Teamwork helps intrepid students to success

WELL done to the 29 adventurous Ripon Grammar School students who successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition.

It was a tough 25km route with 500m of elevation, during which they had to contend with very boggy ground on the Moors and woodland paths.

Setting off from Pateley Bridge, all the students successfully made their way to Breaks Fold Farm campsite, near Thruscross Reservoir, then back to Pateley Bridge.

RGS DofE coordinator Ruth Smith said: “All did really well, as although the expedition started and ended in sunshine, there were many rain showers in between!”

BXM instructors walked with the groups on the first day, using it as training, with the groups navigating their way back to Pateley Bridge themselves on the second day.

Dr Smith added: “The groups all showed good teamwork, helping with the navigation and encouraging each other through the most challenging sections of the route. Well done to all!

She added: “The BXM instructors were very pleased with them all, and we are now looking forward to the qualifying expedition in June.”