Duke of Edinburgh Open Silver Canoeing Expeditions

Brilliant training and assessed expeditions to meet the Duke of Edinbugh Silver Expedition Requirements(Open DofE)

Level: Grade 0 - This means it is a flat paddle and should be within most people’s abilities.

Book for the next available dates or contact us for a private group booking
Groups of 6-8
Save £££'s and book the bundle deal of Silver Practice and Qualifying Expeditions at £399

2025 - 7th to 9th April Silver Practice Exped, 27th to 29th May Silver Qualifying Exped, 24th to 26th July Silver Practice Exped, 26th to 28th Aug Silver Qualifying Exped
Duration: 7 days

Sign Up for our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Open Canoe Expeditions. 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

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Bank Based Briefing
Dry Bag
Paddles
Helmet
Professional Coaches
Water
Your Campsite

We also have some back support for those with back problems

What else we can provide on request

Trolley by arrangement
Waterproofs
Hire of Wetsuits
Campfire Grill
Tipi Tent
Dutch Oven/Cookware
Cooking Kit
Hire of Drysuits

If you are not able to book this trip then it is at full capacity. Please do contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list or have group of friends, family or workmates that you wish to book on and we can look at booking a bespoke trip for your group.

2025

7th to 9th April Silver Practice Exped

27th to 29th May Silver Qualifying Exped

24th to 26th July Silver Practice Exped

26th to 28th Aug Silver Qualifying Exped

Practice Expedition (training and practice Exped) (£220) - 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

Qualifying Expedition River Nene (Assessed) (£220) - 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

Day 2 Camp on the river bank at local campsite

Day 3 Wild camp on an island, finish near Peterborough

Bundle deal for Practice and Qualifying (Assessed Expedition) £399

Our Location:

We have the perfect river location on the River Great Ouse, at Kempston Outdoor Centre near Bedford. It is well situated just 30 minutes from Milton Keynes, an hour North of London and half way between Cambridge and Oxford.

Trip Description

Escape the fast lane and complete your 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.

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

Duke of Edinburgh D of E Open Silver Expeditions

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