On a Saturday and Sunday in early October, eighty students who have enrolled on Loreto College’s Duke of Edinburgh Programme (DofE), participated in a one-day walk designed to prepare them for the upcoming DofE expeditions. Before setting off, the students had their equipment checked at College, after which they took a coach to Rivington to begin the walk.

Divided into small groups of five or six and accompanied by a staff member, the students navigated a circular route that allowed them to practice their map-reading skills and use compasses for navigation. The muddy eight-kilometre route tested their physical fitness and included a strenuous hill climb. Fortunately, clear weather provided stunning views of the countryside from the summit.

Miss Pleydell, Loreto’s Expedition Leader, said “The day walks allowed students to experience some of what the full expeditions will be like in the summer. I was impressed with their map-reading skills and physical fitness; however, the most fulfilling part of the day for me was seeing how well they interacted with their peers and worked together, including those they had only recently met.”

One student, Anita, reflected on the experience, saying, “Attending the DofE day walk was tough but rewarding. The bright green grass on the walk back made up for the exhausting climb—especially the mountain. My group made it enjoyable as we chatted endlessly.” Another student, Olivia, added, “The DofE day walks provide exciting and useful insights into the physical aspects of the expedition. They helped strengthen our skills in map reading and compass use—it was really fun!”

The students will continue to work on the Physical, Skills, and Volunteering sections of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme before undertaking a Practice and Final Expedition during the summer term.