From 4-12 July eight of our Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award students travelled to France to conduct a combined practice and qualifying canoe expedition. After a long drive the group relaxed in a great campsite in Beaulieu sur Dordogne before the start of the practice the following day. Head of Outdoor Education, Mr Steve Macpherson, provided this account of the trip:
"We spent a few days in this area, practising our expedition skills and preparing for our journey down the river. We perfected our rescue techniques and got familiar with the environment we would be travelling through over the next four days. Before our departure on our qualifying expedition, the group had a rest day where they could chill, carry out last minute preparation for the journey and go for a final meal in Beaulieu sur Dordogne.
The following morning, we waved each group off and after a second croissant the staff also left the campsite to supervise the groups. Some followed by canoe and others shadowed the group by road. During the day our aim was not to interfere with the group but to allow them an independent journey. They knew we were on hand if required but we wanted the groups to enjoy this experience without staff constantly popping up.
Over the course of the next four days, we did manage to keep a low profile during the day, only actually catching up with a group on the river on the last day.
Each evening we stopped at a riverside campsite where we regrouped, checked all was well before setting off once again the following day.
With its calm and clear waters, the Dordogne is ideal for canoeing. In 2012, the Dordogne River basin was named a Unesco Biosphere Reserve for its outstanding setting and heritage. During our 100km long journey we were surrounded with walnut orchards, rock-sculpted villages, fields of sunflowers, eye-popping views and stone chateaux's that patrol the cliffs above the river.
It seemed that around every corner there was something jaw dropping to see, you can easily see why the Dordogne is so popular. As we approached our end point, we passed through La Roque Gageac which is one of France's most beautiful villages. It seemed a shame not to stop and to have a wander around its streets. The only downside was that it was very busy. Over the previous days we had the river almost to ourselves but on the last day we were often engulfed by the many other canoes on the river. We had clearly hit the main tourist area of the Dordogne which also coincided with the start of the French holidays. The perfect storm.
On arrival at our campsite in Beynac, we very quickly de-stored, de-briefed before hitting the pool. A fitting end to a great journey.
Over the expedition the group dealt with the challenges of expedition life well. New friendships were made, others reinforced. As the journey progressed the group became much more independent and dealt with any issues themselves. Whilst the drive down and back was hard the expedition itself made that all worth it."
Groups of Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award pupils have recently returned from Scotland where the cycling group did a coast to coast along the Great Glen, while the walking groups travelled along the West Highland Way. At the end of this month there is another Gold Qualifying Expedition to Scotland.
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