Duke of Edinburgh students train for Gold Expedition in Peak District

Over the Easter break, Year 12 students spent four days making their way across the Peak District in Derbyshire to complete the practice expedition for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

The 24 students had to carry all provisions in their backpacks, including tents, cooking equipment and most importantly, lots of high-energy food to ensure that they could meet the requirement for 8 hours of activity per day. The staff, on the other hand, had the luxury of a takeaway curry!

One of the criteria for the Gold award is the need to journey through ‘wild country’ and the slopes of Kinder Scout proved to be suitably challenging. At 2087 feet above sea level, it is the highest peak in the Peak District and once conquered, offered the groups stunning views across the surrounding moorland.

The weather was kind and there were a few cases of sunburn by the time it came to getting the (very quiet) coach home.

For their qualifying expedition in July, the students will be tackling the Brecon Beacons – we wish them the best of luck.