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Gold Duke of Edinburgh - Practice Expedition
Phoebe in Pankhurst 1 sent this report:
On Thursday, 23 March, 15 Gold DofE students arrived at school eager to get on the minibuses ready to set off of the Peak District where we would spend four days and three nights. The journey up to Edale seemed quicker than the 6 hours it did take. Although the frequent Costa and McDonalds stops did help. Once we got to the hostel we settled into our rooms and shortly left for an acclimatisation walk along the hills, practising our map reading and navigation skills. We passed farms and lots of sheep until we made it to the village meaning, we were not lost. We made our way back as it got darker and darker and wetter and wetter. By the time we got back we were all ready to go to bed however one of the groups still had to make dinner. So, while they prepared spaghetti bolognaise the rest of us were drying out in our rooms.
After our delicious dinner we all headed to bed ready for the first full day of walking. This morning was my groups turn to cook and we cooked eggs, bacon and beans for everyone as well as pancakes and toast, which certainly kept us fuelled throughout the day. We set off in our groups towards a huge hill opposite the hostel. After 2k, and up steep incline of 400m, carrying everything we needed for 4 days survival, we were rewarded with an incredible viewpoint over-looking the National Park. Surprisingly at the top there were lots of dog walkers, runners and other people completing DofE. Another 10k walking along the ridge of a mountain and hiking on Mam Tor, sheltering from the hail and wind, we found a spot to have lunch. All 3 teams then went off in different directions for the final part of the journey so that we could practice our navigation. This led to all sorts of exciting methods to get back to the youth hostel, including one group using their rucksacks to toboggan back down the mountain! We walked an average of 17K which was a fantastic achievement for all. After arriving back to the hostel and erecting tents, we then cooked the second night of pasta for their dinner. This time with the added bonus of having pesto! We also had cake for desert or custard as some people (Lydia) preferred. That evening we also route planned for the next day which was slightly daunting to see all the big hills we would be climbing, but we went to bed in high spirts nonetheless ready for Saturday.
We woke ready for our second day of walking hoping for better weather and no blisters and that’s exactly what the day had. We walked along the hills, in the woods and had lunch by a dam. We were walking in the best landscape that England has to offer. We all remained in great spirits, even when Rachel’s sole fell off her walking boots! Like troopers, everyone continued to hike another average of 17k. The day was filled with more laughter, memories and stunning surroundings. Once we returned to the hostel and cooked our dinner for the third night…. of course it was another pasta dish(!), it was time for a debrief about how we found the weekend and what else we needed to prepare for the actual expedition to the Lake District in the summer. We were also told that we didn’t have to do anymore walking the next day which came as a huge relief.
Our final breakfast was great; music was playing as we used the last of the Nutella on the pancakes and the bacon was still greatly appreciated. Once ready and packed we set of from the hostel on our final journey through the hills. And once on the motorway the fatigue of the last couple of days set in and many of us slept. After several stops along the way we finally made it to Tesco near school to fill up the minibuses with fuel before returning to school.
Thank you to all of the teachers and students who made the expedition so enjoyable, hopefully the Lake District will be the same if not better.
Miss Abbott said:
It was a brilliant weekend and the girls were a true credit to themselves. They all worked extremely hard, had brilliant teamwork and showed a lot of determination and resilience. They made some great memories.
