of the Diamond Way near Northleach, before heading back in a northerly direction, ending in the small, yet full of attractions, town of Bourton-on-the-Water.  Distance 15 miles

Day 4 Bourton-on-the-Water to Moreton-in-Marsh.  10.00am start.  The final day takes us through more charming Cotswold villages as we head towards the finish, exactly where we started four days previously, Moreton-in-Marsh.  Distance 15 miles                    At the end of this final day those that have been camping can return to the campsite to collect their kit before heading home and a soft bed.

Wednesday 2nd January 2013 – Open to all! – A New Year meander over the Malvern Hills. Meet at North Quarry car park (£3 parking for the day) at 10.00am  for a leisurely meander with no particular achievement to aim for.  Bring a picnic lunch, although we might find ourselves in the Brewers Arms (or similar) for a lunchtime beverage.  Finish about 3.30 – 4.00pm.

Saturday 2nd March – Crickhowell Walking Festival – Open to all.  Please visit www.crickhowellfestival.com to register.   Meet at the Old Chapel, (Grid ref: 238236, Post Code NP8 1SY) at 10.00am and enjoy coffee and biscuits in its beautiful setting before we embark on our walk. The Black Mountains highest point  Rising out of the wooded Grywne Fechan valley on to open hillside, we climb steadily up to the ridge top before heading north to the summits of Pen y Gadair Fawr (800m) and the Black Mountains highest point Waen Fach (810m).  The route takes us around the head of the Grwyne Fechan Valley before descending via McNamara’s Road to the Old Chapel and a welcome cup of tea and cake, finishing ant about 4.00pm. 17.45km.  OS Explorer OL13

Sunday 3rd March – Crickhowell Walking Festival – Open to all.  Please visit www.crickhowellfestival.com to register.   Meet at the Old Chapel, (Grid ref: 238236, Post Code NP8 1SY) at 10.00am and enjoy coffee and biscuits in its beautiful setting before we embark on our walk.  Three Pens and a Table  Leaving the Old Chapel we walk up to the head of the valley via McNamara’s Road to the col.  We now head south along the ridge with outstanding views in every direction, but particularly across to the Brecon Beacons.  We soon reach the lower of our three Pens, Pen Twyn Glas (646m).  This is followed by a short, steep pull up to Pen Allt-mawr (719m) and a sweeping ridge round to Pen Cerrig-calch (701m).  Descending, we visit Table Mountain before traversing round to the north and back to the Old Chapel and a welcome cup of tea and cake, finishing about 4.00pm.  19km.  OS Explorer OL13

Wednesday 6th March – Crickhowell Walking Festival – Open to all.  Please visit www.crickhowellfestival.com to register.   Meet at the car park at Llanthony Priory at 10.00am.  A Tale of Two Abbeys. From Llanthony Abbey we climb steeply out of the Vale of Ewyas on to the Offa’s Dyke Path to head north along the famous route.  Dropping down, we pass Vision Farm, the inspiration for Bruce Chatwin’s book, “On Black Hill”.  At Capel-y-ffin there may be time to visit to two small chapels and also learn something of the history of the monastery there.  Walking behind the monastery, we rise steeply out of the valley on to the ridge top to walk south to Bal-Bach where we make our final descent to Llanthony Priory, finishing at approx. 4.30.  16.7km.  OS Explorer OL13

NHS Everest group on Chase End Hill

Sunday 28th October - an introduction to walking for Ann Dodson’s Everest group, meeting at British Camp car park at 10.00am for a walk on the southern third of the Malvern Hills. The walk will last for approximately six hours, including breaks, subject to weather conditions and the suitability of kit worn by group members.  Everybody will need good, strong footwear, waterproofs, warm layers, hat, gloves etc., a packed lunch, snacks and water. You may wish to carry a little money as there may be opportunities to purchase drinks and snacks along the way. Car park charges are £3 per vehicle for the day.         OS Explorer 190

Friday 25th, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th January – City of Birmingham University Everest Group.

• Friday 25^th Jan.  - Meet at Ann’s house between 6.30 & 7.00pm                       Dinner at 7.30 followed by a presentation on Nepal and the trekking day.  Q & A session involving all the staff.
• Saturday 26th Jan. – Morning Session – Trust                                                 Truth or lie?                                                                                                               How well do you trust each other?                                                                    Blindfold Walk                                                                                                            The Web                                                                                                               Review followed by short break                                                                   Presentation – First Aid – Tony Spence
• Afternoon Session – Problem Solving                                                             Bridge that Gap                                                                                                    Disarm the Bomb                                                                                               Minefield                                                                                                               Review followed by short break                                                                   Presentation – The Importance of Physical Fitness (A suggested programme) – Fiona Rich
• Evening Session – Creativity                                                                                     A Night at the Theatre
• Sunday 27th Jan. Morning Session – Communication                             Blindfold Square                                                                                                Blindfold Stick                                                                                                            The Kingdom of the Blind                                                                                     Review followed by short break                                                                   Presentation – Coping with psychological stress on expedition – William Murcott
• Afternoon Session – Challenge                                                               Orienteering Treasure Hunt using local area to Brockamin and Alfrick               Review followed by short break                                                                   Presentation – Coping with Altitude – Hora Ejtehadi                                              Break                                                                                                                    Review of the weekend and the way forward.

Saturday 1st June – Dinas Gorge Waterfall Walk

It takes approximately an hour and forty five minutes to drive to the start point so we aim to leave Worcester at 8.30am. Parking the cars at Pontneddfechan, we walk up stream along the Afon Mellte, encountering a number of spectacular waterfalls, some of which it is possible to walk behind or through.  Where we rise out of the gorge we cross a bridge to go over some open land before reaching another fast flowing river, the Nedd Fechan.  Walking downstream we encounter further waterfalls.

You will require a packed lunch, full walking kit, shoes for going in the water, swim wear and a towel.  Lots of rain in the days leading up to our walk will make the falls more spectacular to look at but may prevent us from going behind or through.

Sunday 9th June – A Northern Brecons Circuit

Meet at the car park (Grid Ref. 024248) at the top of the lane heading south out of Brecon at 10.00am.  Full walking kit needed, a packed lunch and plenty of fluids and snacks.  Although the walk is only a little over 9 miles you will be ascending almost 1000m and you can expect it to take you approximately 6 hours, therefore, returning to the car park at around 4.00pm.  Most of the ascent comes in the first two hours so it will be a good test of your stamina on long uphill sections.

To make the journey easier, I recommend that we all meet at Strensham Services on the south side of the M5 at 8.30am and we will travel in convoy.

Saturday 7th/Sunday 8th September – The Worcestershire Way

Meet at the car park in Dog Lane, Bewdley at 10.00am for the start of the 17 mile section of the Worcestershire Way to the Admiral Rodney at Berrow Green.  You will need your full walking gear, a packed lunch and plenty to drink.  There are no refreshments available en route.  Ann and I will have placed cars there to take you back to Bewdley to collect your cars.  Those not driving can rehydrate in the Admiral Rodney while this is done.  We will then descend on Anne’s house for a much needed meal before completing some team building activities.  Accommodation will be camping on the floor, as before.

On the Sunday, following breakfast, making our lunches and shuffling cars, we will walk the remaining 14 miles of the Worcestershire Way to Malvern.  Upon completion of the walk you will be free to go home.  This weekend will be the last opportunity you have to test out your gear and your fitness before heading off to Everest.

It is important that you make every effort to attend both of these training sessions in June and September..

On the Long Mynd

Monday 29th October - King’s Himalayan Club, Indonesia Group, meet on the school playground at 8.30am for the journey to Church Stretton for a day’s walk on the Long Mynd, Shropshire.  This will involve walking through woods, pasture, open hillsides on good paths and across rough heathland, without paths.  Total distance will be 22.5km and the walk will take approximately 7 hours, returning to school at approximately 6.00pm.  Full walking kit will be needed and enough refreshment to get through a full day’s walking.          OS Explorer 217

“If you go down to the woods today…..” Radnor Forest

Tuesday 30th October - King’s Himalayan Club, Indonesia Group, meet on the school playground at 8.30am for the journey to New Radnor, Powys.  From New Radnor we climb up on the hills of the Radnor Forest, climbing to the high points of an unnamed peak (660m), Black Mixen (650m) and Bache Hill (610m).  Total distance is approximately 16km (10 miles).  The same kit and refreshment requirements as yesterday are required.  We should be back at school for about 6.30pm.  OS Explorer 200 & 201

February Half Term – Monday 18th – Friday 22nd February – King’s Himalayan Club, Indonesia Group  

Day 1 Monday 18th February – Orienteering Treasure Hunt (1) - Meet at North Quarry car park at 10.00am.  You will work in three teams and your aim is to solve as many clues as possible.  Each clue has a monetary value so the aim is to accumulate as much money as possible.  Some clues are multipliers and are essential if you are to beat the other teams.  The day will finish at the car nearest to the Wyche Cutting at 4.00pm.  You will need walking boots, warm clothing, waterproofs, a packed lunch and liquids, and a determination to win.

Teamwork

Day 2 Tuesday 19th February – Orienteering Treasure Hunt (2) - Meet at the Wyche Cutting car park at 2.00pm.  Still working in your teams, you will focus your efforts in the afternoon on the middle section of the Malvern Hills between the Wyche Cutting and the Malvern Hills Hotel.  On this section you will have to develop a different strategy to achieve maximum reward.  On completion of this section, you will eat a packed tea, provided by you, before embarking on the final and most difficult section, the southern third of the Malvern Hills in the dark.  (Please make sure you have a head torch)  This will bring you round in a circle so that you finish at the car park opposite the Malvern Hills Hotel at 9.00pm.  Make sure you have your full walking kit with you.

Day 3 Wednesday 20th February - The Cotswolds  Meet in the school playground at 9.00am.  We can organise a pick up in Broad Street, Pershore, at 9.30am for those living in that direction.  You will need full walking kit, a packed lunch and water.  We will drive to the car park at the top of Fish Hill, above Broadway.  The walk will take us through woodland to Snowshill, climbing to the crest of the Cotswolds before dropping down to Stanton.  From there we walk across pastureland above Laverton and Buckland, skirting around the edge of Broadway before rising again to the Broadway Tower and back to the car park for about 4.00pm and back to school for 5.00pm with a drop off, for those who request it, in Pershore at 4.30pm.  16km  OS Explorer OL45

Day 4 Thursday 21st February -Photography Course with Simon Watkinson.  10.00am – 4.00pm This course will be based in school, using a classroom for the morning session.  The afternoon session will be practical based, experimenting with the morning’s learning.  This is a fabulous course and will definitely help you to take superb pictures in Indonesia.  Visit www.swinfocus.co.uk to see the quality of Simon’s work.  Simon leads all Classic Journeys photographic expeditions.

Evening light on the Black Mountains

Day 5 Friday 22nd February – Honing our photographic skills.  Meet at 11.00am in the school playground.  The minibus will take us to the car park at the Gullet Quarry, off Castlemorton Common.  From here we will be able to wander around the quiet southern slopes looking for photographic opportunities in woodland, on open hillsides, with water and rock.  It is important that we stay out as long as we can to make the most of the changing light as day turns into night.  Sunset is at 5.28pm.  We will have a laptop with us so that we can download our photos and assess them instantly.  Anticipate being back at school at 6.30pm.  You will need warm clothing, as there may well be some standing around, waterproofs, a packed lunch and snacks, plus plenty to drink.