From 24th-30th May 2025, Pocklington Detachment, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, embarked on a 7-day expedition to Northumbria. With 10 cadets and 5 adult volunteers, the expedition aimed to test and enhance key navigation and expedition competencies at 1-, 2-, and 3-star levels, as well as to complete the expedition section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
This expedition also focused on developing resilience, independence, and teamwork, while allowing cadets to experience unfamiliar terrain, manage their own expedition planning, and navigate real-world challenges such as poor weather, route diversions and closures, and group fatigue.
With the generous support of The Ulysses Trust and Pocklington Town Council, this trip enabled cadets to gain invaluable outdoor and life experience, much of which they’ll carry with them well beyond cadets.
Day 1 – Leg Stretch and Navigation Check: After arriving in Northumbria, we started off with a short walk along Hadrian’s Wall Path to stretch our legs and ease into mapwork. It was a great opportunity to revise navigation skills and prepare for the more advanced tests to come.
With plenty of energy and excitement, the cadets navigated their first route into Ratlingate Campsite, our base for the next two nights. Tents were pitched, stoves were lit, and spirits were high as the expedition was well and truly underway.
Day 2 – Forests, Showers & Smiles: Our route today took us through the stunning but challenging landscape of Kielder National Forest. A mixture of woodland, rivers, farmland and lakes gave plenty of navigation practice, made more difficult by multiple path closures.
Weather-wise, there were classic expedition conditions: sunshine one-minute, heavy rain the next. Still, the cadets handled it with great humour.
Despite the challenges, they kept each other going and tackled the route impressively. Shelter at camp that evening was very welcome as we dried off and got cooking.
Day 3 – Expedition Phase Begins: Leaving Ratlingate behind, we headed east to Wark to begin the official expedition testing phase. This day was a real test: cadets were now carrying full expedition packs and expected to take more control over their route and timings.
The route included steep ascents, rivers, more farmland, and of course, more path closures. But with route adjustments and teamwork, the cadets kept going.
Fatigue began to show, with a few sore feet and heavy legs creeping in, but no one gave up. Our next campsite at Boe Rigg was a welcome site, especially when they discovered we booked a table at the onsite restaurant. They were all extremely happy not to be cooking that evening, and it was certainly a well-deserved treat after a long day.
Day 4 – The Final Push & Night Nav: Today marked the final day of the expedition test. Cadets were now self-managing their morning routines. They had been challenged to be ready for departure 15 minutes earlier each day. Today, being the final day, was the earliest they had to be ready and impressively, they smashed it, with no adult prompting needed.
Departing from Fenwick, they were rewarded with coastal views of Lindisfarne, and at last, a dry day! With blisters, sore feet and four days of walking behind them, the cadets pushed through the final route with renewed energy, knowing this was the last big leg.
At Ford Bridge Campsite, we were rewarded with some beautiful views and a stunning sunset. The dry evening also meant we could complete night navigation testing. Cadets used compass bearings and pacing, adapting their methods in low visibility conditions, showing how much they had learned through the week.
Day 5 – Beaches & Castles: With the expedition phase complete, it was time for some fun. We headed to Bamburgh Beach for a relaxing morning in the sun (a welcome change!). Cadets and adults played games, explored the dunes, and enjoyed some free time with the castle in the background. In the afternoon, we visited Alnwick Castle, where we enjoyed the “On Location” tour, highlighting famous film and TV spots. Dinner was fish and chips in Hexham, before moving to our final site, Dilston Campsite, where we closed the day with a campfire and a round of s’mores.
Day 6 – Segways, Clay Shooting & Presentations: Adventure training day! We started with a visit to All Out Adventures for Segway safari and Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting. Cadets enjoyed the friendly competition, choosing their favourite activity was unanimous with Segway Safari. In the afternoon, cadets had time to rest and explore the nearby woodland and river back at the campsite, followed by presentations on their expedition aims, the final requirement for their Bronze DofE. We wrapped up the day with a BBQ and another relaxed evening around the fire, marshmallows toasted, stories shared and smiles all around.
Day 7 – Departing Northumbria: On our final morning, cadets were up early, packed, and ready to go after a cooked breakfast. When asked what they’d learned, one replied: “Always check the contour lines before choosing the route!” Others mentioned navigation, resilience, leadership, and independence. It was clear the experience had left a real impact, one said:
“It was challenging and definitely tested our resilience, but if given the opportunity again, I’d pick to do it every time”.
Reflections: This week wasn’t just about map skills, it was about growth. Cadets overcame physical and emotional challenges. They worked as a team, looked after each other, and proved they could handle responsibility, even in tough conditions.
From managing their own kit to adjusting routes and cooking in the rain, each cadet walked away with a new level of self-belief. They handled blisters, homesickness, and heavy rain with humour and determination. In the evenings, they organised games, supported each other, and showed genuine leadership.
The adult volunteers were impressed and proud throughout. The cadets made our job easy by being prepared, focused, and respectful, not to mention funny.
A huge thank you to The Ulysses Trust and Pocklington Town Council for helping make this expedition possible. This experience has left every cadet with new skills, stronger friendships, and stories they’ll tell for years to come.
