Scouts climb Ben Nevis as part of trip to Scotland

ADVENTUROUS scouts have climbed the UK's highest mountain as part of an expedition to Scotland.

Following months of preparation, including overnight hikes, more than 70 scouts from Ruislip flew to Glasgow airport on October 24 before continuing their journey to a hostel in Kinlochleven, near Fort William.

The scouts completed long-distance walks across mountains in the area, being faced with rocky landscapes and marshlands, and throughout the five day trip all of them got the chance to climb Ben Nevis.

Peter Leeds, 13, said: "Climbing up to the top was really challenging, but well worth it because the views were amazing. It was so cool to climb up there with my mates, and we encouraged each other to the top.

"As we reached the top we went through the clouds, so we could only see about 10 meters in front of us, but it felt fantastic to have reached the summit."

The scouts then travelled to Edinburgh, where they went on a sight seeing tour, and even got shown around the Scottish Parliament Building by an MP.

Tom Marsh, 13, said: "It was really cool to explore a different city, and we got to try lots of Scottish food as well. We bought lots of souvenirs to bring back home too.

"Going to Scotland was more than just a camp, our leaders set us the biggest challenges they could, and we managed to complete them."

Peter Smallwood, the expedition leader, 20, said: "Our expedition was a unique opportunity for the scouts to take the lead on a variety of challenges, and it offers local young people a real adventure.

"We are all really impressed with what they have achieved, and all of the scouts should be really proud of themselves.

"It would be great to see even more young people and adults getting involved with opportunities like this."