Year 13 girls spent a cold, sunny weekend on the South Downs, training for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. Intrepid walkers Gayle Griffiths, Angharad Kolator Baldwin, Hussan Ara Shah,  Jessica Tang, Clare Thomas and Cora Thomas, rose to the challenge beautifully.

The walk on Saturday 6 March 2010 was in the order of 22 km with the girls involved carrying full kit (in preparation for their forthcoming qualifying venture during April in the Brecon Beacons). It involved some considerable ascent (500m in all) and descent. During the walk, all the girls practised their navigational skills and learned more about relating the landscape to the contours shown on their maps. They also practised walking to times so as to help them establish their position accurately. The weather was very good with extensive views over the Sussex countryside. However, the keen easterly wind meant that lingering was not on the cards! The warmth of the newly built Eastbourne Youth Hostel was most welcome after six and half hours of walking.

During the evening, the group took full advantage of the excellent facilities offered in the hostel which included catching up on much needed sleep. All the girls were involved in the development of their evening menu which they tested to the full, the main purpose being to take in sufficient calories whilst minimising the “weight” carried. Perfect results! Clearly the thought they had applied really paid off. 

After an excellent night’s sleep, we left the hostel “fully refreshed” and ventured to Alfriston. From here we undertook a shorter walk which gave opportunity for the girls to practise further their navigational skills, sort out any equipment problems and for refreshment of the emergency procedure through a brief scenario. This proved very useful and beneficial.

All were safely returned weary but happy (with the bonus of listening to “Of Mice and Men as the Sunday afternoon play on Radio 4, starring David Tennant). 

A good weekend, thanks to initial training by Mr John Luttick, to the excellent support from Mrs Amanda Davies, and the wonderful attitude of the girls involved.