Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s students were the second group to successfully complete their practice expedition. Once again Mr Taylor, our DofE manager, accompanied our intrepid young people on their adventure..

North Wales DofE Gold Practice Expedition 17/18 April 2018

A group of 8 students preparing for their Gold expedition set off on a damp Tuesday morning heading for the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales. The group of 8 included our first female to reach this level.

They arrived around lunchtime at Llyn Ogwen situated beneath the Carnedau Mountain range ready to start their trek. Each person was to walk carrying a rucksack with their camping equipment for the night. They would follow The Afon (river) Ogwen to the camp site and then on to the sea, navigating the North Wales coastal path to finish at Llanfairfechan..

Day 1 saw a damp and windy start followed by a damp middle and a slightly less damp finish..

..all of which went unnoticed due to the magnificent scenery which incorporated steep craggy hills, towering mountains, white thundering waterfalls and fields of bouncing newborn lambs..

The campsite was on the banks of the river where tents were pitched and an evening meal prepared. The raging river provided a constant roar, lulling the tired campers to sleep..

Day 2 began with drizzle, a light breakfast, a lot of wet tents and frenzied packing up, ready for the trek along the seashore. The sunshine had arrived at last (a bit too late to dry the tents though!) which made the walking much more pleasant. The route provided beautiful views across the Menai Straits to Anglesey. The walkers passed along pleasant paths on shell strewn sandy beaches, amid hissing pines..

At the end of the route the minibus glowed like a beacon in the brilliant sunshine, beckoning the weary travellers who were more than happy to take off their heavy rucksacks and have a well earned rest..

The group worked really well, supporting and helping each other along the way and sharing chores. There was a real sense of fun, enthusiasm and enjoyment. This was a very successful Practice Expedition for all involved.

Gavin Taylor
DofE Manager

Well done, everyone!! We’re looking forward to hearing how your 4 day qualifying expedition goes in June (Monday 18th to Thursday 21st in case you need a reminder!)

You can view all the pictures of the expedition in our Facebook album here and we will be bringing you news of our Silver group and this year’s final practice DofE expedition soon!

Find out more about the DofE Award Scheme at New Bridge here and read about previous expeditions