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Year 3 trip to Wales

Year 3 set off on their overnight trip on a sunny Wednesday morning in June. There was much excitement as bags were stowed on the coach ready for departure. After a short hop over the Severn Bridge we were in Wales for the first stop in the Forest of Dean, where we followed the Sculpture Trail. The sculptures were a big hit, especially the Giant’s chair and the Stairway to Heaven, both of which proved to be ideal photo opportunities. After a picnic lunch in the woods we were off again, this time to visit the ancient iron mine at Clearwell caves. It was very dark and cold in the cave but luckily our guide had a strong torch and many interesting tales to tell. Above ground again we set off for Goodrich Castle which towers above the Wye Valley. We explored the site thoroughly, experiencing not only the dungeons, complete with skeleton, but also the towering battlements which proved to be very high indeed!

There was just time to fit in an ice-cream before heading off to our youth hostel for the night. The most difficult challenge of the day proved to be the bed making as we wrestled with uncooperative duvets, sheets and pillowcases. After many riverside games and midnight feasts all was quiet until our 6 a.m. wake up call by the boys off for an early football game. A hearty breakfast was followed by packing and stripping of those troublesome beds and then we were off once more, this time to the Amazing Hedge Puzzle. We were treated to an impressive Diablo display after which we were free to explore the maze and play games there.

Our final venue was the National Birds of Prey Centre where we watched flying demonstrations by several types of bird. The hawks, eagles and falcons were swift and deadly but our vote for the cutest bird went to a tiny burrowing owl called Ruby. All that was left now was a trip down the motorway back to Butcombe and our families, tired yet happy and bursting with stories to tell.

1 July 2010

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