Gold DofE Expedition

Two dozen adventurers completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition this summer.

24 Sixth Formers set off for Horton-in-Ribblesdale during the final week of the summer holidays to complete the expedition element of their Gold Award. In groups of six, they navigated their way across the Yorkshire Dales, walking up to 20kms each day on hilly terrain, carrying all their supplies. They showed great commitment and camaraderie throughout, summiting the second-highest mountain in the Dales, cooking meals over Trangias, and pitching their tents under the stars.

After four nights’ camping, they faced the additional challenge of a train strike on the day of their return journey, which necessitated some added resourcefulness to find their way back to London before the start of term. Reflecting on the highlights of the expedition, one of the girls commented:

“We saw some amazing sights such as Malham Cove (where a scene in Harry Potter was filmed) and climbed Ingleborough, one of the Three Peaks. It was challenging but also really rewarding, and I started to appreciate nature a lot more.” 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is perennially popular at South Hampstead; most Year 9 pupils embark on the Bronze Award, with dozens completing their Silver and Gold Awards each year.