One of our Sixth Form students, Oscar, recently embarked on an incredible journey by participating in the Scottish Islands Peaks Race 2024. Oscar’s team consisted of himself, Mr Reedy, Ewan, Chris, Thomas and Euan. This challenging race begins on the stunning West Coast of Scotland and involves 160 nautical miles of sailing through strong tides and 60 miles of fell running with an ascent of 11,500 feet. Below is an account from Ewan D, one of Oscar’s teammates:

“The Scottish Islands Peaks Race was the ultimate adventure. Oscar and I kicked things off on Friday afternoon with a lap over the hill in Oban, my home turf. We gave it some beans with the adrenaline of being in a race and managed to bag ourselves 3rd place. The sailing was very changeable all trip, including; light wind, changings wind directions, waiting for tides to turn, surfing waves at 10 knots with the spinnaker and rowing past our competition – our sailors Euan and my Dad, Chris, did it all, with the runners help.

The three big runs were on Mull, Jura and Arran, the routes were spectacular. Myself, Thomas, Oscar and Speedy Mr Reedy tackled the first two big runs together, the dream team. The highlight being the spectacular views of the Paps of Jura as the sun set. We drained Thomas which made him win the prize of the best sleeper on the boat!

Living on a boat that’s often 45 degrees made everything that bit harder. Due to lack of wind and time constraints we made the decision to retire from the sailing before the last hill. Our Youth competitors had already retired when we were in the lead under sail so we take the moral victory! Oscar, myself and boss navigator Mr Reedy tackled Goat Fell on Arran Way, posting a time just over 10 minutes shy of the best adult time. We also ran the fastest on all the youth legs, which as a team we are very chuffed about! We then trudged on to Troon to finish early Monday morning.

The Sun was shining for the whole trip which made life a whole lot more pleasant. I am buzzing from the experience and don’t think I can go another year not doing it!”

As a school we are immensely proud of Oscar and his teammates. Taking on such a huge challenge, they did incredibly well and demonstrated remarkable teamwork and determination. We can’t wait for next year already!

Windermere School is an Independent Boarding and Day School for ages 3-18, across Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school offers holiday courses and a summer school programme, as well as short term immersion courses for international pupils, as well as an award winning IB programme. Join the adventure today >