Over the weekend of 18th – 19th March our four Year 10 DofE teams successfully completed their Practice Expedition over the South Downs. On the Saturday morning, despite the wet weather, all teams had set off by 10am and walked circular routes from Small Dole via Devils Dyke requiring ascending/descending the steep slopes of the Downs. They walked with full rucksacks carrying not only their personal clothing but tents and food for the weekend.

The teams arrived back at the campsite about 7 hours later exhausted and pleased to get the heavy packs off their backs. However, the next task they faced was setting up their tents to sleep in and cooking their evening meal, all before it got dark at 6pm. The boggy conditions under foot after all the rain added to the challenge.

The next morning the sun shone and the teams got up and cooked their breakfast and then began the task of trying to pack up their gear without getting it covered in the mud. By late morning they were on their way home, tired and looking forward to hot showers to wash off all the mud.

Hopefully in May when they complete their Qualifier weekend the weather will be kinder and the ground not so wet!

Well done to everyone who took part, a great achievement.