It was a brilliant (and exhausting!) three days of walking and two nights of camping that pushed our students to put their training into action.

The adventure started at Ivybridge Tennis Club, where the teams arrived bright and early. After a thorough kit check to ensure everyone had their waterproofs, maps, and emergency rations, phones were sealed away for safety, and the groups set off.

The route was no walk in the park! The students navigated a challenging path through the moorlands:

• Day 1: Ivybridge to the Scout Field in South Brent.

• Day 2: South Brent across to West Stoke Farm.

• Day 3: A final push from Holne to the finish line at Dartmeet Bridge.

This expedition was all about "learning by doing." Carrying all their own gear, the students had to manage their own campsites and cook hot, high-energy meals as a team. We saw some great teamwork around the Trangia stoves - and thankfully, very few Pot Noodles in sight!

Whether it was helping a teammate adjust their pack or cheering each other through the final few miles, the students showed exactly the kind of character we love to see.

Beyond the map-reading and the miles covered, what really stood out was the grit and team spirit. Peter summed up the experience perfectly:

"The first day was definitely a shock to the system with the heavy bags, but once we got to the campsite and started cooking together, the atmosphere was amazing. Navigating across the moor using just a map was much harder than it looks on paper, but we did it!"

The groups have now returned (hopefully with clean, dry tents!) and are feeling much more confident about their skills. This practice has given them the perfect foundation for their final Assessment Expedition coming up soon.

A huge well done to all the participants for their resilience and for representing the school so well out on the moors. They certainly earned a good night's sleep after that!