SILVER D OF E PRACTICE EXPEDITIONS – APRIL 2017

Last week, six teams of Year 10 pupils set off on their Silver D of E Practice Expedition. Their route took them to the North Lakes where they set off just outside Cockermouth and walked to Buttermere, a picturesque campsite situated near the lake shore.

Heavy, over packed bags took their toll and the initial enthusiasm soon became determination as the day progressed. A welcome meal cooked on a trangia and the thought of warm tents and sleeping bags spurred the walkers on and soon they arrived in camp.

On the second day they woke to torrential rain and spirits dropped but soon the sun came out and spurred on by the promise of proper showers at the next campsite, they were soon well on their way. 

The second night was at a campsite near Braithwaite and the groups were treated to another sudden change in weather with hail storms for the evening resulting in early beds and rather a cold night.

Enthusiasm to reach the end helped drag them out of their sleeping bags on the final day and by 9am, all the groups were heading down the shores of Derwentwater to the finish at Seathwaite, known to be the wettest location in the UK.

Lucky for us the sun shone all day and by 4pm, the weary walkers were all checked in, kit handed in and on their way home with aching feet, sore backs but many stories to tell. 

Rebecca Hubbard
D of E Manager

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