Open Gold Expedition Dates - Lake District

Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Team walking on a forest trail carrying large backpacks

Gold DofE Open Walking Qualifying Expeditions – Lake District

Conquer mountain fells, navigate iconic valleys and complete your Gold DofE Qualifying requirement in the Lake District with an AALA-licensed and DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP).

Quick Expedition Details

Location: Keswick area, Lake District National Park
Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights
Price: £375 per participant
Accreditation: AALA Licensed & DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP)
Assessor Sign-off: Uploaded directly to your eDofE account

Upcoming Expedition Dates & Booking

All expeditions start at 10:30 on day one & finish at approx 16:00 on day 5.

👉 Book Friday 4 - Tuesday 8 September 2026

👉 Book Wednesday 14 - Sunday 18 October 2026

👉 Book Tuesday 27 - Saturday 31 October 2026

👉 Book Tuesday 30 March – Saturday 3 April 2027

👉 Book Wednesday 14 – Sunday 18 April 2027

👉 Book Wednesday 2 – Sunday 6 June 2027

👉 Book Wednesday 4 – Sunday 8 August 2027

👉 Book Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 August 2027

👉 Book Wednesday 1 – Sunday 5 September 2027

👉 Book Monday 6 – Friday 10 September 2027

Why Choose Bike Hike & Paddle?

AALA Licensed & DofE Approved: Qualified, highly experienced Mountain Leaders supervise your team from start to finish.
Hassle-Free Group Gear Included: We supply high-quality 2/3-person expedition tents, Trangia stoves, gas, maps, compasses and emergency shelters.
Seamless eDofE Sign-Off: Individualised feedback and your official Assessor Report are uploaded directly to your eDofE profile upon completion.
Stress-Free Logistics: Convenient base in the Keswick area, easily reachable via public transport from Penrith station.

Expedition Overview & 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1 (Planning Day): Meet in the Keswick area at 10:30 AM. Complete team building, gear checks, safety briefings and finalise route planning under the guidance of our Mountain Leaders.
Days 2 to 5 (The Journey): Embark on a self-sufficient, team-led trek across mountain, valley and lakeside terrain using map and compass navigation. Establish a new campsite each night.
Assessment & Debrief: Conclude on Day 5 at approximately 16:00 (4:00 PM) in the Keswick area with daily reflections, personal feedback and official DofE Assessor sign-off.

Package Inclusions & Optional Add-ons

What's Included in Your £375 Package:

Expert instruction, supervision and pastoral care throughout
Dedicated campsite pitch fees for all 4 nights
High-quality 2 or 3-person expedition tents
Trangia cooking stoves & gas
Maps, compasses, emergency shelters and group first aid kit
Official DofE Assessor Report uploaded to eDofE

Optional Gear Hire & Add-ons (Select during checkout):

Early Arrival & Overnight Camping – £35
Camp with our team the night before (2nd Aug from 18:00). Includes pitch, overnight staff supervision, tent access and stove use. Ideal for long travel.
Complete Gear Hire Bundle – £85
Includes: 65L Rucksack, 3-Season Sleeping Bag, Foam Mat, Waterproof Jacket & Trousers, Warm Hat, Sun Hat and Warm Gloves.
65L Rucksack – £20
Ergonomic, fully adjustable mountain expedition pack.
3-Season Sleeping Bag – £20
Rated for cold mountain nights.
Waterproof Rain Coat – £20
Taped seams, mountain-ready protection.
Waterproof Rain Trousers – £20
Breathable, full-coverage protection.
Foam Sleeping Mat – £8
Lightweight ground insulation layer.
Warm Hat, Sun Hat, or Warm Gloves – £5 each
Essential weather gear.

What You Need to Bring

Personal Gear & Clothing: Supportive walking boots with ankle protection (required), outdoor clothing, base layers and sleeping gear (if not hiring). Check our kit list for full details.
Expedition Food: Food and snacks for all 5 days.
- Note: Campsite stoves are used for morning and evening meals only. Please pack cold food options for daytime lunches while on the trail.
Fitness Preparation: A baseline fitness level suitable for carrying a 65L rucksack over steep, uneven mountain terrain for 6–8 hours daily. Practice walks with a weighted pack are strongly recommended.

Location & Getting Here

Base Location: Keswick area, Lake District National Park.
By Train & Bus: Take the main line train to Penrith Station, where a direct, regular bus service runs straight into Keswick.
By Car: Parking options are available in the local area for the duration of the week.
Joining Pack: Comprehensive arrival notes, route outlines and kit lists are emailed 4 weeks prior to start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I join as an individual?
Yes! Open expeditions are specifically designed for individuals to join together, form a team and complete their DofE Gold Qualifying section together.
Are campsite fees included?
Yes, all dedicated campsite pitches for the 4 nights are fully included in your expedition fee.
What happens if I need extra gear?
You can add individual gear hire or the complete bundle directly to your booking. Please ensure kit hire is booked at least 1 month prior to your start date.