63 students returned from their post-GCSE break to complete their assessment hike across the South Downs.  Most students travelled by train to Lewes. On Day 1 they trekked 20km to Ditchling Beacon and Park Wood in showers and broken sunshine.  They coped well with the sogey conditions at camp.  Another 20km trek took them to Washington via Truleigh Hill and Chanctonburry Ring on Day 2.  They spent a beautifully sunny evening at Locks Farm.  A final 12km push to Amberley and it was good to see the majority of students making the sustainable and independent choice by taking the train home.  Staff were impressed by the enthusiasm of groups and their attempts to leave no trace of their journey.  Well done!

9 Silver DofE groups trekked 50km in 3 days from Dorking, across to Chantry Camp site near Guildford, then across the Surrey Hills to Etherley Farm and finally over Leith Hill to finish at North Holmwood. A dry Sunday and pleasant evening at Chantry quickly deteriorated into two wet days and nights that left everyone soaked. Groups found keeping campsites tidy difficult in the bad weather. Groups will need to keep a more efficient camp to ensure qualification next time. Nevertheless, navigation significantly improved across several groups and spirits remained high amongst most groups despite the weather. Well done everyone!
FYI: there have only been 5 sunny days since May.
The forecast for the next two weeks is for 90mm of rainfall!
Silver and Gold expedition qualifiers later this “summer” be prepared!