Duke of Edinburgh Students Enjoy The Peak District

Daring adventurers at The Sixth Form College, Solihull, gained valuable experience for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recently when they undertook a weekend of hiking in the Peak District.

34 students made the trip to Edale in Derbyshire, from where they navigated and hiked from their drop off point to the Youth Hostel. Their first day, which saw drizzly and overcast weather, also consisted of a walk up to Hollins Cross, as well as some stove training and an introductory kit check in the evening.

Day two dawned bright and cold and saw the five groups of intrepid hikers take a longer walk back to Hope by way of routes they themselves had devised. It took them through forest and skirted the banks of Ladybower Reservoir.

The main aims of the trip were to practice navigation techniques. This included orienting a map, walking on a bearing, identifying features from the map to the ground and ensuring good timing of individual legs. The trip was also important in terms of group bonding and team work, as well as ensuring they all had the right kit and that their rucksacks were effectively packed. It was excellent preparation for their practice expedition in the North York Moors on 14-18th April.

Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator for the College is Grigor Wallace and he commented, "The students showed great team work and were good humoured throughout the trip. Fitness levels were appropriate and everyone showed excellent knowledge transfer from the classroom to the wild country environment. A good weekend was had by all.

"I must also thank all the staff who came along to help, including Dave Lewis, Gail Williams, Matt Clive, Rassak Rahman and Alan Underwood."