Open Gold DofE Expeditions
Fun Open Gold Practice / Qualifying Expeditions
Great! So you are considering booking on one of our open expeditions. We don’t think you will regret it. You will meet new, like-minded people; develop your expedition skills; and gain a sense of achievement, all in the awesome surroundings of The Cairngorm National Park.
LOCATION
The Gold practice and qualifying expeditions will take place in Braemar, in Royal Deeside, an hour and 30 minutes from Aberdeen. Amenities include a small supermarket for basic produce, restaurants, and cafés. There is a well equipped mountain shop in both villages too.
For further information on the area and accommodation before or after your time with Hillgoers, see visit Braemar website and visit Ballater.
Itinerary for Gold Practice / Qualifying Expedition
Pre Expedition there will be the chance to take part in a video call to meet your team mates and do some planning. You will also be given access to a webpage containing lots of useful information, including training materials.
Day 1 - Meet at Braemar Campsite for introductions and a full kit and food check. You should have all your food when you arrive. Next, you will work on team building activities, navigation, campcraft skills, and becoming familiar with Hillgoers’ emergency/late/lost procedures. Then, you and your team will focus on your aim for the expedition and route planning. Your evening meal will be cooked on Hillgoers’ Trangia stoves.
Trek Description
Days 2/3/4/5 - Carryout the expedition aim and route that you have planned with your supervisor remotely supervising: four days and three nights. The terrain you will navigate may include tracks, paths and some unmarked rough ground, through forests, open moors, and hill land. At the end, your group will clean and hand in group kit, debrief, and then travel home.
What’s included
Group equipment - tents (2-3 shared, single person tents available but discouraged due to increased footprint and weight, contact us to discuss if required), stoves, gas, maps, radio
Campsite fees for day 1, the remaining nights will be wild camping
Qualified supervisors / accredited assessors (all have Mountain Leader qualifications and up to date first aid certificates), satellite tracked
24/7 base camp support
We can hire out rucksacks, sleeping bags and sleeping mats if required
Not included
Transport to the area
Accommodation before you start or when you finish your expedition
Food on the campsite nights
Food for the duration of your Exped
Personal Equipment (Hillgoers will provide you with a kit list when you book with us)
Compasses
Price is per person. Please contact us for any additional information.