On Friday evening, DS1, 16 last November, asked me the following;
Would I be allowed to get a train with some mates to Newcastle (approx 100 miles from here) with our bikes, etc then bike to the English/Scottish border (not sure how far from Newcastle?) then bike back to here from the border, i.e. no train back from Newcastle. DH has worked out the entire trip is approx 280 miles return, I think. DS reckons it will take them a week, and is not sure when they are thinking of doing it - probably the summer hols.
The 'mates' consist of 4 other lads & one girl, all in Yr11. the idea apparently came from the girl and another lad, neither of whom I have never heard of before now, but DS reckons have been doing DofE with him this past year. He has known the other lads since Yr7.
They haven't done any planning so far at all - he wanted to know if he would be allowed before they 'waste time planning it all' apparently.
My immediate reaction was no - it's too much - many reasons, including at the very least, how many camp sites would accept a group of teens, what happens in the event of bad weather when they are carrying loads of gear, etc. with no vehicle back-up, or at least none within a few hours - that would be down to us, guaranteed. How will they maintain charge on a mobile for a week for emergencies. DS reckons the lad and the girl who came up with the idea have been told 'yes' by parents. After much discussion with DH who originally thought 'no' for the above reasons and many more, he did a 'u' turn on Saturday morning and said yes, provided they are going on designated cycle routes.
WWYD?!