Join Bike Hike & Paddle Ltd—an AALA (Adventure Activities Licence Authority) & D of E Approved Activity Provider (AAP)—for a Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award Open Walking Training & Practice Expedition in the heart of the Lake District.

Explore the stunning dales, navigate iconic valleys and achieve your Silver D of E! Designed for individuals, school groups and open participants, this 4 day Yorkshire Dales experience challenges, educates and inspires young adventurers while fulfilling DofE Silver Qualifying requirements.

What to Expect

• Day 1 - Team Building & Navigation: The two key focus points of today are to build a team and focus on navigation skills - a relatively shorter walk, with only a small amount of kit.

• Day 2 – Training & Prep: We cover the remaining parts of the D of E Expedition training syllabus, gear checks, safety briefings. Finally your team will lead the final route planning with guidance from our qualified mountain leaders. It is a busy day.

• From evening meal on day 2 to day 4 – The Practice Expedition: Self sufficient navigation across mountain, valley and lakeside terrains using maps and compasses, establishing a fresh camp each night.

• Feedback & Debrief: Daily reflections on the journey, personal feedback and official DofE sign off - ready for you to upload to your eDofE account.

Preparation & Fitness

To get the most out of your expedition, you should have a good baseline fitness level and be comfortable carrying a fully loaded 65L rucksack over rugged, uneven moorland terrain for 5 to 7 hours a day. We recommend completing practice walks with a weighted backpack ahead of the trip.

Logistics & Location

• Start: Sat 17 July 2027 at 10:30 (Skipton Station)

• Finish: Tues 20 July 2027 at approximately 15:00 ish (Malham area)

• Travel / Public Transport: The nearest main railway station is Skipton. There is a direct, bus link back from Malham. If driving - please arrange suitable parking for the duration.

• Joining Pack: Comprehensive arrival instructions, route outlines and final kit checklist are sent approx 4 weeks in advance.

Food & Equipment Notes

• Provided Gear: Tents, stoves, fuel, emergency equipment, map & compass

• Food Expectations: Participants must supply their own expedition food and snacks for all 4 days.

• Lunch Note: No stoves are used during lunch breaks. Please pack quick, cold or non cook options for lunchtimes while out on the trail (stoves are for morning and evening campsite meals only).

Walking boots must have ankle support

 https://www.dofe.org/shop/expedition-kit/walking-boots-and-socks/

Kit List

https://www.bikehikeandpaddle.co.uk/dofe-kitlist