Last weekend (9th and 10th May) the first of this year’s Bronze Award practice expeditions took place in the beautiful Antrim Hills.

Day one saw the ‘Bronzies’ walk from Cushendun to Watertop Farm that included making their way to the peak of Carnamore. Mrs McCann noted that ‘the boys were blessed with good walking conditions under foot despite heavy rain the previous week’ and ‘enjoyed fantastic views of the Scottish coast and Rathlin Island from the summit of Carnamore’.

On day two, the boys were reminded of the importance of closing gates behind them when some of Watertop’s ponies joined them for breakfast and the breaking of camp! The groups then navigated their way through Ballypatrick Forest towards the bus.

The participants gained a better appreciation of camp craft and proper planning, all of which will hold them in good stead for the final expedition in the Mourne Mountains in June.