Last weekend, the Derbyshire Peak District saw two groups of Air Cadets from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, Air Training Corps, determined to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.
One of the groups were completing a practice whilst the other their final expedition.
Saturday morning, early start. Cadets began at 8:30 in the morning, starting their first 18 km leg taking them up picturesque views and valleys. Cadets then set up for the first night in stormy conditions, making it entertaining for them to erect their tents without them being blown away. First night done, two to go.
Sunday morning saw a gloomy start with another 18 km to walk for both groups. The second leg was a more mountainous landscape. At the end of this leg, the cadets were walking with little energy left but feeling proud to have achieved the distance. Two days done, one to go.
Monday and the final push, the weather was slightly better and even quite warm when they were out of the wind. They walked 19.5 km but were very happy when they saw the final checkpoint and the sight of the supporting staff.
Cadet Corporal Ephraim said “The expedition was quite a challenge, but we had a lot of laughs and a lot of fun, I now look forward to the final expedition later in the year.”
Written by Cadet Corporal J Bland
2195 Media Team