Duke of Edinburgh Open Silver Walking Expeditions

Brilliant training and assessed expeditions to meet the Duke of Edinbugh Silver Expedition Requirements(Open DofE) for walking around Bedfordshire's stunning rural countryside and farmland, less than…

Level: Rural countryside around Bedfordshire using our woodland and farm campsites

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 £349 or £199 if booking one of them

2026 - 7th to 9th April 2026 - Silver Practice Exped (Walking) 22nd to 24th July 2026 - Silver Qualifying Exped (Walking)
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights + 3 days and 2 nights

Sign Up for our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Open Walking 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 for walking expediti0ons

What's Included

Professional Coaches
Your Campsite
Camping
Guiding

What else we can provide on request

Waterproofs
Water
Cooking Kit

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.

2026 Canoeing and Walking Expedition

7th to 9th April 2026 - Silver Practice Exped (Walking)

22nd to 24th July 2026 - Silver Qualifying Exped (Walking)

Walking Format and Options

Practice Walking Expedition For Duke of Edinburgh Bedfordshire

The Silver practice and qualifying expeditions are typically located in the rural rolling countryside of Bedfordshire using our farm site or woodland campsite with beautiful countryside, plenty of wildlife and history and great facilities to make the training an enoyable experience.

Day 1 Meet at Kempston Outdoor Centre or Matchstick wood, near Bedford full day of training with campcraft, first aid and navigation - Camp at centre or woods

Day 2 After the training day then start to practice the skills around the local footpaths exploring the Great Ouse River Valley with a second night camping

Day 3 Explore further afield locking in navigation, campcraft and route pacing to hone skills for the qualifying D of E.

Qualifying Walking Expedition For Duke of Edinburgh Bedfordshire and Surrounding Areas

Often we move location to a new area for the Qualifying part of the D of E Silver which remains under the supervision of our experienced supervisors and assessors. Areas we often use include Northampton around the River Nene, the Greensands Ridge and the Chilterns and Ridgeway.

Day 1 Meet at start location for final kit and equipment check before setting off, camp at agreed location on the DofE route card

Day 2 After a camp fire breakfast head off on the trail to journey to campsite 2 and the second night

Day 3 Continue your walking journey taking in wildlife and scenery along the route

Pricing

Book either the training block or the qualifying (assessment) block for £199 or book both for £349

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 Walking Expeditions

Our walking Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in Bedfordshire, less than an hour from London, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Cambridge are well situated to get into rural countryside locations using our farm campsite in North Bedfordshire and woodland campsite on the river in Central Bedfordshire.