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AAP DofE Expeditions
Adventure, challenge, and personal development through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in two stunning environments: the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.
Walking Expeditions
Expeditions take participants through the ancient Forest of Dean — one of England’s oldest royal forests — along well-marked trails, forest tracks, and open ridgelines.
Walkers experience diverse wildlife, historic landmarks, and stunning viewpoints across the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Canoeing Expeditions
Participants paddle along the iconic River Wye, one of the UK’s most beautiful rivers, navigating gentle currents through ancient woodland, dramatic limestone gorges, and tranquil meadows.
Both expedition types develop teamwork, navigation, resilience, and self-reliance — core skills of the DofE Award.
Suitable for Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, with fully qualified and experienced expedition supervisors and assessors.
Pre-Expedition Training
Before embarking on their DofE adventure, all participants receive comprehensive training to ensure they are fully prepared, confident, and safe. This structured program covers essential skills needed for a successful expedition.
Navigation & Mapping
Learning to read OS maps, use a compass, plan routes, and identify key landmarks. Participants practice in the local area before applying skills in the field.
Campcraft & Overnight Skills
Setting up tents, cooking on camp stoves, food planning, Leave No Trace principles, and managing kit efficiently for multi-day expeditions.
First Aid & Safety Awareness
Basic first aid, emergency procedures, understanding weather conditions, and knowing when and how to contact supervisors.
Expedition Planning
Groups work together to plan their route, menus, kit lists, and contingency plans — developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
All training is delivered by our experienced and qualified instructors, and is fully adapted to the needs and abilities of each group — ensuring every participant feels confident and prepared before setting off.
All groups will have a training and qualifying expedition.
Canoe Skills (Canoe Expeditions)
Introductory paddling sessions covering basic strokes, steering, river safety, capsize drills, and working as a team on the water. Delivered by qualified instructors.
Walking & Fitness Preparation (Walking Expeditions)
Practice walks to build stamina and confidence, carrying a loaded rucksack, pacing techniques, and route planning.
We provide all three levels
Bronze Award
2-day expedition with 1 overnight camp.
- Canoe or walking routes designed to build confidence.
- Participants learn basic navigation, campcraft, and teamwork.
- Routes are adapted to suit all fitness levels and abilities, offering a perfect introduction to outdoor adventure.
Gold Award
4-day expedition with 3 overnight camps. The ultimate DofE challenge — remote, demanding, and deeply rewarding.
- Longer canoe journeys or multi-day walking routes through the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or other water ways.
- Participants lead their own expedition with minimal supervisor intervention.
- Full flexibility is provided to accommodate participants with additional needs or disabilities, fostering a life-changing experience that builds lasting confidence and character.
Silver Award
3-day expedition with 2 overnight camps. Builds on Bronze skills with greater activity time and challenge.
- Canoe routes extend further along the Wye; walking routes explore deeper into the Forest of Dean.
- Participants further develop planning and navigation skills
- Routes and pace are adjusted to meet the needs of each group, developing resilience, leadership, and independence.
Groups – schools, scouts and others
Forest adventure run DofE expeditions for school, scouts and other groups. Whatever your groups need, contact us to see how we can help.
Email: info@forestadventure.co.uk
Call: Office – 01600460677 or Mobile – 07429228365
