Gold Award expeditions
Information about DofE Gold Award expeditions
These expeditions are suitable for anyone enrolled onto the Gold DofE Award. They are the complete package for your Gold expedition section, from training to assessment.
The first day will be a training day to complete the DofE expedition training framework, followed by a two-day assessed expedition.
We will need to see evidence that a practice expedition has been completed prior to the start of an assessed expedition. We will upload a completed assessor report to the participants eDofE account to show evidence of having completed the expedition section.
If this expedition is being completed as a practice expedition, we will need to see evidence of the DofE Expedition Training framework having been completed and will provide evidence for the participants eDofE account that they have completed their practice expedition.
These are residential packages. Hampshire Outdoors will provide group kit including tents, stoves, gas, maps and compasses. Participants will need to provide all other personal kit.
We will send you information, such as kit list and itinerary, 6 weeks beforehand. We will provide a virtual meeting to talk you thorough the expedition experience and answer any questions that you may have.
These expeditions are open to participants outside of Hampshire.
South Downs Way expedition
A physically demanding, 100-mile (160km) national trail within the South Downs Way.
This expedition takes place over the course of 7 days, allowing you to complete both your practice and assessed expeditions back-to-back.
This route starts in Winchester and winds its way along the chalk ridge that comprises the South Downs before finishing in Eastbourne, allowing you to enjoy views of the best countryside that the south of England has to offer.
You should ensure that you are prepared for this challenge and have a good level of fitness to get the most out of the experience.
Itinerary
- Acclimatisation day
- On the acclimatisation day, participants will get to know each other and assemble expedition teams. You will also meet your assessor who will give you a detailed expedition briefing and agree assessment route check points.
- You will find a suitable pitch and put up tents with your instructor, who will conduct a kit and bag check, making sure you are fully prepared. You will also plan the expedition route with your instructor.
- There will also be a classroom group briefing on the Countryside Code, first aid and emergency procedures.
- Practice day 1
- Winchester to East Meon – 29km, total ascent 635.14m.
- Practice day 2
- East Meon to Cocking – 30km, total ascent 848m.
- Assessed day 1
- Cocking to Washington – 30km, total ascent 667m.
- Assessed day 2
- Washington to Pyecome – 24km, total ascent 664m.
- Assessed day 3
- Pyecome to Southease – 25km, total ascent 540m.
- Assessed day 4
- Southease to Eastbourne – 26km, total ascent 700m. You will also debrief with your assessor and have an opportunity to present your Team Goal to the Hampshire Outdoors team.
Dates
- 28 July to 3 August 2025 (booking now for 28 July to 3 August 2025)
- £385
- per person
This walk is anything but a walk in the park – you have to be prepared and fit enough to do it! The supervisors were all so accommodating and supportive to absolutely everyone and made this experience so much more enjoyable than I think anyone expected.
Cancellation policy
Changes or cancellations should be sent to [email protected]
- Cancellation before 12 weeks of expedition start date
- Hampshire Outdoors will reimburse the participant 90%
- Cancellation between 12 and 6 weeks of expedition start date
- Hampshire Outdoors will reimburse the participant 50%
- Cancellation within 6 weeks of expedition start date
- participants are liable for the full fee, no refund will be available
Contact Details
Get in touch with the Hampshire DofE Award team for further information:
- Hampshire Outdoors, Children’s Services Department
First Floor EII Court West
The Castle, Winchester
SO23 8UG
- Email: [email protected]