I would like to start by saying, the most difficult part of writing this blog was deciding which picture was best for the title, with so many pictures all expressing so many different emotions and experiences, it was really a challenge to select which could convey the overall feeling of the trip.

During my 3 days in Selside, I was able to overcome a fear of heights, as many others did themselves as we climbed to the peak of a mountain. I can't lie and say we didn't doubt ourselves and the ability to make it to the top but we pushed through, worked as a team and were all successfully at the top within the time frame. Previously, I had never viewed hiking as a team activity but after Selside I realised I have been wrong, from words of encouragement, to stopping for 'adventure biscuits', from taking breaks when people in the team were struggling. This was all necessary for our group to achieve the goal of reaching the peak. I am proud to say that for myself that was the first peak I have ever reached, making it one of my proudest moments.

As well as hiking we took part in Caving and Climbing - for many this was a first, including myself. Climbing was a very fulfilling experience as it was very challenging and required me to go out of my comfort zone and trust in my peers below as they held my rope. I found myself receiving many words of encouragement which helped boost my confidence - I am very grateful for the people who I experienced Selside with.

During the times when we weren't outside completing activities, we would be sharing our different life experiences and feelings,  as well as opinions on topics. I had a range of enlightening and eye-opening conversations with many of my peers which helped me question and think about things I may have previously never considered, as well as conversations with like-minded people where you could share your desires to complete a similar goal. In my case, that was the Environment and how Global Warming and Climate Change could be reduced as well as their effects - I learnt about the 'Global Movement to Save Soil'  which in itself taught me so much as I was made aware of the huge global impacts soil can have on the environment due to its large absorption of CO2. Through this, I was able to implement and expand my knowledge in a topic I myself am already very interested in and involved in.

To finish off, I would love to express how much I loved my time at Selside not only for the amazing activities but for the people I spent my time with, who I would now consider as my close friends. This opportunity has really been an extraordinary one!