By Madi W, Year 11

In early April of this year, a brave collection of Year 11 students embarked on their Silver Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions in preparation for their assessed expedition in June. We were tasked with a daunting three days of trekking in the wilderness of the Chiltern Hills, achieving around 18 kilometres each day. We had checked off every item we needed, and planned our route cards to perfection, but none of us felt truly prepared for such an ambitious expedition.

Many of us were filled with trepidation and excitement as we set out on an early Saturday morning, naive of the realities of walking for 7 hours. My group can proudly say it was not so much a mental challenge as we expected, since we were able to keep ourselves entertained by imagining how we were to meet our teachers at the next checkpoint, and occasionally hallucinating them in the distance. 

However, the physical toll was evident as we completed the first day of walking. By the time we had reached the campsite, our backs were at breaking point, and our feet were no longer sensitive to touch. Yet still, we endured – with the help of some yoga and hot chocolate! As night fell, everyone (teachers included) finally understood the importance of thermal layers and hot water bottles, as temperatures fell to -4 degrees. The lucky ones were able to sleep peacefully throughout the night, whilst others were chilled to the bone and struggled to shut their frosty eyes. 

As we all reached the end of the expedition, the cold nights and exhausting days left our bodies and minds well ‘exercised’. With 4 kilometres remaining, the navigation of some groups did not go as hoped and as we meandered painfully slowly towards the final destination, the only thing left to do was sing as many Disney songs as possible.

There has not been such a feeling of bliss as reaching the final checkpoint that day, and there will not be another until June.