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DofE Open Gold Practice Expedition - Walking

Take part in an exceptional DofE Gold training and practice expedition in either the Lake District, Peak District or Yorkshire Dales.

These hugely popular Training and Practice DofE Gold Expeditions are delivered by our professional and friendly instructors. Their focus is to make you feel at ease and welcome and ensure you gain as much knowledge as possible to complete your DofE expedition.

5 days
4 nights
£345 inc.VAT per expedition.
Enquire now

Lake District 2025

Easter

  • 7th April - 11th April (Mon-Fri) Book Now

May Half Term

  • 27th May - 31st May (Tues-Sat) Book Now

Summer Break

  • 21st July - 25th July (Mon-Fri) Book Now
  • 11th August - 15th August (Mon-Fri) Book Now

Peak District 2025

Easter

  • 12th April - 16th April (Sat-Wed) Book Now
  • 22nd April - 26th April (Tues-Sat) Book Now

May Half Term

  • 27th May - 31st May (Tues-Sat) Book Now

Summer Break

  • 28th July - 1st August (Mon-Fri) Book Now

Yorkshire Dales 2025

Easter

  • 12th April - 16th April (Sat-Wed) Book Now

Summer Break

  • 26th August - 30th August (Tues-Sat) Book Now

Day by Day

To view the full itinerary, expand this panel.
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Day 1: Arrival Day

The programme will commence at 13:00 

Training topics covered:

  • Creating a team
  • Kit checks
  • Putting up tents
  • Group cooking task

Day 2: Training Day

Leaving your accommodation, you will journey to a campsite. Teams will under-go a series of practical training sessions in the essential expedition skill and navigation techniques.

Training topics covered:

  • Navigation skills in difficult terrain
  • Food and Cooking
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Camp craft skills
  • Route planning

Day 3/4/5: Practice Expedition 

Will include camping and possible wild camps, depending on location.  You and your team will be supervised remotely as you complete your planned route.  On arriving at camp, our leaders will supervise the camping and cooking activities to ensure safety.

At the end of the expedition, you will be debriefed by your instructor and a report will be produced. This forms evidence for your eDofE account that you've completed your Practice Expedition.

The programme will finish at approx. 16:00

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Locations

Open exped mapYour DofE expedition will take place in one of the most incredible National Parks in the UK, amongst stunning mountains and Lakes. Locations are chosen for their suitability to fulfil the requirements of the award as well as ease of access by car and public transport.

NOTE: Your Practice Expedition to your Qualifying Expedition should ideally take place in different locations. i.e. Practice Expedition in the Peak District and a Qualifying Expedition in the Lake District.

What's Included?

  • Indoor Training Facility & Sleeping Arrangements
    Your expedition will be based from a hostel or bunkhouse. All activities will be based outside in the grounds, including sleeping (in tents).
  • Food 
    Participants will need to bring enough food for the whole programme. Food will be prepared on their individual camping stoves provided by us. We have teamed up with basecampfoods.com who have a large selection of meals to choose from and also offer free postage.

    Basecamp Food are kindly offering a 10% discount to all participants.
  • Camping fees
    Camping will be on a campsite in many cases we have arranged for our camping area to be away from other members of the public. All camping fees are covered in the cost of the expedition.
  • Use of the best group equipment available
    Tents
    Stove & Gas inc. Pans and fuel
    First aid kit (1 per team)
    Maps and Compass 
    GSM Tracking device
    Water Purification tablets
    Coloured Rucksack covers
  • Comprehensive training 
    Covering all aspects of the DofE syllabus and delivered by our highly experienced and qualified staff.
  • Supervision by Highly Qualified staff 
    Our highly experienced instructor team will be supervising yo throughout the expedition. All of our staff are a minimum of Summer Mountain Leader qualified.
  • DofE Accredited Assessors
    For the qualifying expedition only - they will help you feel relaxed and encourage you towards completing your Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
  • GSM Tracking devices
    In addition to our usual comprehensive supervision and safety management systems we also track each team with GSM trackers.

What Do You Need To Arrange?

  • Your own transport to and from the expedition venue.
  • Your personal clothing and some camping equipment.
  • Your personal expedition food. Details of what food to prepare and bring along will be provided in your Programme Welcome Pack sent to you following your booking.

Downloads

To help you with your planning and preparations, please download our guidance documents.

If you have any other questions, do get in touch.

DofE Expedition Guidance for Participants and Parents 2025 DofE Expedition Kit Guide DofE Menu Planning Eating an a DofE Expedition
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Posted 10th January
Keeping your camp admin tight

Keeping your camp admin tight

Category: DofE Advice and Guidance

The camping element to the DofE journey attracts a great deal of discussion, often some nerves, and always involves significant planning. It can mean the difference between 'surviving or thriving' when it comes to your camping experience. Keeping your camp admin tight and having plan A and B in your back pocket places you in a strong position to be able to react quickly when circumstances change. Pre-emptive thoughts and planning are never wasted and researching during the lead up to your DofE expedition is a great way to enhance your experience. Check out this blog to get some tips on how to approach your camp admin ahead of your expedition.

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7 Common mistakes DofE participants make and how to avoid them!

Category: DofE Advice and Guidance

Everyone makes mistakes but being aware of classic scenarios that DofE participants find themselves in is a great way to avoid making the same mistake too. Lets delve into common mistakes that participants make and how you can change tact. After all, we want to see you do the very best you can and help you achieve your full potential.

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