Conditions under foot were challenging due to very heavy rain showers on day one of the assessed expedition. Students had to carefully plan their tent set-up between rain showers at Ember’s campsite in Nonnington but fortunately, we had a dry and sunny spell in the evening to allow for cooking an evening meal on trangias.

What a bunch of troopers who managed to motivate each other and keep up morale when discomfort, weariness and cold was setting in. Students simply enjoyed spending the evenings together outdoors playing cards, football or even just sitting around chatting. Members of the public whom we came across were very kind and supportive, one gentleman at Littlebourne coming out of his house to give the students chilled cans of fizzy drinks! We are immensely proud of each and every one of our 35 students and we thank parents for their continuing support to ensure that their children complete their award over the coming few months.

A huge clap on the back from the DOfE team-Mrs Whelan,Mr Bundock, Mr Craig, Mrs Baker, Ms Leese, Mr White and an enormous thank you to volunteers Mr Chris Read and Mr John Knight who came along to help us either during the day or camping overnight- and also our Lowland Expedition Leader Christina Jaenicke from BENBULLEN adventure training for her expertise and guidance.