Some nerves were jangling as a dozen Year 7 students arrived in Weardale to explore Jacob’s Pot on a wintry Friday evening.

With suits, helmets and torches donned, the group were able to navigate by Mars in the night sky through the fields to the edge of Harehope Quarry and the cave entrance.  There were immediate challenges to overcome in a cave filled with spiders and their cocooned eggs hanging from the ceiling.  Students gave each other much encouragement as, one by one, they lowered themselves down a ten-foot drop and then set off to crawl under the floor.  With initial fears conquered, there was then the physical challenge of climbing back up from the depths; with every available body part wedged against the side of the hole, all eventually managed to return.

The way forward took the young adventurers into the cave and through a long narrow squeeze until there was room for all to sit in a small cavern and experience complete darkness as all lights were extinguished.  Although many were scared, all the students showed courage and great self-control to sit for a minute in absolute silence and complete darkness.

Everyone moved much more confidently on the way out, back into the freezing night air where we could all wonder at the constellations above.  After helping each other out of caving suits, it was time to head home, ending another fantastic Outdoor Education adventure.