Kate Middleton proved herself to be a dab hand at breadmaking when she joined a Scout group for an adventure-filled day in the Lake District on Friday. When she cooked traditional unleavened camping bread on an open fire, the instructor described her attempt as "brilliant".Volunteers in the group congratulated her on her efforts as she urged them to try some of her 'twister' bread. She then tried some herself. "Oh it's actually not bad," she said. "If you were desperately hungry."
The pregnant Duchess had ditched her high heels for her favourite wellies to brave icy conditions at the Great Tower Scout Activity Centre near Lake Windermere. She wrapped up from the cold in a cosy khaki jacket, trademark skinny jeans and her much-loved £300 Le Chameau "Vierzonord" wellies. She accessorised the country-chic ensemble with a tweed peaked cap, fingerless gloves and a traditional navy blue, red and white Scout neckerchief. The mum-to-be, who is a Scout Association volunteer, made the two hours 38 minute train journey in a first class carriage from London's Euston station to Oxenholme, Cumbria. She then travelled by car to join a group of 24 other volunteers. She visited the centre to learn new skills alongside the other helpers to help support them in their roles. Against the stunning backdrop of England's biggest national park, 31-year-old Kate will put her training into practice to help look after a group of 24 Cub Scouts from Cumbria and Manchester, who are taking part in a holiday event at the activity centre near Newby Bridge in Cumbria.
As a former Brownie, she will no doubt feel at ease in assisting the young recruits with activities such as outdoor cooking, tree climbing and fire lighting. Kate has volunteered at a local Scout group near her and Prince William's home on the Isle of Anglesey since last January but this will be her first public visit to the outdoor organisation. When she joined them as a helper, a St James's Palace spokesperson said she "loved the idea of Scouting and working hands-on with children" and that the organisation fitted in with her own outdoorsy interests. Kate enrolled with the 1st St Andrew's pack in Pangbourne, Berkshire at the age of eight. The active role comes naturally to Kate who is a keen hockey player and skier and enjoys long walks with her dog Lupo.
Last June she joined children from inner-city backgrounds at the Expanding Horizons camp in Kent. She took part in outdoor activities, such as building a shelter and a campfire, alongside the group of youngsters. A month later she hosted an evening for one of the cub backs on a beach near her and William's rented farmhouse in Anglesey. She cooked a barbecue for the troop, took them crabbing and taught them how to gut fish. Today's engagement marks the end of a busy week for Kate who visited the charity Child Bereavement UK with her husband on Monday and joined her grandparents-in-law the Queen and Prince Philip at an event to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the London Underground. On Sunday she went to a St Patrick's Day parade in Aldershot with her husband, the Duke of Cambridge.
