St Mary's Calne
Over the past weekend, a group of intrepid students undertook their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award practice expedition across the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Dartmoor. Spanning three days from Saturday to Monday, the expedition was a true test of resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills - all under an unexpectedly sunny sky!
Saturday was dedicated to developing navigation skills, with participants honing their ability to use maps and compasses to traverse the moorland terrain. This preparation was soon put to the test on Sunday and Monday, as our girls tackled long walks across challenging ground while carrying full expedition kits. Despite the uncharacteristically warm and sunny conditions - a rare treat on Dartmoor - the physical demands of the hike were considerable.
They demonstrated great maturity in managing the conditions. From making use of wild water sources with purification tablets to preparing evening meals from a variety of creative recipes, the students showed excellent planning and adaptability. A firm breakfast favourite remained the classic bowl of porridge, fuelling spirits each morning.
Beyond the practicalities, the group’s camaraderie and good humour were evident throughout. Laughter, teamwork, and cheerful determination carried them through the tougher moments, and their growing confidence in navigation was especially impressive. We are still to find out whether the Legoland dream of a penguin safari was real, or if the tears from a member of Team 1 were tears of joy or something else. Truth be told, they truly enjoyed wild camping.
Lessons were learned about kit choices and the essentials for expedition life - invaluable knowledge that will undoubtedly come in handy for the next stage. With the assessed expedition in the Brecon Beacons fast approaching in June, this weekend has set a strong foundation. We are enormously proud of the grit and positive attitude shown by all. It was a delight to treat them all to an ice cream upon their arrival at the finish car park.
The Brecons await — and we can’t wait to see what this brilliant group will achieve next.