We offer a number of DofE open Silver and Gold expeditions for those individuals who for one reason or another are unable to attend the expedition their school or college offer, or for those who are part of a group but not large enough to form their own self-supporting expedition.

For these expeditions we usually meet at train stations and the initial camp site is within walking distance. You can choose to do both the training and practice expedition with us as well as the qualifying or vice versa.

During the year we use recognised DofE Wild Country areas of the UK such as the Peak District, Dartmoor, Snowdonia and the Lake District.

2024 Gold Practice or Qualifying expedition
2-6 April Peak District now full
8-12 April Peak District
27-31 May Snowdonia
22-26 July Lake District
29 July – 2 August Peak District
28 August – 1 September Lake District
21 October – 25 October Dartmoor
Price per expedition £300

2024 Silver Practice or Qualifying expedition
27-30 May Snowdonia
29 July – 1 August Peak District
28-31 August Lake District
Price per expedition £250

2024 Silver back to back practice and qualifying expedition (6 days)
For 2024 we are offering a 6 day Silver back to back combined practice and qualifying expedition.
This is a 3 day 2 night practice followed by the standard 3 day qualifying expedition. We will do our best to make sure that it’s not too arduous. However, please note that on this expedition there will be 5 nights in a tent and we are unable to guarantee the weather!
21-26 July Lake District
28 July – 2 August Peak District
Price £360

Our expedition price includes all the kit lists and information you need to prepare for the expedition, camp site fees, the use of our tents, stoves, gas, maps, compasses and ruck sacks as well as instruction and supervision by experienced, qualified instructors and DofE accredited assessors. You provide your own food and clothing.

If you are interested in attending one of our expeditions please do contact us for more information or click here to book yourself onto our courses.

Our Base camp locations and the format for Open DofE Expeditions

You will be forming a group with other individuals from all around the UK. Overall we do not have huge groups and our maximum size on an expedition is 16. If you are coming with a friend then great: we will put you in a group with your friend. Hopefully that makes joining an open expedition a little less daunting!

Peak District

We usually meet at Hope and our base camp site is a short walk from the station. During the week there is the opportunity to explore the wilder remote areas of Kinder Scout as well as pass through beautiful hamlets and villages along the way.

Lake District

We usually explore the area around Kentmere, a quieter area of the Lake District. The expedition starts at Staveley and often finish either in Staveley or Windermere. After the expedition you can catch the bus/ train home or be picked up in the town. Alternatively, we meet in Keswick in the northern area and explore areas around Derwent Water and the Borrowdale valley.

Snowdonia

We meet and finish at Capel Curig. From here there are options of exploring the areas around the Ogwen or Conwy Valley, Moelwyns, and the Llyn Cowlyd Reservoir or even ascending Snowdon itself depending on the preferences of the group.

Dartmoor

We meet and finish in either Princetown or Ivybridge and usually use the southern half of Dartmoor. During the expedition you will have the opportunity to wild camp in some amazing places- including settlements once home to people in the Bronze age. We also use camp sites with showers and basic facilities along the way.

Outline Plan

For the expedition- Silver or Gold- we meet on Day 1 and get to know each other. That’s also a chance to sort out kit, food, tents, the proposed route (given the weather conditions need to be considered) and possibly a short walk to at least make sure you leave the camp site heading in the right direction and on the right foot path!

Then you have a 3 day (Silver) or 4 day (Gold) expedition ahead.
You will be supervised by a qualified instructor for the entire time of the expedition but you will need to be self-sufficient over the 3 or 4 days.

The open DofE expedition price includes use of a map, camp site fees, a tent, stove/ fuel and a ruck sack that you may need to borrow. Alternatively, please do bring your own equipment and we are very happy for you to use your own provided that we think it is suitable. We will provide you with a much more detailed kit list of items we expect you to bring on the expedition when you make a booking.

All our prices displayed include VAT at 20%
Company number 11499208
VAT registration 388 6234 53