From 23rd–27th March, our students embarked on an unforgettable Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition to Bannau Brycheiniog (the Brecon Beacons), showcasing resilience, teamwork and outstanding spirit throughout and a fierce battle against every weather condition possible.
A group of 27 students, 15 from Year 12 and 12 from Year 13, set out on this challenging adventure, greeted on arrival by a warm welcome and time to acclimatise at a lovely campsite, which we called home for the first two nights. Spirits were high from the outset, not least due to the “luxury” upgrade enjoyed by Mrs Withers and Miss Roberts, who were very kindly offered a caravan by the campsite, much to the envy of the students!
The expedition truly tested everyone’s determination, with the first two days bringing an ever-changing mix of weather. Students navigated wind, rain, hail, snow, bursts of sunshine and brisk cold, even contending with weather fronts rolling in from the Irish Sea. Despite this, morale remained strong and the group rose admirably to every challenge the Black Mountains threw at them! Even if it did mean some cold and blustery nights in the tents – a cup of tea in the morning soon lifted spirits! However, this may have been the first time we’d ever seen Jamie C not smile when he said hello 😂
On the third night, the team camped in the breathtaking Olchon Valley, where stunning views, a beautiful sunset and sunrise created a truly special atmosphere in this peaceful corner of rural Herefordshire on the Welsh-English border. Despite a cold and windy night and lots of tired students, Miss Roberts managed to use the campsite’s blackboard for some revision with our year 13 geographers! The final night, spent beside the River Wye, brought calmer conditions and the warmest evening of the expedition—ensuring a well-earned good night’s sleep before the final leg into Abergavenny.
We are incredibly proud that all Year 13 students passed their Gold expeditions with flying colours, with several now completing their full Gold Award as a result. Our Year 12 students also demonstrated fantastic promise and are already looking forward to their next expedition in the Lake District next year.
