17 year old completes Outward Bound's Pinnacle expedition

On 9 August, Laura Pratt traded north Wales for the Scottish Highlands to complete Outward Bound's Pinnacle expedition, a 19-day summer camp that aims to take young people on a journey of triumph and self-discovery in the wild.

Laura, along with 11 newfound friends, embarked on this epic journey together as they set off from the shores of Loch Eil near Fort William and deep into the mountains of the Scottish Highlands.

Laura Pratt taking on the expedition in the beautiful Scottish Highlands (Image: Outward Bound)

The Pinnacle is Outward Bound's most challenging but rewarding expedition, attracting participants from around the world, with fewer than 100 young people completing it every year.

Made for those who are curious and have a hunger for adventure, the Pinnacle encourages participants to get out of their comfort zones, discover what they’re capable of and create meaningful and lasting memories that will endure for years to come. 

Throughout the 19 days, Laura and her group camped, climbed, canoed and hiked their way for miles across the Highlands. Sleeping under the stars, navigating through glens, and conquering some of the tallest mountains the British Isles have to offer.

They practised everyday life skills like building courage, compassion and confidence in their own abilities whilst also taking on whatever Mother Nature could throw at them. A highlight of the expedition is the famed "solo" experience, where each participant spent time alone in nature to reflect and grow.

Laura Pratt braving the cold waters (Image: Outward Bound)

Speaking about her journey, Laura said: “I’ve enjoyed this expedition so much; it’s felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. I knew it was a great decision when we reached day 3 and we had our first shower at the base of Ben Nevis.

"The challenges I’ve faced and the experiences we’ve all gone through together have made it so enjoyable. Hiking for 19 days felt like more than enough, and yet also too short when you’re with the best people in the most amazing surroundings. I turned 17 while we were hiking, and I couldn’t have chosen to have my birthday in a better place, surrounded by these wonderful people.”

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James Corfe, an Outward Bound Instructor who directed this year’s expedition, praised the group’s accomplishments. He said: "Laura and her group have been exceptional from the get-go and made me so proud. They’ve overcome wild weather, huge mountains and enormous lochs, whilst trekking over 19 days.

"The friendships she’s made and the resilience they have all shown to achieve this has been extraordinary and left me feeling so inspired in our next generation of young people."

Every year, Outward Bound works with 25,000 young people and is committed to making these transformative experiences accessible to all.

Many summer participants receive significant funding through Outward Bound's Adventure Fund, ensuring that economic constraints do not hold young people back from embarking on these life-changing experiences.