Intrepid students shine
HUGE congratulations to our 31 intrepid students who passed their gold Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition with flying colours - an amazing achievement!
Leaders praised their navigation skills and teamwork and, despite a few blisters, everyone handled the terrain brilliantly. We were also lucky with fantastic early spring weather.
As they left behind the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, students were already looking ahead to their next adventure.
In July, they take on the qualifying expedition in the Western Lake District—five days through Ennerdale, Buttermere Valley and Wasdale, with some even taking on Scafell Pike (978m).
DAY ONE:
Students set off on their 4-day expedition in the stunning Yorkshire Dales! Starting at Castle Bolton, they began their journey across Harkerside Moor towards their first campsite, taking on an impressive 50km loop over the course of the route.
Day 1 brought a real mix of weather - sunshine, showers, and strong winds across the moor - a true test of resilience and teamwork.
DAY TWO:
All five groups made a great start in the morning, setting off promptly for a 20km walk along the beautiful River Swale valley towards Keld. With warm sunshine and a light breeze, spirits were high, and the groups enjoyed the sight of spring lambs along the way.,
DAY THREE:
All five teams successfully made it through Checkpoint 1 at Thwaites. Today’s challenge was a big one — tackling the climb over the 700m-high Great Shunner Fell along the Pennine Way.
On the way up, teams passed the famous Buttertubs — incredible limestone formations shaped by water over time.
All groups arrived at Hawes camp in great spirits after a challenging day.
Final push today — a 20km undulating walk back to Bolton Castle!
DAY FOUR:
Final push today — a 20km undulating walk back to Bolton Castle, a frosty start, with all groups leaving camp by 08:15am. Beautiful sunshine in the Yorkshire Dales — spirits are high as they reach the finish and a well-earned rest.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
E: admin@ripongrammar.com
