From 2–6 April 2026, 24 RAF Air Cadets from Middlesex Wing and Hertfordshire Wing completed a Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition on Dartmoor. The cadets and staff participants undertook a four-day, three-night, self-sufficient journey that demanded advanced navigation, sound risk management, and sustained teamwork.
The expedition providing some challenges over the four days including some very challenging weather over open moor, bogs and tors. The cadets and staff participants navigated confidently in poor visibility using bearings, pacing, and contour interpretation, executed safe river-crossing decisions, and maintained steady progress through energy management and timing discipline.
Cadet achievements were clear and measurable against DofE outcomes. All teams completed the full route self-sufficiently; everyone demonstrated competence in navigation, campcraft, and safety. Rotating leadership saw participants plan legs, brief hazards, and adapt routes around saturated peat and seasonal restrictions, improving average leg timings by Day 3. During the expedition, everyone either achieved their Bronze or Silver National Navigation Award Scheme Certificates over the duration of the expedition.
It was great to see participants from a diverse background and for some, this was their first visit to Dartmoor National Park and all participants showed great resilience under changing conditions, demonstrating effective decision making and working collaboratively as a team to complete the expedition.
One participant said,
“This has been a truly memorable experience, and I can’t wait to complete my Gold Award and inspire other cadets to do the same”.
Without the support of the RAF Charitable Trust and Ulyssess Trust, the expedition would not have been possible, and we are extremely grateful for the support.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust for supporting this expedition. www.rafct.com
