At Three Circles Fostering, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to grow, connect, and build confidence—and our recent March Connect event did exactly that.

23 young people came together for a group hike up the iconic Mam Tor, taking on a rewarding challenge while building friendships and learning new skills along the way.

As a fostering agency, we believe experiences like this are vital in helping children and young people thrive in a supportive foster care environment.

Why Mam Tor?

The hike wasn’t just about enjoying the outdoors (although the views certainly helped!). It played an important role in preparing young people for our upcoming Three Circles retreat.

As part of the retreat, participants will complete a four-hour hike on the first day. The Mam Tor walk gave us the opportunity to:

Assess each young person’s physical readiness
Build confidence ahead of the residential
Encourage teamwork and resilience
Help young people form connections before the trip

This was a compulsory activity for young people attending the retreat—and we’re proud to say every participant rose to the challenge.

The Day in Action

After a warm welcome and safety briefing from our Youth Worker Paul, the group set off along the ridge.

⏱ Duration: 2 hours
📍 Distance: approximately 4 miles (6km)
🌤 Weather: dry and clear
🥪 Lunch: enjoyed at one of the highest points along the route

Despite the area being busy with other visitors, the group navigated the route safely and returned to the car park without any incidents.

The day was supported by our experienced team, reflecting the high level of care and guidance we provide as a leading fostering agency in the UK.

Building Skills Along the Way

A key highlight of the day was the navigation challenges built into the hike.

At various checkpoints, small groups of young people were given the responsibility of leading—using a map and compass to guide everyone along the route.

This helped to:

Develop practical navigation skills
Build confidence and independence
Encourage teamwork and communication

The young people embraced the challenge, showing real enthusiasm and pride in leading their peers.

As a result, participants will also complete the AQA Unit Award: Hiking in a Small Group supporting their development while in foster care.

Connections That Matter

One of the most important outcomes of the day was the way young people connected with one another.

Throughout the hike, we saw:

New friendships forming
Positive communication and teamwork
Respect towards peers, staff, and members of the public

At Three Circles, we understand that strong relationships are key to successful fostering journeys—both for young people and those who choose to become foster carers.

A Successful Day

We’re delighted to say the hike was a complete success:

✅ All participants completed the route
✅ No incidents or concerns reported
✅ Strong engagement and teamwork throughout
✅ Clear progress in confidence and skills

Most importantly, the young people enjoyed themselves—and left the day feeling more prepared and excited for what’s to come in July.

Experiences like this highlight the positive impact of foster carers and the importance of providing enriching opportunities for children in care.

Looking Ahead

The Mam Tor hike was more than just a walk—it was a stepping stone toward new experiences, stronger connections, and greater confidence.

We’re incredibly proud of all the young people who took part and can’t wait to see them continue their journey at the upcoming retreat.

Become a Foster Carer

If you’ve ever considered becoming a foster carer, now is the perfect time to start your journey.

At Three Circles Fostering, we provide full training, ongoing support, and a strong community to help you succeed.

👉 Make a real difference in a young person’s life today.

📞 Call us on 01625 533531

Our Connect Youth Group Hike up Mam Tor