D of E Gold Practice Expedition in Snowdonia
Published on 28th March 2022
Last weekend, eleven pupils enjoyed glorious weather and views on their Gold practice expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh’s award over three days in Snowdonia.
After an overnight stay at YHS Idwall near Bethesda two groups set off with Mountain Leaders (MLs) on a full day of navigation training over 15 kilometres.
Despite sunny summits, the colder valleys at night meant frost had to be shaken off early in the morning from tents before departure and another 8 hours of walking to the remote check pointed at Llyn Gwynant on Saturday evening.
Weary limbs and a few signs of sunburn meant the final day’s valley walk into Beddgelert avoided any steep further ascents and descents.
The MLs commented on the pupils’ resilience and learning new skills after so long away from the hills since.
Some harsh lessons during the practice expedition exposed areas to address so the pupils prosper on their qualifying venture in Brecon Beacons in late June.
Well done to all the students for displaying great teamwork and a willingness to help each other in challenging and ever changing extremes of weather.
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