Minehead Residential 2025
Thursday 5th June
What a day we've had; a whole day in the outdoors adventuring! From getting lost (using the Sat Nav) and reversing for a mile down the tightest of country roads before ascending Dunkery Hill to stop off at an ancient burial mound and take in stunning panoramic views, just as the clouds parted for the briefest of moments. Excitedly visiting every souvenir shop within a two mile radius of Minehead seafront followed by ice cream on the beach, our intrepid group has walked for miles.
Waking up to light drizzle, the forecast for the morning didn't look promising, therefore a slower start to the day was in order. Following directions, to the carpark at the foot of Dunkery Beacon, brought the mini bus through some very narrow lanes to a dead end - with nowhere to turn around! Google maps showed that our destination was directly opposite and on the other side of the hill, through a dense woodland! Reversing back down the lanes that we had just driven up, proved to be entertaining, with every sensor and alarm telling the driver that they were too close to absolutely everything at every opportunity! A friendly builder met us around a corner and ushered the bus into his driveway. Once back on the road, Webber's Post Car Park was soon located and the children set off for the summit in driving rain and walking through low cloud! Our extended journey had done nothing to help blow away the wet weather.
Spotting a rainbow at the halfway point was just the sign we needed and galloping ensued along the bridleway all the way to the top of the cairn. The views were worth the trip (even the most sceptical of the children agreed) a vast panorama, including the Bristol Channel, English Channel, and the surrounding hills of Dartmoor and the Brecon Beacons. On a clear day the view would extend for 86 miles, alas ours wasn't so clear!
After the children and staff had dried out over lunch, the drive to Minehead Seafront was less eventful than the morning's trip to Dunkery. The children's many 'interesting purchases', from the multiple shops visited during the shopping spree, were tucked away in backpacks as the chorus of 'Can we have an Ice-cream?' finally found approval. Although every flavour imaginable was available, blue bubble-gum and chunky chocolate proved to be the most frequently requested. Lots of fun and laughter on the beach followed. Holes in the sand were dug, footballs kicked and holiday adverts re-enacted before returning to our hostel for dinner.
Sad to be spending our last night here, but looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
Minehead Day 4
Wednesday 4th June
We began the day by gently rousing the children, who had obviously worn themselves out during the previous day's activities. As our bleary-eyed adventurers descended the staircase for breakfast, they were welcomed by Errol (the hostel manager) and his wife.
Once bags were packed and double checked, to ensure the right items were with the children, we set off towards the 'Valley of the rocks' where we were to meet our climbing instructors: Dan, Jack and Millie. What we hadn't realised was the steepness of Porlock Hill (along with it's magnificent views) that we had to drive up and over, to reach our destination. Leaning forwards to help the bus get to the top and leaning back when descending, was apparently 'fun'!
On arrival, the children were met by Jack, who kitted the group out with helmets and harnesses and informed us not to approach the goats! Someone counted 25 on our walk to the base of our climb, which was known locally as 'The White Lady.' The children had already climbed to quite a high point, before clipping on and learning how to climb, belay and serve as a back stop! With four climbs set up for us, the children had multiple opportunities to get to the top of the rocky outcrop, even Mr Smith and Mrs Dharmasiri managed to get there!
After lunch was eaten, the journey back to Porlock Weir, for a spot of paddle boarding, wasn't as terrifying as our driver imagined - engaging the lowest gear and descending at 10 miles an hour was absolutely fine!
Following a quick change into wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets, we were off to the harbour for some fun in the sea. A huge SUP for 8 children and several smaller SUPs ensured lots of fun jumping off into the water, swimming races and much laughter.
All welcomed a hot shower on our return to base before dinner, yes they have all showered - at least twice! The weather has continued to be kind to us this week, with sunshine during our outdoor activities and cloudy skies whilst driving to them, long may it continue.
Minehead Day 3
Tuesday 3rd June
After a wonderful night's sleep 'The best I've had in ages' (to quote one of the children), we had to rouse almost all of our sleeping beauties to get them ready for breakfast. A superb cooked breakfast was served by our fabulous hosts, as well as a variety of cereals, fruit and pastries to fuel the children ready for a full day of outdoor adventure.
Bags packed and our destination programmed into the Sat Nav, all we needed was some sunshine. With torrential rain on the journey to Porlock Weir, the outlook didn't look promising. As we pulled around the corner of Dunster Steep, the clouds quickly cleared and blue (ish) sky teased us from across the channel.
After splitting the class in half, group one and Mrs Dharmasiri were greeted by Dan, from Exmoor Adventures who quickly kitted the children out in wetsuits and buoyancy aids for Kayaking on the weir, whilst group two were whisked off to Horner woods, to meet Jack, and their Mountain Bikes.
Both groups had enormous fun either paddling in Porlock Weir, and around the harbour, before jumping into the chilly water or riding up through Horner woods before a thrilling, bone shaking descent back to the finish. Lunch consumed and a quick change over, the two groups swapped activities. By late afternoon, tired arms and legs climbed into the bus home, looking forward to a hot shower and dinner.
I believe we might have some very tired children tonight, which hopefully means a slightly earlier bedtime!
Must go, hot chocolate is on its way!
Minehead Day 2
Monday 2nd June
Good evening everyone,
We arrived at Minehead Youth Hostel around 4.30pm this afternoon, following a leisurely journey and time spent exploring the seafront of Weston Super Mare. After finding a quiet spot to eat our lunch, we battled with hungry seagulls - that had taken a fancy to the children's sandwiches! Much squawking ensued (mainly from us, not the birds!) before we moved further along the promenade and safety.
Not only did we have to dodge a flock of birds, but also had to avoid some 'gently crashing' waves as we walked around the Marine Lake to get a better view of Knightstone Island. One soggy cap and several pairs of splashed trousers later, we sat down to make a 'ten minute' tally of what we could see from the promenade. 100 walkers, 10 dogs, 13 cyclists and 4 paddlers, as well as 8 prams and buggies and the many joggers were all out enjoying the sunshine with us.
The journey to our Youth Hostel was wonderfully picturesque and once all the children had located their suitcases and unloaded into their rooms, dinner was soon served.
The children are currently writing up today's adventures in their diaries, as I type, before a little bit of free time and hot chocolate before bed.
Minehead Day 1
