Duke of Edinburgh: Into the wild
The Lake District’s weather was, quite typically, not on our side
The Gold Award by Oscar Kinirons, Year 13
After this acclimatisation period, we commenced our 80-kilometre round trip around the Lake District, passing by magnificent mountains,
Every year, many Dulwich boys from Year 12 commit to the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award. One aspect we are all
lakes, and landmarks of the National Park such as Scafell Pike and Helvellyn. Despite being the height of summer, the Lake District’s weather
undoubtedly familiar with is the expedition — by far the most talked-about section of the scheme. Although the physical, skill, and volunteering sections of the award are
Despite the struggles, fatigue, and aching limbs, the memories made during the expedition will be cherished
was, quite typically, not on our side. All four seasons seemed to play out every day, but the rare moments of sunshine made all the hard work worthwhile. Highlights included walking across a mountain in a storm, a teammate becoming lost halfway up the slope, and surviving on the same crusty, undercooked rice and pasta that had barely been fuelling us all week. All groups had a tough, yet rewarding experience — one we can all be immensely proud of. Despite the struggles, fatigue, and aching limbs, the memories made during the expedition will be cherished, and the sense of achievement we felt is something that will stay with us for years to come. As with all Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, the pride at the finish line makes up for all the suffering along the way. ◎
arguably more beneficial in the long run, it is, without doubt, the expedition that lives longest in the memories of its participants. In July 2024, seven Dulwich groups, each made up of five to seven boys, embarked on their expedition. This year, we were fortunate enough to travel to the Lake District. The mountains of the region certainly posed a challenge for the select few who signed up. Earlier in the school year, we completed a practice expedition that gave us a taste of what to expect, but nevertheless, everyone was both anxious and excited for the challenge ahead. In the first week of July, we began our journey from London Euston, travelling up to Windermere station. There, we met our instructors and set up camp, where we stayed for the next two days. During this time, we worked on our orienteering, cooking, and camping skills to prepare ourselves for the days to come. We even had time to celebrate and watch England’s footballers beat Switzerland on penalties at a nearby hostel.
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THE ALLEYNIAN 713
CCF & DOFE
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