FALFIELD scouts braved horrendous weather to take part in their winter activities weekend at the beginning of February.

Scouts aged 10 to 14 from the 1st Falfield troop took part in a weekend winter camp in the Brecon Beacons.

As soon as they arrived at the scout centre in the hills, the 16 scouts went out on a night hike across streams and through woods to some waterfalls, which with the recent rain, were swollen beyond all recognition.

After a night’s sleep, they woke on a Saturday morning to snow on the ground, and then took part in a morning mountain biking exercise, during which it snowed heavily, making progress very difficult, as well as coating their bikes with ice.

Most groups shortened their route, with all returning cold and wet and ready for a rest.

After a shower to warm up, lunch and a change of clothes, they were out again for an afternoons walk in the hills. Having already changed the route to accommodate the worsening weather, they walked to the foot of Pen Y Fan, 600m above sea level.

High winds and at times blizzard conditions made walking difficult, but they all rose to the challenge, morally, and in some cases physically, supporting each other to get safely back down to easier conditions.

Falfield Scout Leader Jim Godden said: “Their willingness to tough it out in extreme conditions shows how young people can rise to a challenge given the opportunity, showing that scouting can be challenging, fun, character building and always memorable.”

Sunday saw the group going to Llangorse Mountain Centre to complete an indoor climbing and ropes experience, a welcome relief to the weather conditions outside.