Gold Duke of Edinburgh: Norway 2025
35 students headed to Norway in two groups. They arrived in Norway to a heatwave and brilliant sunshine. An adventure packed week ahead of them. On arrival in Bergen they picked up fresh supplies before departing for Finse, a 3 hour train ride into the mountains. The group wild camped on the first night as well as taking a dip in the icy cold lakes. Day 1 was all about acclimatization and getting to know the terrain they would be walking over the next 4 days. This involved how to walk across snow and how to stop themselves falling and sliding. They all got to see some of the snow huts which could be used in bad weather. All groups were shown how to filter water as the heat was going to be their biggest problem rather than the rain!
The second night the groups headed to Finse DNT hut, a Norwegian equivalent of the YHA, where they were in proper beds and full board. The evening meal was a three course all you can eat affair. The groups were refreshed after a good night's sleep before their 4 day trek circumnavigating the Hardangerfjord. The glacier associated with the Hardangerfjord is the Folgefonna glacier, which is the southernmost and third-largest glacier in Norway. All groups walked between 70km and 90km over their 4 day expedition, using wild camping spots on the route. They were self-sufficient, collecting water and cooking for themselves. They all arrived back in Finse to have a well earned rest back at the DNT hut before making the return journey to Bergen. The students stayed on in Bergen for an extra day to explore this wonderful city and experience Norwegian life.
Thank you to Jeremy Hepworth and his team of fantastic staff at Hepworth Adventures, who ensured the safety of the students on their adventures. Also thanks go to the staff who traveled with the two group Mr Taylor and Dr Lowed for expedition A and Mrs Kirby and Mr Ball with expedition B. The groups will be sharing their expedition reports to staff and students on Tuesday 23rd of September
This year has seen an unprecedented number start their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and whilst 35 were in Norway, we had 12 complete UK walking expeditions in a variety of locations, from the Peak District to the Lake District and beyond. 6 students completed a Kayaking expeditions along the Dorset coastline and for their qualifying the river wye. Whilst one chose to sail off the south coast, exploring the Jurassic coast line and circumnavigating the Isle of white.
The expedition section is only one fifth of the Gold award and many students used the summer break to get their residential section completed, we had lots who completed water sports activity weeks, some who did a week long cookery course, bush craft week, script writing as well as a fire residential.
We look forward to celebrating the Gold awards with eth students in due course. They have at least 12 months volunteering, 12 or 6 months Physical and 12 or 6 months Skill to complete, whilst balancing their study and work commitments. These students will hopefully attend a garden party at Buckingham palace in May.
In contrast to the Gold expedition at the end of term, the Silver group went out on the last three days and experienced some of the wettest expedition weather we have had in the past 10 years. The travelled to the Peak District for their three day adventure around Tissington, Dovedale and Illam. They all had a great time albeit very wet. A big shout out to Mrs Spencer, Mrs Brown, Miss Bailey, Nic Boys, John Bard and Mark Leveridge who support this very wet expedition. Thank you to Karos Adventure who planned, supported and assessed the groups.
