with the cleanest boots in charge.” With increasing leisure time and improved transport links, Ogwen grew as a climbing mecca and The Cott's instructors regularly became involved in rescuing climbers in trouble and gradually a specialist mountain rescue team evolved into what is now the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Organisation. Birmingham City Council Ron James remained chief instructor for another five years after Birmingham City Council purchased The Cott in 1964. Over the next 45 years thousands of Birmingham people attended courses at Ogwen. Until the 1980s courses were for a fortnight but economic considerations and the need to take more students meant a reduction to six days. The Adventurous Activities Licensing Service (AALLS) pays regular visits and while the activities may not be as extreme as they once were, Ogwen is probably the only centre in the UK to programme multi-pitch climbing for secondary school students. Activities The traditional core of mountaineering activities remains with an emphasis on mountain walking and climbing but the programme has expanded to include kayaking, gorge walking, canoeing, ski trips, orienteering, expeditions. A student might ascend Hope on the Idwal Slabs as their first ever climb, before descending Suicide Wall by abseil. An evening of orienteering and then the next day might see a kayak descent of the Afon Llugwy or a walk up Tryfan. Residential experience The National Trust for Wales purchased Ogwen Cottage in 2014 and since 2015 works in partnership with The Outward Bound Trust to offer young people from all over the country a memorable outdoor experience. Sale in 2014 In October 2014 it was sold off by Birmingham City Council, which had to close its outdoor education service due to funding cuts and an increasing number of schools switching to different venues for educational trips. The National Trust purchased it at auction for £450,000. See also Llyn Idwal Cwm Idwal Glyderau Carneddau References External links Ogwen Cottage OPC home page Birmingham City Council Outdoor Learning Service OVMRO Buildings and structures in Conwy County Borough Outdoor education organizations Capel Curig Education in Conwy County Borough Mountaineering in the United Kingdom