T2 Conquer the Great Glen

The young explorers grit and determination saw them complete the journey in just two and a half days, taking on challenging climbs and descents from Banavie, near Fort William, to the head of Loch Ness – a fantastic feat for the youngsters.

The pupils, aged just 11 and 12, prepared for the Great Glen trip with support from teaching staff and Mountain Bike Leader, Mike Bignall, who runs the school’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition training and has taken senior school pupils on trips to Morocco and Norway.

Mike said: “The group took part in a training day before leaving which gave them the chance to learn how to control their bikes on the varied terrain. I was hugely impressed with how resilient they were throughout the weekend. Being so young, very few had taken on such a demanding expedition before and we were all very proud of how well they did.”

Cycling is part of Lomond School’s Junior adventure curriculum, which also includes sailing, skiing and canoeing. Progressive skills are taught throughout the primary years allowing pupils to become competent and confident in the outdoors – something the school has perpetually embraced as key to developing their young people into rounded individuals, ready to take on life after school.

Ailsa Lawn, Head of Junior School said: “There are many proven benefits of exercise and time outdoors for children, including better motor-skills, improved concentration, and overall good health. If we can promote enjoyable physical activity at school throughout the curriculum and with exciting trips like the Great Glen expedition, it can help encourage confidence in our older pupils to pursue healthy choices and lifestyles well into adulthood”.

Parents of Beth McKenzie, one of the intrepid 17, said: “Beth thought she wouldn’t manage the full 58 miles and is so proud she did it.  She told us how challenged she was and how incredibly proud she was that she made it to the end.  When we pointed out where she had cycled when we were driving home she was gobsmacked and, quite rightly, very delighted with herself.”