Duke of Edinburgh Open Gold Canoeing Expeditions
Join our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Open Canoe Gold Expedition. Canoe Trail is an experienced AAP (Approved Activity Provider) who have supported thousands of young people on their DofE expeditio…
Level: Grade 0 - This means it is a flat paddle and should be within most people’s abilities.
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Book for the next available dates or contact us for your school or group
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Groups of 6-8
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Save £££'s and book the bundle deal of Gold Practice and Qualifying Expeditions at £550
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7th to 9th April Gold Practice Exped 27th to 30th May Gold Qualifying Exped, 24th to 27th July Gold Practice, 26th to 29th Aug Gold Qualifying Exped
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Duration: 7 days
Sign Up for our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Open Canoe Expeditions for Gold. Canoe Trail is an experienced AAP (Approved Activity Provider) who have supported thousands of young people on their D of E expedition journey. We have an expert team of highly qualified coaches who are lead by our management team who are professional adventurers.
Options: D of E traditional with a modern approach
What's Included
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Craft
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Buoyancy Aid
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Bank Based Briefing
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Dry Bag
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Paddles
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Helmet
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Professional Coaches
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Water
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Your Campsite
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Activity Equipment
We also have some back support for those with back problems
What else we can provide on request
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Trolley by arrangement
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Waterproofs
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Hire of Wetsuits
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Campfire Grill
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Tipi Tent
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Dutch Oven/Cookware
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Cooking Kit
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Hire of Drysuits
We have an expert team of highly qualified coaches who are lead by our management team who are professional adventurers.
Save £££'s and book the bundle deal of Gold Practice and Qualifying Expeditions at £550 for both
If you are not able to book on then it may be at full capacity. Please do contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list or have group of school friends, or colleagues that you wish to book on and we can look at booking a bespoke trip for your group.
Brilliant training and assessed expeditions to meet the Duke of Edinbugh Gold Expedition Requirements(Open DofE)
We welcome all abilities, and you don't need to have canoed before as this is all part of the comprehensive training programme. Feel free to contact us to discuss further as we can help bring your skills up to speed.
| 2025 | |
| 7th to 10th April Gold Practice Exped | |
| 27th to 30th May Gold Qualifying Exped | |
| 24th to 27th July Gold Practice Exped | |
| 26th to 29th Aug Gold Qualifying Exped |
Practice Expedition (training and practice Exped) (£299) - Book Now Button - Then select the date in the pop up on the calendar for practice exped
Day 1 Meet at Kempston Outdoor Centre, near Bedford full day of training with campcraft, first aid and paddling skills with rescue skills and drills - Camp at centre
Day 2 After a night under canvas lock in your canoeing skills paddling through Bedford's iconic river Embankment to Matchstick Wood, our private riverside campsite
Day 3 Paddle further down the Great Ouse to the beautiful market town of St Neots to camp
Day 4 Paddle on downstream and enjoying rural countryside to the end destination.
Qualifying Expedition River Nene (Assessed) (£315) - Book Now Button - Then select the date in the pop up on the calendar for the assessed exped.
Day 1 Meet on the banks of the River Nene to start your assessed silver canoe expedition
Days 2 - 4 Paddle and camp along the stunning River Nene camping at different locations including a castle and island campsite
finish near Peterborough for pick up
Bundle deal for Practice and Qualifying (Assessed Expedition) £550
Trip Description
Complete your Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, the No.1 rated life skill of the top 100 employers in the UK.
Learn practical life skills, expedition routine and wider D of E with our professional instructors and adventurers
Spend your nights at our riverside campsites developing important life skills , resilience and outdoor activities
Our qualified and experienced coaches will provide plenty of tips to improve your paddling skills and aim to ensure you share their love of all things outdoors.
We also run trips and expeditions to Canada, Wales and Scotland, if you have a group ready then why not talk to us about expeditions further afield.
Included
- Expert tuition from professional experienced guides
- Canoes
- Paddling Kit including BA’s, Cags, Trousers, Drybags, Paddles
- Tents, sleeping bags, stoves are available to hire
- Campsites and fees
What you will need to bring
- Sleeping Bag & Roll Mat
- Cutlery, Cup, Bowl, Knife & Fork
- Food for expeditions
- Waterproofs
- Hats and gloves (dress for the weather)
- Personal Kit
- A Sense of Humour!
Hire FAQ's
What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?
If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.
Are the trips guided?
There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.
What if it rains?
Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.
How does the booking process work?
We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.
Location
Kempston Outdoor Centre, park at the Mill Car Park and on the River Nene
Sophie (Fun 4 Young People)
Michael (Goldington Academy)
Gemma
Matthew
