The relaxing summer holidays came to a halt for those working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold awards. The expedition took place in Scotland during July; a group of pupils headed up to the highlands of Scotland, accompanied by Head of DofE Mr Steve Macpherson. After the long journey north, the group had arrived and were ready to face the Great Glen.
The group had decided to pursue kayaking as their chosen method of transport. The trip had taken a year of planning and training, and by the time they had reached their destination the pupils were ready and raring to go. The chosen route crossed Scotland from the West coast, near Fort William, to the East coast near Inverness, along the Caledonian canal. The canal, however, was by no means an easy route: the Caledonian canal links three lochs – Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness – with Loch Ness being so big it is classified as an inland sea! The weather was somewhat mixed each day, with everyday providing a different element to battle. Strong winds and rough water on day one was followed by drizzle on day two, beautiful calm water and glorious sunshine on day three, and thick fog on day four. The trip definitely provided all of the challenges promised by the DofE!
Mr Macpherson commented: ‘the groups performed impressively throughout, maintaining a high morale and effective kayaking. They worked well as a group, and took full ownership of the expedition. The supporting staff and assessor were on hand to observe and assist but, with the exception of day one where the group were closely monitored for safety reasons, very little input was required. The group fully embrace the ethos of the DofE and were a credit to themselves and the College.’