Intrepid students shine in the great outdoors

HUGE congratulations to our intrepid Year 10 pupils, who successfully completed their bronze Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition in March, complete with spring sunshine, showers and a sharp ground frost overnight.

RGS DofE coordinator Ruth Smith said: “They were a very well-organised cohort, and I was particularly proud of how they coped with the frosty start to the second day of the weekend expedition. Many, many warm layers were required.

“During the expedition there were welcome signs of spring: many young lambs, and birds such as curlew and lapwing wheeling overhead. Owls and woodpeckers could be heard at the campsite in the nearby woods,” she said.

The 39 participants walked with their instructor on the first day for training in navigation, then were under remote supervision and checkpoints on the second day.

The total expedition distance, from Pateley Bridge to camp near Thruscross Reservoir, then back to Pateley Bridge, was 25km with 750m of ascent.

Dr Smith added: “Well done to all the participants. We’re now looking forward to the assessed expedition in the Dales later in the year. Thank you to BXM expeditions and our excellent instructors Daryl, Kelly, Dave and Jan.”