Their story, in their words…
During our 5-day expedition in the Lake District, we hiked around 20 km each day through some of the most stunning scenery, carrying heavy backpacks and tackling steep climbs of over 600 metres on certain days. We passed waterfalls, mountain viewpoints and wide valleys, camping out each night.
It was tougher than we expected both physically and mentally, with the weight of our kit making every ascent a challenge. However, one of the biggest things we learned was how to adapt. Even though we had planned our route carefully, we often had to adjust our pace or decisions depending on how tired we were, making sure we stayed safe and didn’t rush into mistakes. This really improved our judgement, teamwork and flexibility.
Despite the difficulty, the experience was amazing. Being out in nature for so long, away from normal life and its distractions felt really refreshing. We saw so much wildlife along the way; sheep, cattle and all sorts of animals and the changing landscapes made every day feel different and exciting. The sense of achievement at the end was incredible, and we realised just how much we were capable of.
Overall, the expedition helped us build resilience, confidence and teamwork, while also giving us a much deeper appreciation for the outdoors. We are really grateful to the Mark Evison Foundation for giving us this opportunity, it’s been an unforgettable experience that we’ll carry with us for a long time
