DofE EXPEDITIONS FOR SURREY SCHOOLS
DofE Expeditions in Surrey
Surrey is one of the best-connected areas of southern England for school DofE expeditions.
The Surrey Hills stretch across the North Downs from around Farnham and Guildford through Dorking and towards Oxted, while the Greensand Hills to the south include areas such as Leith Hill and the Devil’s Punch Bowl. The landscape combines woodland, grassland, heathland, hills, valleys and open countryside.
This variety makes Surrey particularly well suited to Bronze and Silver DofE expeditions.
For schools, there is another important advantage; Surrey is relatively easy to reach from across the county and neighbouring areas, including schools in Guildford, Woking, Surrey Heath, Reigate, Redhill, Epsom, Leatherhead, Dorking, Godalming, Farnham and surrounding areas.
Many Surrey expedition areas can also be reached using public transport, helping schools reduce the logistical challenge and cost of transporting large groups of students.
BRONZE & SILVER DofE EXPEDITIONS IN SURREY
Learn Outdoors delivers Bronze and Silver DofE expeditions for schools across Surrey, with regular expeditions taking place in the Surrey Hills and surrounding countryside. We then deliver Gold expeditions in other, more challenging environments, across England and Wales.
As a DofE Approved Activity Provider (AAP), we have extensive experience delivering DofE expeditions in Surrey.
Whether you are looking for a fully managed DofE expedition programme or simply need additional support with particular elements, Learn Outdoors can tailor our service around your school.
We come to you. Our experienced instructors can deliver DofE expedition training at your school or suitable venue, covering navigation, route planning, equipment, campcraft, cooking and expedition safety.
DofE Training & Expeditions
We can run Bronze and Silver practice and qualifying expeditions locally in Surrey, giving students the opportunity to build their skills and complete their DofE without the added time, cost and logistics of travelling further afield.
Gold DofE is delivered in more challenging and remote environments elsewhere in the UK, providing the progression in terrain and experience expected at Gold level.
FULL DofE EXPEDITION SUPPORT FOR SURREY SCHOOLS
We provide full DofE expedition services for schools in South East England, including:
DofE expedition training and preparation
Route planning and navigation training
Campsite bookings and land access coordination
Practice and qualifying DofE expeditions
Fully qualified DofE instructors and supervisors
Accredited assessment and expedition sign-off
Our South East DofE expeditions are designed to be safe, challenging and rewarding, supporting young people to successfully complete their Award. Discover more about whats included in your DofE expedition.
DofE WITH LEARN OUTDOORS
See DofE expeditions with Learn Outdoors in action.
GOT A QUESTION? LET’S CHAT!
Book a free, one-to-one, 30-minute online DofE Expedition Clinic with us to discuss any DofE expedition questions you have.
“A LOT OF PEOPLE IN MY YEAR I’VE NEVER SPOKEN TO BEFORE MY DofE. SO IV’E GOT TO MEET NEW PEOPLE AND GET TO KNOW THEM”.
— Silver DofE Participant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Yes. We can take responsibility for the complete expedition programme, including planning, training, staffing, supervision, assessment and logistics.
Alternatively, schools can remain more heavily involved and use Learn Outdoors only for the elements where they need additional support.
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Yes. Surrey offers varied countryside and established walking routes. The environment can provide an appropriate level of challenge for Bronze participants while remaining accessible for schools.
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All routes are risk-assessed in advance. Where road crossings are unavoidable, they are:
Minimal
Carefully chosen
Briefed thoroughly with teams
Supervised appropriately where required
We prioritise quieter lanes, bridleways and other rights of way wherever possible.
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The South East generally experiences milder conditions than many other UK regions, but we plan for all weather scenarios.
Our instructors:
Monitor forecasts closely
Adjust routes if necessary
Ensure safe camping locations
Provide clear emergency procedures
Although we prefer blue skies and sunshine, challenging weather can often help build resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills which leads to participants gaining more from the experience.
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Yes. The Surrey Hills in particular can provide increased physical and navigational challenge for Silver groups. Routes can be planned to incorporate longer days, more demanding terrain and greater independence.
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Yes. We can help schools manage the logistics of parent drop-offs for expeditions. Including, best locations, timings and tips for smooth drop offs.