An Adventure In The Beautiful Breacon Beacons 

Taking one last steady stride towards Fan Llia, a summit in the beautiful Breacon Beacons, a breathtaking panorama view opens to my team and I. We pause to catch our breath and adrenaline shoots surprise through my heart. This view exceeded anything I expected of my practice Duke of Edinburgh Gold expedition. It made the physically draining challenge of reaching the summit more than worth it. Writing about the experience only three days later, the incredible feeling of achievement and satisfaction continues to pulse through my muscles.   

A week earlier in Canterbury, planning meals with my team in an empty classroom at school, I would never have been able to imagine the endless benefits that the expedition would bring.  

The trip made me appreciate the feeling of fulfillment when immersed in nature. My school’s strict ban on phone usage throughout the expedition introduced this mindful state and provided what felt like a literal break from reality, which was hugely refreshing as a young teenager who is constantly suffocated by technology and exam anxiety.  

When marching along a rubble track, surrounded by gently sloping grassy valleys, I considered the numerous benefits my generation would receive if everyone experienced a DofE expedition.  

Accessing new, practical skills which taught us independence gave me a newfound confidence in my life away from home in the future and made me realize my reliance on my parents.  

Shivering uncontrollably countless times a night due to the intense, bitter cold of the Welsh mountains and waking up early morning to find icicles dripping precariously off the side of our tent created a new physical but also mental challenge of the struggle to sleep and made me appreciate the privilege I have at home of a warm, safe bed.  

Being surrounded by the wonderful wildlife and vast, the scenic landscape made my worries feel insignificant.   Henry March agrees with me ‘Not only is it beautiful views, but it is a beautiful headspace to be in when you are up there.’ Not being able to pinpoint his favorite thing about the trip, he tells me feeling ‘the mindfulness, the peace and serenity’ was clear highlight. 

After having such a brilliant time, I would encourage everyone to do a level of DofE, if they have the opportunity to do so.