Bronze D of E’s expedition to the Mendips

This summer, over 100 Year 9 students took part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, journeying through the striking and varied landscapes of the Mendip Hills. Over two days and one night, they walked, camped, cooked, supported one another, and discovered a lot, not just about the outdoors, but about themselves and what they’re capable of.

The expedition began in Burrington Combe, a dramatic limestone valley that gave students their first taste of navigating with maps and teamwork. From there, they made their way to Black Rock and up to the pinnacles, where they paused to take in panoramic views that rewarded the steep climb. After a full day of walking, they arrived in Priddy, where they camped together in a quiet, beautiful setting.

Students cooked their own meals on Trangias, set up tents, and learned how to look after themselves and their kit and each other in a real outdoor setting. On the second day, they walked through the winding greenery of Velvet Bottom, before ending their expedition with a final climb up to Beacon Batch, where clear skies offered a fantastic view of the countryside and a satisfying end to their journey.

Although the weather was at times very hot, all groups showed grit, adaptability and mutual support. There were moments of physical challenge with heavy bags, sore feet, steep hills and the odd blister; but also laughter, games, shared snacks and a strong sense of community. Many students reflected that they discovered more resilience than they thought they had. Others spoke about learning to trust their teammates, enjoy time away from technology, or appreciate the peacefulness of walking in nature. For some, it was the first time cooking outdoors or putting up a tent, while others learned the value of pacing themselves, staying optimistic, or simply not giving up when things got hard.

Across all groups, students demonstrated the core values of the DofE programme: independence, perseverance, teamwork, and self-belief. It was clear from both their reflections and their actions that they had grown in confidence and maturity over the two days.

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the teachers and staff who generously gave up their time to supervise, support and encourage students throughout the expedition. These experiences would not be possible without their commitment and care.

And finally, congratulations to all the students who took part. You should be extremely proud of what you achieved. Your effort, attitude and determination were outstanding.

Mr Hodgson, Outdoor Education Lead