Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Practice Expedition Snowdonia

It might have been the practice expedition, but that doesn’t make Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold events any less challenging as 25 Year 12 students headed to Snowdonia towards the end of April 2024.

Two nights were spent in a Youth Hostel in the Ogwen valley, followed by two nights camping in what some might refer to as basic accommodation!

The trip had a real mix of weather from the training day when the groups went out with their leaders to get used to the terrain and the environment.  Each went their own way, some climbing Tryfan, others the Glyders and onto the cantilever stone (always a good photo opportunity) and still others scaling the Pen yr Ole Wen to discover they were only a few metres below the height of Snowdon itself. 

The following day was a test of navigation skills as they tackled either Y Garn or the Devil’s Kitchen and found themselves on the Glyders in a real pea-souper.  The following days were both dry (fine would be stretching it, although they did finish in sunshine on the final day!) Some very tired but proud students headed home on Sunday.

Huge credit to all who took part for completing this practice for which they have to carry all their food, clothing and accommodation in packs not exceeding 25% of their bodyweight for 8 hours. Thanks to Mr Mercer and Mr Bright for their selfless support of the Gold students – including making an emergency run to Betws-y-Coed to buy loo paper as the first campsite required you to supply your own.

As one of the group said -’"t’s not Denbies..."

Roll on the Lake District in July for their final challenge!