Gold DofE Expedition - Lake District

Year 8 Expedition Club Trip to Dartmoor

After a term of learning camp craft and navigation skills and planning kit lists and menus the Year 8 Expedition Club set off for Dartmoor in glorious weather. Despite the heavy loads the group were in high spirits as they hiked in to their remote wild camping site on the north moor of Dartmoor. A suitable site was chosen near a good water source and swimming spot and tents were pitched, a swim was had and evening meals were cooked. After supper the group climbed Higher Tor to admire the views before enjoying the beautiful sunset. Everyone had a peaceful night’s sleep and awoke to a lovely morning. A leisurely breakfast was enjoyed but then, Dartmoor being Dartmoor, the rain began to fall. Tents were eventually taken down and packed away and the group walked for two hours back to the minibus in torrential rain. The heavy rain continued throughout the drive home. Parents looked rather mystified when they collected their children with piles of very wet kit given that the weather in Bath had been lovely all day. 

Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition - Exmoor

Well done to the 28 Year 11 pupils who completed their Silver DofE Qualifying Expedition on Exmoor this week despite the challenge of some very hot weather.

Bronze DofE Qualifying Expedition

The Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expeditions took place this weekend, with 80 Year 10s completing two days on either the Mendip Hills or the Forest of Dean. Groups in both expedition areas enjoyed good weather and clear visibility for the majority of the time. There was just the odd rain shower to contend with. The undulating terrain and long routes certainly represented a challenge when carrying heavy rucksacks. However, all of the participants made excellent progress over the two days and although there were some inevitable navigation errors all of the groups made it to their respective finish points in good time.