Lake District Gold Qualifying Expedition

The expedition starts and finishes in Keswick, in the northern part of the Lake District. Participants will be supported to plan their own route. Typically, a four-day expedition will journey south, past Derwent Water, to a camp in Borrowdale. Then on day two, head northeast to Thirlmere. Then on day three to Skiddaw House, just to the east of a mountain called Skiddaw. Day four brings you back to Keswick and the start point. There are lots of paths and campsites in the Lake District. There are opportunities to gain some height and hike up hills like Cat Bells, Skiddaw, or Blencathra. The area is lovely with gorgeous woodland, lakes, and hills. The village of Rotheswaite is really pretty, made from traditional Lake District stone.

Read more about the area in this blog.

Click here for the full kit list, including a video offering advice on packing a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition rucksack. We will provide you with tents, stoves, gas canisters, map cases, and rucksack liners.

Participants should bring the following food:

• Enough food for the 4-day practice expedition: that’s three breakfasts, four lunches, and three evening meals.

Guidance on exped meals here.

Please read our terms and conditions:

These are the terms and conditions for Aspen Outdoors Ltd events.

1. Participants must disclose information on any relevant medical condition or treatment that may have a bearing on their ability to take part.
2. Participants must provide information to Aspen Outdoors Ltd on their skills and experience in the activity (winter hillwalking, summer hillwalking, multi-day treks, bushcraft activities) to help determine their competence and suitability for the activity.
3. Participants must read the information about the activity with particular attention to the grade/difficulty of the hike, the length of the day, the distance to be covered, and the height gained.
4. The objectives of the event, for example, the ascent of one or more peaks, are not guaranteed, being subject to weather conditions, snow conditions, and the capability and competence of participants in the group.
5. The objectives of the event may be modified or abandoned, subject to weather and snow conditions, and the capability and competence of the participants in the group.
6. The event may be postponed or cancelled, subject to adverse weather and snow conditions. Should this happen, the company shall either provide a full refund or rearrange the event.
7. Participants must consult the equipment list provided by the company and follow other instructions provided to them before the activity to ensure that they are appropriately prepared for the activity.
8. During the activity, the participants must follow the instructions of the instructors to ensure their safety.
9. If the customer cancels within four weeks of the event that is due to take place, the customer shall not be eligible for a refund.