Looking for a Gold DofE expedition because your school's dates don't work?
If you're based in London, you don't have to limit yourself to expeditions organised by your school.
TrekCo runs open Gold DofE expeditions in locations across southern and central England, as well as the Peak District and Lake District.
That means you can choose an expedition that fits around school, exams, holidays and other commitments.
Which TrekCo expeditions are suitable for London participants?
Our current programme includes:
The Chilterns
Our three-day Gold practice expedition in the Chilterns is particularly useful for participants looking for a practice expedition within relatively easy reach of London.
Gold Practice only — 3 days
Sussex
Our Sussex Gold practice expedition takes place during the May half-term holiday, and is located in East Grinstead, not far from Gatwick - accessible from the M23.
This can be a convenient option for participants living in London and the South East.
Gold Practice — 5 days
Peak District
We run a number of Gold practice or qualifying expeditions in the Peak District throughout the year, including Easter, summer and October half-term dates. The Peak District is closer than you think - for example leaving from Barnet, the Hope Valley is just 2 hours 45 minutes away.
Gold Practice or Qualifying — 5 days
Lake District
Our Lake District expeditions provide Gold participants with the opportunity to complete their practice or qualifying expedition in some of the UK's classic mountain country. A bit further, but the scenery is spectacular! Leaving from randomly-chosen Wembley for example, it’s 5 hours to Ambleside - and much of that is getting out of London!
Gold Practice or Qualifying — 5 days
What if I don't have a group?
You don't need one.
TrekCo's open expeditions are available to individuals as well as small groups.
If your son or daughter is the only person from their school who needs an alternative expedition, they can book individually and join the other participants attending that expedition.
Can my child travel independently?
This depends on the individual expedition and your family's arrangements.
Before booking, check the meeting point and travel arrangements for the particular date you are considering.
If you're unsure how your child can get to the expedition, contact us and we'll help you understand the options.
What happens when we arrive?
There is a full preparation day before the expedition itself.
Your teenager will meet the other participants, check their equipment, practise navigation and work with their group to plan the expedition.
This is particularly useful for young people who are joining an open expedition and don't already know the other members of their team.
What is included?
TrekCo's Gold expedition programme includes:
pre-expedition information and kit guidance
preparation prior to the expedition
route-planning support
instructor supervision
DofE assessment for qualifying expeditions
group expedition equipment
rucksack loan and sleeping-bag loan, if you let us know in advance
Why do London families use open expeditions?
The most common reason is simple:
The school expedition dates don't work.
It might be an exam clash, a family holiday, illness, a school timetable problem or a participant who has simply can’t go with their original group.
An open expedition gives them another option.
Current Gold dates
TrekCo's Gold Open expedition programme currently includes Gold opportunities during the Easter, May half-term, summer and October half-term periods.
Locations include the Chilterns, Sussex, Peak District and Lake District.
[See all 2027 Gold dates and prices]
Not sure which expedition is right?
If you live in London and aren't sure which location or date makes most sense, contact us.
Tell us:
whether you need practice or qualifying
where you're travelling from
which dates you could manage
and we'll help you identify the appropriate TrekCo expedition.
