Kilvrough 2025
Monday 31st March
After a very early start, the children have had a very busy first day. We had an excellent journey with a stop at Magor services before arriving at Kilvrough around midday. The weather has been beautiful, so the children have been able to enjoy the grounds and take part in lots of team building activities. This evening, we have undertaken an orienteering challenge in the grounds of Kilvrough Manor, which has allowed us to familiarise ourselves with the immediate environment. Our evening meal was fish fingers, chips, beans and salad, finished off with jelly and ice cream. Everyone is now (9.30pm) settled down in bed and will hopefully get a good night’s sleep.
Tuesday 1st April
The first night’s sleep at Kilvrough must go down as one of the best on record! We were very impressed with everyone and even more so when the morning room inspections were done - what tidy children!
For breakfast we were served cereal and toast and then we prepared for the first full day of activities. Each group met to discuss their activities and were then tasked with getting everything they needed before getting on the minibuses and venturing off site.
For breakfast we were served cereal and toast and then we prepared for the first full day of activities. Each group met to discuss their activities and were then tasked with getting everything they needed before getting on the minibuses and venturing off site.
Groups A and B went on a waterfall walk and were able to experience the awe and wonder of the Welsh landscape for themselves, which was made all the more incredible by the stunning weather we have had today. There was lots of walking and climbing involved, and plenty of streams and puddles to splash about in!
Group C travelled to the Neath Canal, where they learned to sail canoes, working in pairs to sail from the canal basin to the lock. The children learned that sailing canoes is not as easy as it looks and that a huge amount of teamwork is necessary to ensure the canoe goes in the right direction. Some of the canoes ‘accidentally’ capsized, but this just added to the fun - even if we did have some very wet children at the end!
After returning to Kilvrough and getting showered, there was more free time before our evening meal, which tonight was a feast of spaghetti bolognaise, followed by apple crumble and cream.
Our final activity of the day was a night walk to the ruins of Pennard Castle, where we all looked out to the sea and watched the sunset which was a beautiful experience.
Our final activity of the day was a night walk to the ruins of Pennard Castle, where we all looked out to the sea and watched the sunset which was a beautiful experience.
As of 9.30pm, everyone is once again tucked up and tired from the exertions of the day.
We look forward to another exciting, action-packed day tomorrow!
We look forward to another exciting, action-packed day tomorrow!
Wednesday 2nd April
What an action-packed day we have all had today! We started off with a hearty breakfast, including cereal, toast and bacon rolls. After this, we met in our activity groups to prepare for the day.
Groups A and B travelled to the Neath canal to experience canoeing for the first time. They learned how to work together in teams and were able to traverse the canal like experts by the end of the day! Unlike yesterday, only one child had an unexpected dunk in the water!
Group C travelled the short distance to Pobbles beach, an outstanding beauty spot. Here they learned to abseil and climb the rocks, while working in teams to belay and ensure that the climbers/abseilers were safe and supported. After this the children had a great time exploring the rock pools and paddling in the sea.
After returning to Kilvrough, we enjoyed a full roast chicken dinner, followed by chocolate mousse. We have been very lucky with the excellent food served so far!
For the evening activity, both schools went into the woods next to Kilvrough Manor for a den building challenge, after which they sat around a camp fire and drank hot chocolate.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of tired children tonight and, as of 9pm, everyone is tucked up in bed - hopefully settling in for a good night’s sleep once more.
As you can imagine, there are a lot of tired children tonight and, as of 9pm, everyone is tucked up in bed - hopefully settling in for a good night’s sleep once more.
Thursday 3rd April
Today was our last full day of activities! We started the day with a breakfast of toast, cereal and long awaited sausage baps!
After this, the activity groups prepared for their days away from the manor.
After this, the activity groups prepared for their days away from the manor.
Group A travelled to Foxholes beach, where they did some rock scrambling, followed by climbing and abseiling. All of the group demonstrated fantastic determination and teamwork, and all achieved their goals for the activity.
Group B also had an amazingly successful day, climbing, abseiling and rock-pooling at Pobbles beach. Again, all of those with fears conquered them and everyone took part in the activities - a fantastic achievement!
Group C travelled out to the Brecon Beacons, following in the footsteps of groups A and B yesterday. They used maps to navigate the waterfall trail and loved getting up close to some of the falls, even walking behind one of them. The walk was strenuous, with lots of steps and inclines, but well worth it for experiencing some incredible scenery.
Upon returning to Kilvrough, we were served pizza, wedges and salad for dinner, followed by cake and custard for dessert.
This evening has seen everyone packing and tidying for our departure tomorrow. Each group has also filled out a feedback questionnaire reflecting on the whole week and it has been fantastic to hear their positive comments about the week!
Tomorrow will see us vacating and tidying rooms before breakfast. We will then be going off site for a beach walk, where we will have lunch before returning to Kilvrough and departing for home at approximately 3pm.
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