Fun and Games at the campsite!
Expeditions
Why?
Expeditions are one of the most enjoyable experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Walking for miles every day, eating questionable food and constantly expecting the heavens to open may sound grim but you and your team will turn it into an unforgettable experience.
When?
The society usually organises two Gold expeditions per year (one at the beginning of the Easter holidays, which is a practice, and one at the beginning of the summer holidays, which can count as either your practice or qualifier). The final dates are usually confirmed by the middle of Michaelmas term.
To attend an expedition or training session you must be a member of the society, which you can join here. If you have mountaineering experience and want to help out on an expedition, we'd be really pleased to hear from you. Contact us here.
What does it involve?
Gold expeditions last for four days, during which you will be expected to walk about 50 miles over challenging terrain, whilst carrying everything you need on your back. You will camp out every night, with at least one of these being a wild camp. You will need to do one or two practice expeditions and a qualifying expedition, which is assessed by an external assessor.
Two training days will be arranged throughout the year, which you will need to attend to ensure you have the necessary skills in campcraft, navigation and first aid. The assessor will ask you questions on these topics before you are allowed to start your qualifying expedition.
What do I need to bring?
The society will provide tents, stoves, fuel and rucksacks (if needed) but all other equipment must be sourced by the participant. A kit list can be found here. Our sponsor, Open Air, on Green Street near Sainsbury's, has a wide and varied range of mountaineering equipment. There is a 10% student discount and their staff can provide advice on all necessary purchases.
Past Expeditions
In the last two years our expeditions have been to Snowdonia National Park, the Peak District and the Lake District.
Snowdonia
We started in Beddgelert village and camped there for two nights. On the first day, we walked a fantastic circular route which encompassed Moel Hebog and the forest of Beddgelert. The weather was beautiful and the participants were able to practise their navigation in splendid conditions. On the second day, we commenced a two day trek from Beddgelert to the Pen-y-Gwryd hotel 20 miles away. There was a wild camp on Cnicht and a spectacular walk out on the third day. The participants were tested in campcraft, first aid and even had an opportunity to practise night navigation. If you wish to view the maps please click here.
Peak District
We were based at Edale in the heart of the Dark Peaks. The ground is highly undulating and very crumbly, which produced deep scars in the landscape. These were great fun to jump in to as the fall was cushioned by the soft earth, however the constant up and down was tiring and made navigation difficult. The group performed a circular route high into the Peaks to practice navigation and first aid. The practice became reality when one of the participants sprained their ankle 100m above the campsite. A stretcher was improvised and everybody made it safely down before dark.
Lake District
The last two qualifying expeditions have been conducted in the Lake District. The four day trek, from Coniston to Keswick, takes in some of the regions most beautiful scenary from a stunning walk in to Wast Water on the second morning to the breath taking Scarth Gap Pass and a circumnavigation of Crummock Water on the third day. However the trek is long and arduous with a couple of ten hour days likely. Navigation and team work are of paramount importance. This year all the participants passed with flying colours. Well done to them. If you wish to view the maps please click here.