Dartmoor National Park was once again the setting for a group of Year 10 students to undertake their Silver D of E expedition during the Easter holidays. The group departed Gordon’s for the drive down to the South coast where they set up camp at the excellent military facility based in Okehampton.

 

Upon their arrival the students familiarised themselves with their new surroundings and were issued with the kit and equipment necessary for their expedition. The first morning began bright and sunny but exceptionally cold as the students broke in their boots with a 15 kilometre march on Dartmoor.

 

The DofE Silver expedition began in earnest on Day 3 of the trip with the students facing extremely windy conditions as they navigated their way around a 24 kilometre route visiting a number of Dartmoor’s famous Tors. After a night under the stars, the groups woke to a fresh but bright start as they taped up their blisters  and hot spots for a hilly but shorter 18 kilometre route. Despite a downturn in the weather with patches of light rain and gusty winds, the groups remained in good spirits as they set up for another night outdoors.

 

There was just enough energy left in the tanks for the final day’s march as the students strapped their equipment on their backs for the 8 kilometre route back to camp.

 

After a day’s rest and recuperation the students made their way back to Gordon’s School to begin a well-earned, albeit belated, Easter holiday.

 

A huge thank you to the staff and student volunteers, as well as our resident gap-year students Maddie, Grace and Keylan for assisting with this year’s trip.

 

Phil Fox - D of E Leader