The Silver Award: 2025/26

The Silver Award requires a greater level of independence, improved navigation skills, and a higher physical commitment. Students move from the managed trails of the White Peak into more rugged, remote environments, requiring them to work closely as a team to succeed.

Silver Section Requirements

• Volunteering: 6 months.

• Physical & Skills: One for 6 months and the other for 3 months.

• Expedition: 3 days and 2 nights in 'Wild Country' (e.g., The Dark Peak or Yorkshire Dales).

Note for Direct Entrants: If you have not completed your Bronze Award, you must do a further 6 months in either the Volunteering or the longer of the Physical/Skills sections.

2025/26 Expedition Schedule

The Silver expedition is a significant step up from Bronze. It involves three days of journeying and two nights of camping, with at least seven hours of planned activity each day.

Phase	Provisional Dates	Location
Training & Route Planning	Jan – Feb 2026	In-School Sessions
Practice Expedition	April / May 2026	The Dark Peak (Edale/Hope Valley)
Qualifying Expedition	June / July 2026	Yorkshire Dales (Malham/Settle)

What makes Silver different?

• Navigation: You will move away from clear footpaths and learn to navigate across open moorland using compass bearings.

• Self-Sufficiency: You must carry all your equipment, food, and water for three days.

• Environment: The 'Dark Peak' offers more challenging weather and steeper terrain than the Bronze routes.

Funding & Costs

• Total Cost: £250.00

• Deposit: A £70.00 non-refundable deposit is required by 1st September 2025.

• Balance: The remaining balance is payable in instalments throughout the Spring term.

As with all our levels, Pupil Premium support and Access Without Limits funding are available. Please contact your school's DofE coordinator for a confidential discussion.

Resources & Kit

The Trust provides all group kit (tents, stoves, maps, and trackers). Silver students are encouraged to refine their personal kit, focusing on lightweight layers and high-quality waterproofs. A full kit list can be found at the bottom of this web page.

Presentation & Resources

For a full breakdown of the Silver Award requirements, including tips for choosing your sections and preparing for the expeditions, please download our official presentation: 

PowerPoint Presentation