Our Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s group have now successfully completed their first practice expedition. Mr Taylor, our DofE manager, accompanied our intrepid young people on their adventure..

Monsal Trail DofE Bronze Practice Expedition 27/28 March 2018

Early on Tuesday morning 4 Bronze New Bridge groups took on the challenge of the Monsal Trail in the Peak District. Each group travelled on foot from Wye Dale near Blackwell to Monsal Head to finish at Bakewell on the following day..

They each carried equipment appropriate for an overnight camp. This made the groups reasonably self sufficient but added an extra degree of hardship and challenge..

Variations on the route meant some groups followed the sticky, slippery, muddy section along the river..

..whilst others followed the less challenging cycle trail..

Camping was at Monsal Head where the groups met, put up tents and a prepared a warm evening meal on camp stoves..

Along the journey, the groups explored the remnants of the industrial past such as lime kilns, railway buildings and the long dark imposing railway tunnels during a night walk..

Luckily the weather held, although it was cool and dry with a biting wind. The focus was on team work and supporting/motivating each other along the challenging journey..

Groups and participants played a positive and active part in all aspects of the expedition and made it a fabulous and rewarding experience for all..

Gavin Taylor
DofE Manager

Well done, everyone!! We have lots more pictures of the expedition to share, please visit our Facebook page here to view the full album.

You can find out more about the DofE Award Scheme at New Bridge and read about previous expeditions here