Gold DofE Expeditions – Practice & Qualifier Options

Fully guided, DofE Approved, and unforgettable – book now to secure your adventure.

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🧭 Who Can Join Our Gold Expeditions?

Our Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions are open to anyone aged 16+ who’s ready for an outdoor adventure – no school group required!

These expeditions are ideal for:

  • Year 12 students and above who are starting their DofE journey

  • Young people aged 16–21 who want to complete their expedition independently

  • Participants whose schools aren’t running expeditions this year

  • Friends or siblings looking to complete their Silver award together

  • Young people ready to build on their Silver experience – or try something new with a bit more challenge

No need to have completed Bronze or Silver – we’ll support you every step of the way with route planning, supervision, and encouragement on the hill.

🥈 Moving Up From Silver?

Our Gold expeditions are designed to help you take the next step with confidence. Routes are slightly longer, the teamwork is stronger, and the sense of achievement is huge. Whether you’ve done Bronze, Silver or not, we’ll make sure you’re expedition-ready.

🏕️ What’s Included in Your Gold Expedition

We take care of the details so that you can focus on the challenge.

Every Gold DofE expedition includes:

✅ Route planning support – we’ll help you create your route and understand how to navigate it
✅ On-expedition supervision – qualified staff are on hand throughout to ensure safety and support
✅ DofE assessment – your expedition will be officially assessed and signed off
✅ Campsite bookings – we secure fully equipped, pre-approved campsites for overnight stays

🥾All Expeditions are run by highly qualified staff, who have been DBS checked for your peace of mind, and come with over 15 years experience working with young people in the outdoors.
✅ Group kit provided – including maps, compasses, emergency equipment, and safety gear
✅ First aid cover – staff are first aid trained and carry all emergency essentials
✅ Peace of mind for parents – DBS-checked leaders, detailed joining info, and 24/7 contact during the trip

Optional add-ons:

  • ⛺ Tent and stove hire – £25 per expedition

  • 🍽️ Food package – £35 per expedition

  • 💰 Bundle both for just £60

We keep things simple, flexible, and focused on helping every participant succeed – whether it’s your first expedition or you’re back for the qualifier.

🏕 Accommodation & Logistics:

✅ Practice or Qualifier – Each expedition can be used as either a practice or final qualifier, depending on your needs. 🗺🎒

✅ Duration: 4 days / 3 night
What it includes:

  • Camp overnight at designated campsites

  • A chance to build skills and confidence in a friendly group

  • Camping throughout – get ready for some wild nights under the stars! ✨⛺

  • Food & cooking – Bring your own supplies or cook as a team using lightweight stoves. 🍲🔥

  • Kit & Equipment – A full kit list can be found here, including details on essential gear. 🎒

  • We aim for the lowest expedition costs possible to allow as many young people to access the outdoors as possible and include training, safety, route planning, assessment and camping costs.

If you would also like to include Equipment rentals and Food, checkout our Add-on packages.

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  • "I was nervous about joining on my own, but the instructors made it easy to settle in. I had an amazing time and made friends for life!"

    Ellie, (Gold Participant 2024)

  • Four hikers standing outdoors against a cloudy sky, wearing jackets and backpacks.

    "The guided experience was great …the route planned, the facts of the area, and the hot drink at the summit"

    Emanuel (Mountain Day Out)

  • “I didn’t expect to enjoy camping and navigating so much. It felt like a proper adventure, and now I’m way more confident outdoors.”

    Kiran, Gold Participant

  • "Leisurely, views and pace. James was a great guide."

    Jay, (Silver Participant 2025)

  • “The expedition was the perfect mix of challenge and support. The Dark Peak route was stunning, and we learned so much — it really boosted my confidence.”

    Dan, Gold Award Student

  • Three young women dressed in outdoor gear with rain jackets and hats, smiling and posing together in a rocky outdoor environment.

    "We loved camping and felt supported the whole time"

    Sarah and Bea (DofE Bronze)

FAQ

  • Answer: No, you don’t need a group to participate. If you’re joining solo, we’ll match you with like-minded adventurers to form a supportive team.

  • Answer: The cost includes expert-led training, assessment, route planning, camping fees and support from DBS-checked mountain leaders. All you need to bring is your personal gear and food.

  • Answer: Our expeditions take place in the beautiful Peak District, offering stunning scenery and a range of terrains to challenge and inspire you.

  • Answer: You’ll need personal hiking gear, including boots, waterproofs, a backpack, and a sleeping bag. We’ll provide you with a full kit list upon booking.

  • Answer: The practice expedition focuses on building your skills, teamwork, and navigation. The qualifier expedition is where you’ll showcase your abilities during a supported assessment week.

  • Answer: Yes! All our expeditions are led by experienced, DBS-checked mountain leaders who prioritize your safety while creating a supportive and enjoyable experience.

  • Answer: Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions become unsafe, we’ll adjust the route or schedule as needed. Our mountain leaders are trained to handle these situations and ensure everyone’s well-being.

  • Answer: Yes, parents or guardians can reach out to our team in case of emergencies. We’ll provide a contact number prior to the expedition for peace of mind.