We signed up to the High Force Residential, without knowing the friends, experiences and life lessons that we would learn. We set off on Monday 26th, with over-packed bags and overly-large suitcases oblivious to the mud, water and freezing temperatures that the Northern countryside would expose us to. We arrived at the centre at around 10:30, and where hustled into the building to be introduced to the people, staff and the area then we were sorted in rooms, unpacked and begun the residential activities with a few ice-breakers. On the afternoon, we were introduced to the reality of the countryside, 10 minutes into a small walk we were already covered in mud and with unpleasantly wet socks. We came back to the welcoming centre, with its warmth and homeliness, and then we decorated the rooms with wet walking gear, and ate a welcome curry. On the second day, we walked from Low Force, up the river, to High Force, constantly commenting of the landscape and the river. At the end of the seemingly long walk, we saw the tiny-looking centre on the top of the hill and looked at it with welcoming eyes. A repetition of the early day, muddy trousers and wet socks, our room looking like a laundrette and clean plates at the end of dinner but still a happy atmosphere. Lastly, the peak of the residential, Gorge-walking. On the morning, my group were chosen to do high-ropes, a precarious looking structure consisting of wires and logs. Sitting in the biting wind, we watched each member of our group tackle the obstacle, first the climbing wall, then the leap of faith. Then, after lunch, we met the other group with their soaking clothes, muddy shoes and tales of the freezing water; this was just a taste of what to come. Finally we rolled into the minivan, well bundled in wet-suits, jumpers, helmets and lots more, we arrived at the waterfall, bubbling with anticipation. We waddled down to muddy slope, and then slide into the plunge pool, everyone laughing at the gasps of shock at the seemingly glacial temperatures. Floating down numerous rapids, but then we came to our first jump. We skated down to the tree that we would jump from, balancing precariously on the branch, we all jumped, yet again shocked by the seemingly sub-zero temperatures. Slipping and sliding to yet another jump, I peered down into the small gully; it was so small that it seemed certain that I would hit the side. But swallowing my discontent, I jumped into the gully with a small moment of fear as the sense of weightlessness over took me. Then, literally washed out of my fear, I plunged into the water, finally struggling to the side.

We arrived back at the house, soaking, tired and cold. We flung off our helmets and coats then dove for the showers to try and rid ourselves of the shivers that racked our extremities. Overall, the residential took us away from the modern world, with virtually no mobile signal for four days; but without most of the gadgets for a modern life, we did not miss it for a second.