Day 8 – Crossing the Finish Line

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And with that… the combined Gold D of E final expedition to the Outer Hebrides is over, as is this blog. Tomorrow the students break camp and take the ferry back to the mainland. From here they will journey back to Glasgow.

Well done to our 3 groups who have shown incredible levels of resilience over the past 9 days, walking an incredible distance in some real punishing heat.

All of the students made it which is an incredible achievement.

Pizza, juice and access to shops is now the order of the evening as students dig in to their celebratory feast.

Well done everyone… your efforts have been absolutely incredible.

 

 

 

Aeden keeping cool by fashioning a headscarf

Flowers are blooming in the June Sun

A refuge on the campsite offers some shelter from the sun.

Water replen… lots needed!

A warm journey with a tired group

The ‘ coffin road’

The campsite serves as an oasis

Juice, pizza and crisps… what a celebratory feast! Look at those smiles!

There’s one happy staff member. Quite the face tan!

Day 7- The Penultimate Day

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The group are into the third day of the final expedition, with one more day to go.
Today the groups took the ferry from Berneray, across the sound of Harris (1 hr) to Leverburgh (South Harris). They then took the Hebridean way to Scarista on the west coast. Groups, tonight are camping at Horgabost.
Horgabost Campsite where our adventurers are cooling off in the Sea. What a campsite!
Day 7 by Adam
We woke up around 7am. We were in a bit of a rush because we slept in. But we managed to pack everything and get to the ferry on time. The whole group slept the whole journey across the sound of Harris.
Sound asleep on the sound of Harris
Once at Leverburgh we studied the maps and we made sure we had plenty of water then started our journey. The first part of the journey was minor roads and was easy. We then reached the path that would take us through the mountains, the Hebridean Way. The mountain path was a bit wet, undulating and quite difficult, especially because of hot weather.  Once we reached the top of the hill the descent was nice and easy. Once we reached the road we filled up on water and had lunch. As it was so hot it was decided it best to cut the route short and get to camp. The best bit about being at camp was playing volleyball and football at the beach.
A very tired girls group, longing for the tropical blue waters of the Atlantic.
Stay tuned for tomorrow as our explorers conclude their epic journey and hopefully achieve the Gold expedition  standard.

Day 6 – half way through final

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The group are now half way through the final expedition.

The day started bright and early at 7am. It was already warm so we knew it was going to be a hot day. After a quick breakfast of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lots of biscuits. We packed all our stuff away to leave Balranald campsite for good. We got a minibus with Chippie (a new driver!), who was very nice and pointed out the Highland cows we saw along the way, and also taught us some Gaelic phrases. We drove over a causeway (a road that can connect islands) from North Uist to Berneray. We learned that causeway can only be used at certain times throughout the day as theyĵ are dependent on tide and depth of the water, which varies throughout the day. We got to John’s Bunkhouse, a hostel we were camping outside, and quickly set up our tents and sorted our food.
John’s Bunkhouse
We then set off on our 11 kilometre hike across the island. We Walked through lots of fields and saw lots of sheep, cows, and Oyster Catcher birds. We eventually reached the beach and after walking for a while some of us had a swim. The water was crystal clear, and the sand was white and fine. After swimming, we returned to camp (back through the sheep and cow fields), ate some rice for dinner, and unwound for sleep at around 9pm. -Alice (Nature Valley)

The sun sets on Clachan Sands where the boys are camping.

Day 5- The final begins…

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 Today marked the beginning of an unforgettable adventure as our Duke of Edinburgh Gold students set out on the first day of their final expedition. Departing from their campsite in the early morning, the groups were divided by location.

Two teams left Moorcroft canpsite this morning and went to Loch Euphort to climb Eaval, a 357m hill on the east side of North Uist. From this high point you get excellent views across North Uist and to Skye, Harris and South Uist.

Location 1- Eaval towers above the golden beaches

Location 2 – The Udal Peninsula

The girls group left Balranald this morning and went to the Udal peninsula. A low lying stretch of land extending into the Atlantic with huge beaches, sand dunes and extensive areas of machir.

Eaval groups

At the heart of  this groups  accomplishments was Eaval, the highest hill on North Uist. This majestic peak’s steep cone casts its commanding presence over the island’s low-lying landscape. Scaling its slopes, our students submitted to the thrill of conquering this natural wonder. From the summit, they were rewarded with breathtaking, unparalleled views of the land-and-waterscape that surrounded them, a sight to behold.

Summiting Eaval- Group 1

by Gabriel

On the Tuesday we got up around 8, had breakfast and packed our bags for the day ahead. We got on the minibus for a short trip to Drim Sidnish, just beside Loch Euphort, however before arriving we made a quick stop a few minutes from the start of the path for the day. We stopped at the ruins of a blackhouse. The roof was gone, but the chimneys and walls were still mostly intact.

After getting to the start of the route we saw our destination off in the distance: the summit of Eaval. We walked for around an hour before getting to the foot of the mountain. We were tired, but there was much more walking (bordering on climbing) to be done. The ‘walk’ up the summit was strenuous to say the least, but the views from even halfway up the hills were beautiful. Eventually we managed to get to the top, where the view was at its best. You could even see what my group believed was the Isle of Skye, where we had travelled from a few days ago.

“These views really are summit ”

” I can see Skye from here… that big blue thing?”

The journey back down the hill was tough, but we took a break at a small beach near the foot of the mountain, where we enjoyed the sun. We then walked back to the bus, where everyone was exhausted from the journey.

All in all, it took about 6 hours, and was well worth doing.

The Udal Peninsula – Group 2

By Muntaha

Our day started at 8 o’clock, we had breakfast then packed our day bag and got picked up by Willy who then drove us to our starting destination which was Udal peninsula. We then walked along the beach of Traigh Ear where we saw tourists from Switzerland who were flying their planes. We learned that the beach is one of the only beaches in Scotland where planes can land despite the fact that it isn’t an airport.

” Can’t park that there mate….”  – ” Actually, I can”.

We kept walking along the beach where then we had lunch beside the cemetery with a beautiful view of the sea.

We followed a path which led to the dunes then the Neolithic medieval settlement pile of stones. We followed another path and ended up at our Traigh Ear where we recreated our map for the day using sand,seaweed,shells and rocks.

Recreating the map using natural objects.

We were picked up by Willy again who then drove us to our campsite,then we had delicious pasta together as a group. After dinner we had to say our goodbyes to Sharon, who works at the campsite. We will miss her!  Nature Valley-Muntaha,Nyot,Alice,Kaela,Rohey,Iliana

Girls meet Sharon. They mean business…

Night falls 

 

As the day drew to a close, our adventurous students settled into their nighttime routine, finding solace in the familiar rhythm of setting up their tents. Amidst the tranquility of their surroundings, they embraced a well-deserved rest, recharging their energies for the challenges that lie ahead. Tomorrow, they will reach the halfway point of their final expedition, poised to surpass their own expectations.

Join us, as we witness the Duke of Edinburgh Gold students adventure unfold. Stay tuned to follow their extraordinary journey, where every step brings them closer to triumph, self-discovery, and the unforgettable memories that await them.

 

 

 

Day 4 Rest and Replenishment

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Thrilling Preparations Unfold for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Students at Balranald Campsite

 

Today was a day of rejuvenation and strategic planning for our Duke of Edinburgh Gold students as they geared up for their highly anticipated final 4-day expedition, set to commence tomorrow. Amidst the breathtaking surroundings of Balranald campsite on North Uist, our adventurous students basked in a well-deserved break, taking full advantage of the golden sand beaches and engaging in exhilarating activities that left their spirits soaring.

Balranald is located on the West Coast of North Uist.

Immersed in the allure of North Uist’s picturesque coast, our students reveled in the golden sand beaches that stretched as far as the eye could see. Energised by the sun’s warm glow they seized the opportunity to indulge in some friendly competition, playing a thrilling football match . And what better way to beat the summer heat than to plunge into the inviting waters of the sea, creating lasting memories of swimming escapades. Mrs Currie- Moodie was the ring leader, encouraging students to cast their fears aside and immerse themselves in the lovely warm sea.

” After a long day of travelling, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as finally being able to rest. The fatigue from navigating unfamiliar places, being in cramped transportation and carrying heavy rucksacks begins to sap away your energy. On this rest day we embraced the simplicity of doing nothing and enjoying company with our friends. We started off by playing many card games for example black jack, trumps and uno. Then we had a relaxing lie down beneath the sun before playing football on the beach for a while. We then had a swim before going back to our campsite and planning for our qualifying Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.” – Joe S6

Beautiful Golden Sands and Warm Waters

A nice chance for a dip in the waters of Balranald Campsite.

A football match on the sand.

Replenishing and Fine-Tuning: Ever the resourceful adventurers, our Duke of Edinburgh Gold students embarked on a mission to replenish their essential supplies and gather the necessary resources for their upcoming expedition. Amidst the beauty of Balranald, they inspected their route, ensuring they would navigate the upcoming terrain with precision. With every detail carefully considered, they left no stone unturned, priming themselves for the ultimate adventure that awaited them… while reducing the likelihood of getting lost!

Dylan calculates the distance to the next water source.

Arian feeling the lesser spotted midges

Smiles all round as the pupils prepare a breakfast.

Food planning ” here mate want an all day breakfast for your meatball and pasta?”

Blog readers of Glasgow get ready to be captivated as our daring students embark on their thrilling final expedition, brimming with excitement and anticipation. Stay tuned to witness their indomitable spirit, unwavering determination, and unbreakable bonds as they conquer new frontiers and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Don’t panic- it is rest day provision purchases for the next four days. Not an ice cream stop- promise!

 

A lovely haze over the Golden Sands. Difficult to separate the sand from the haze.

 

Day 3- Practice completion

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Rest and Recovery

 

Today marks a significant milestone as the students triumphantly concluded their practice expedition for the esteemed Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Currently situated in Spean Bridge, they are relishing the pleasant surroundings of the local park while indulging in the offerings of a charming nearby café.

With anticipation in the air, they eagerly await the arrival of their trusted 1408 Scottish City Link bus service, which will transport them to their next destination, Uig.

Ensuring a seamless journey, the students have allowed ample time for their anticipated arrival, aligning perfectly with the scheduled ferry departure time. Although there is a minor 15-minute delay, the ferry is now set to embark at 1845. For any updates or further details regarding the ferry’s status, please refer to this link: Caledonian MacBrayne Service Status.

Nyot and Iliana enjoying lunch on the road in Balmacara.

Students Jacob and Arian on the road  with Skye in the background.

Today serves as a well-deserved break and travel day for the students, allowing them to recharge their spirits and prepare for the forthcoming final expedition on the captivating Outer Hebrides. As they bask in the tranquility of Spean Bridge, their excitement and determination continue to build. Stay tuned as we accompany these resilient individuals on their remarkable journey, unveiling the wonders that await them in the breathtaking landscapes of the Outer Hebrides.

“We started our day by waking up around 7 in our tents, we then proceeded to wash ourselves at the river located right next to our campsite. We started to feel a bit peckish so we decided to have a nice wee breakfast. After this we then had a peaceful relaxing walk to Spean Bridge without our big heavy bags as they were placed in the minibus. when we arrived at Spean Bridge we found a nice park and decided to have an enjoyable kickabout. after our kickabout we got a bit hungry so we decided to get a chippy. after this we caught a 4 hour bus to get to the harbour in Uig to get a ferry to the Hebrides. The journey on the ferry was smooth and we even saw some dolphins. after we docked we got a bus to our campsite where we set up our tents and had a shower and a bite to eat. ” – Aedan

Update

The groups got the ferry and have moved to Balranald campsite where they will spend the next two nights. Tomorrow the group will enjoy a full rest day after working hard and having a long day of travelling today.

Some nice views from the campsite.

 

 

Day 2- Meanach Bothy to Inch Campsite

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Today, the students embarked on a refreshing walk from Meanach Bothy to Inch Scout Camp, setting off after enjoying a satisfying early breakfast.
The long walk to Inch campsite
This strategic move allowed the teams to outsmart the scorching afternoon heat. Arriving at the campsite with plenty of daylight to spare, the students swiftly pitched their tents, granting them extra leisure time to prepare a delightful dinner and engage in some captivating evening activities.

Amongst the lively scene, a group of boys skillfully whittled sticks, their eyes occasionally glancing up to catch glimpses of the exhilarating Champions League final.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Currie-Moodie, Hillhead’s dedicated teacher, found herself engrossed in a card game alongside Aspen instructor Ian, Kaela, and Nyot.

“We started the 2nd day of the expedition at the river where we were able to get fresh water to drink and dip in. From there we walked up the hill where we had to take plenty of breaks as it was very steep. After overcoming the steep mountain we were able to have a cooked lunch break by the bothy. After lunch we walked through the valley which was less steep, so easier to walk for longer. After the valley it was woods which was mostly down hill. The wind was lovely as it was very hot so it cooled us down. When we made it to the camp site some people went for a swim in the river other went exploring through the river along the trees. Here we had access to toilets and taps which help while cooking. After dinner a camp fire was started where we played cards,Alastair won the first game against the students however student won the second game making the instructors admit defeat.After that it was getting ready for bed with a bed time of 11pm. “- Muntaha/Kaela

Inch Scout Campsite, nestled just outside the charming Spean Bridge, serves as a temporary haven for the students. Tomorrow, they will venture to Spean Bridge, where they will board a bus bound for Uig, initiating their voyage to the mesmerising Outer Hebrides. This thrilling journey promises breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned as we accompany these intrepid explorers on their captivating expedition.

 

 

 

 

Day 1- Travel Day and Walk

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We set off from Buchanan Bus Station at 6:40 am, with the minibus trailing closely behind on the same route. The pupils disembarked from the coach in Ballachulish, and the minibus then shuttled them to Kinlochleven, which was their starting point. From there, they walked to Meanach Bothy, where they spent the first night camping and prepared their inaugural meal.

“On day one we got given the maps for our practice expedition and walked 13km. We started in Kinlochleven then followed the West Highland Way up a steep hill. We travelled about 2km on the West Highland Way and took a lunch break where we cooked soup and made wraps. After walking another 6km with a few water breaks inbetween we found a clean, fast flowing stream where we re-filled our water bottles. We then walked the final stretch to the campsite along mostly level ground, set up our tents next to a river, made noodles and pastas for dinner then fell asleep around 10pm” – Stan Small.

The instructors have been genuinely impressed with the students’ organisational and teamwork skills thus far. They have demonstrated their ability to support one another and effectively communicate, ensuring that everyone arrived at the start line with the correct gear at the right time. Stay tuned as we delve into the nine-day Expedition. This is a departure from the norm for a Gold Duke of Edinburgh outing, which typically consists of a practice and a final expedition with some downtime in between ( can sometimes be months apart).

The 2 day route in full from Kinlochleven to Spean Bridge.

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