Open Gold Expedition Dates - Lake District

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

Gold DofE Open Walking Practice & Training Expedition – Lake District

Master mountain navigation, build team self-sufficiency and complete your official Gold DofE Practice & Training 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: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Price: £300 per participant

Accreditation: AALA Licensed & DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP)

eDofE Completion: Official practice sign-off and feedback for you to upload to your eDofE profile

Upcoming Practice Expedition Dates & Booking

All Training & Practice Expeditions start day 1 at 10:30 & finish on day 4 at 16:00ish

👉 Book Sunday 11 - Tuesday 13 October 2026

👉 Book Saturday 24 - Monday 26 October 2026

👉 Book Friday 26 - Monday 29 March 2027

👉 Book Saturday 10 - Tuesday 13 April 2027

👉 Book Saturday 29 May - Tuesday 1 June 2027

👉 Book Saturday 31 July - Tuesday 3 August 2027

👉 Book Saturday 14 - Tuesday 17 August 2027

👉 Book Saturday 28 - Tuesday 31 August 2027

Need your Qualifying trip instead?

Why Choose Bike Hike & Paddle?

Comprehensive Skills Training: Intensive refresher on map reading, compass work, route planning, emergency procedures and campcraft before heading out on the trail.

AALA Licensed & DofE Approved: Qualified Mountain Leaders guide and supervise your team, stepping back as your confidence and independence grow.

Hassle-Free Group Gear Included: We supply high-quality 2 or 3-person expedition tents, Trangia stoves, fuel, maps, compasses and emergency shelters.

Stress-Free Logistics: Convenient base in the Keswick area, easily reachable via public transport from Penrith station.

Practice Expedition Overview & 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Dedicated Navigation Day : 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.

Day 2 evening to day 4 (The Journey & Supervision): Put skills into practice across mountain, valley and lakeside terrain. Leaders provide close supervision initially, transitioning to remote supervision as your team demonstrates competence. Establish a new campsite each night.

Debrief & Next Steps: Conclude on Day 4 at approximately 16:00 (4:00 PM) in the Keswick area with individual feedback, practice sign-off for your eDofE and preparation advice for your Qualifying expedition.

Expedition Inclusions & Optional Add-ons

What's Included in Your Expedition:

Expert instruction, supervision and training throughout

Dedicated campsite pitch fees for all 3 nights

High-quality 2 or 3-person expedition tents

Trangia cooking stoves & gas

Maps, compasses, emergency shelters and group first aid kit

Official DofE Practice completion sign-off to upload to eDofE

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

Early Arrival & Overnight Camping – £35

Camp with our team the night before your start date (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 details.

Expedition Food: Food and snacks for all 4 days.

Note: Campsite stoves are used for morning and evening meals only. Please pack cold food options for daytime lunches while out 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 expedition.

Joining Pack: Comprehensive arrival notes, route outlines and kit lists are emailed 4 weeks prior to start.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need prior navigation experience for the Practice expedition?

Basic knowledge is helpful, but our qualified leaders provide comprehensive navigation and mountain skills training on Day 1 to ensure everyone is confident on the hill.

Can I join as an individual?

Yes! Open practice expeditions are designed for individual participants to meet, form a team and complete their training together.

Are campsite fees included?

Yes, all dedicated campsite pitches for the 3 nights are fully included in your expedition fee.