Gold DofE Students Take on the Fells for Training Expedition

Four Year 12 students have taken their first big step toward achieving the prestigious Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, completing a challenging three-day, two-night training expedition in the Lake District.

The group, who will undertake their qualifying expedition in the Cairngorms later this year, spent three days trekking across some of the most stunning and demanding terrain, while developing crucial outdoor skills in preparation for their final assessment.

Day 1 began with a kit briefing and guidance on rucksack packing before the team set off from Ambleside, accompanied by Mrs Roberts. Their route took them over the scenic Scandale Pass and into the Sykeside campsite near Brothers Water in Patterdale. Along the way, they honed their navigation skills, learning how to take compass bearings and interpret contour lines. Spirits were high throughout the day.

Day 2 saw the group tackle more serious mountain terrain, walking with Mr Platt from Brothers Water up Hartsop Above How and on to Hart Crag, before reaching the summit of Fairfield. They descended to Grisedale Tarn and continued to Grasmere, eventually reaching Easdale Tarn where they spent the night wild camping. This was a key part of their training, as their qualifying expedition will require wild camping in remote areas of the Cairngorms. The team learned how to minimise their environmental impact while enjoying a truly breath-taking camp spot.

Day 3 was a test of independence. The students navigated the route themselves, climbing from Easdale onto the ridge that leads to Loughrigg Terrace, circling around Rydal and returning to Ambleside. The day showcased their ability to work together and apply the skills they had learned.

The students demonstrated resilience, teamwork and strong navigation throughout the expedition. With such a successful training experience behind them, there is every confidence they will excel in their qualifying expedition later this year.

Windermere School is an Independent Boarding and Day School for ages 3-18, across Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school offers holiday courses and a summer school programme, as well as short term immersion courses for international pupils, as well as an award winning IB programme. Join the adventure today >