Year 6 Ilam Hall

On Monday 23rd June, 108 pupils departed school, bound for Ilam Hall in the Peak District. Our journey went well with a brief stop en route. On arrival at Ilam Hall, the children massed on the lawn outside the hostel whilst the coaches were unloaded. Having deposited cases and bags inside, water bottles were topped up and the three groups set off to climb either Bunster Hill or Thorpe Cloud. The steep ascent was rewarded with spectacular views back towards the hostel. Having surveyed the rolling countryside, the groups returned to the hostel ready for their evening meal.

The Tuesday itinerary meant that Mr Dunn’s group would follow a slightly different order than the other two groups. For group C, their day started with a short journey to the outskirts of Ashbourne where they picked up bicycles and set off along the Tissington Trail. Meanwhile, the other two groups headed to the town of Castleton where the Blue John caverns are located. Having explored the caverns, they had lunch followed by a couple of brief showers! This marked the start of the climb to the top of Mam Tor. The showers were soon dispersed by a blustery breeze which again allowed the children to appreciate the landscape and the walk they had just completed!

Wednesday meant the reversal of activities on the itinerary. Group C headed off to Castleton to enjoy the wonders of the High Peak area. Mr Boylan was heading off to Chatsworth House with his group whilst Mr Queenborough was leading his group on a cycle ride along the Tissington Trail. The cycle route is a total of seven miles along a former disused railway line. Thankfully, the gentle incline towards the former Tissington station means that the return leg is a relaxed ride!

At Chatsworth, all the groups enjoyed a tour of the spectacular stately home. With lots to see in the open rooms, the children marvelled at some of the artworks on show and the splendour of the rooms. Once through the house, the children got to explore a tiny part of the extensive grounds. The fountain, which was built in 1844, allowed the children to cool off in the spray. Some groups got to explore the maze whilst others got to walk through the rockery. Whichever route was taken around the grounds, all can say how amazing they are.

Thursday meant Alton Towers. The children were excited to try and ride many of the attractions. Hex, Thirteen, Smiler, the Conga River Rapids and the Battle Galleons amongst others all proved to be popular choices by those that got to ride them. With any large theme park, it is always difficult to get to ride everything, but the children were pleased to get to experience many popular attractions. Children exchanged stories about their day on return to the hostel. After the evening meal, like each evening before, the children played outside in the grounds of Ilam Hall. There was a buzz of activity, and it was hard to believe that it was soon time for bed with the week almost over.

On our last morning, all rooms were emptied, and packed bags stored, ready to be loaded onto coaches. Each group set off for a local walk around the Manifold Valley. Watched over by the sheep, the children walked around designated paths before returning to the hostel, where the coaches met us, ready for the return leg to school. The whole week has provided the children with some lasting memories. The hostel staff praised the children for their manners and behaviour. Similar messages were echoed in other places we visited during the week. The children were a credit to West Leigh and a credit to their parents.