Year 12 Students Conquer Gold Duke of Edinburgh Practice Expedition in the Lake District

Eight determined and adventurous Year 12 students embarked on a challenging Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition this month in the picturesque Lake District.  Their challenge was made even more special by the incredible weather that they had! Three days of sunshine is a rare thing in Cumbria but the girls appreciated almost every minute of it, even if it did make some of the climbs that bit harder with additional water needing to be collected from the highest stream! This remarkable journey tested their resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills, leaving them with unforgettable memories and a sense of accomplishment.

The group set off with heavy backpacks and a slight sense of trepidation on Thursday morning from Castle Rigg Stone Circle. Over the course of three days, they navigated through challenging terrain, covering over twenty miles around the Derwent Valley and facing various challenges that required them to work together and support one another.  Camping was a chilly experience, as after the daytime sunshine came the cold clear skies at night. 

The students demonstrated exceptional perseverance and camaraderie with the phrase 'just get gan' being used regularly to keep each other going. They tackled steep climbs up towards Cat Bells, and navigated through the Great Wood, all while carrying all their tents, food, stoves and matching PJs.  Two students (who shall remain nameless) learned a valuable lesson in cooking on a gas stove when they managed to cook a hole right through the bottom of the pan!  The staff were amazed that this was even possible!  

Congratulations to these inspiring young women for their outstanding achievement and for embodying the spirit of adventure and perseverance. Their journey serves as a reminder that with determination and teamwork, anything is possible.

Well done Year 12.