Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – Gold Residential Courses
A five-day residential at Derwent Hill Outdoor Education and Training Centre will fulfil all the criteria of the Gold DofE residential section. It is open to individuals aged 16-19 years during which time we hope you’ll develop new friendships and leave feeling inspired, having acquired personal and leadership skills for life, contributing to your CVs, UCAS forms and to talk about in interviews – and, most importantly, to remember for a long time.
Your multi activity week will follow a flexible programme consisting of a range of land and water activities; kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain climbing, ghyll scrambling/gorge decent (canyoning), various high challenges, bushcraft, orienteering, night walks and innovative team projects. There will also be time to relax and enjoy being in this stunning location. All activity equipment is provided and included in the price. The programme content will be guided by what you and your colleagues want to do and also by the weather.
Derwent Hill is a long-established outdoor education centre owned by Sunderland City Council and is renowned for its homely atmosphere. The house is set in a 28-acre site overlooking Derwent Water. The busy town of Keswick is an easy walk away. Accommodation is shared and en-suite. All bedding is provided but towels are not. Downstairs there is recreational space with TV, free wi-fi and efficient drying rooms. All meals are home cooked and served from the buffet.
What a typical week might look like;
Monday
AM Travel to Derwent Hill. Settle in, meet others and explore Derwent Hill
PM A gorge descent. A great way to get to know each other
Evening Low ropes course team challenge
Tuesday
All day Rock climbing and Abseiling at one of the many local crags
Evening Orienteering competition
Wednesday
All day Canoe journey around Derwent Water with a campfire cook out
Evening Team Rocket competition
Thursday
All day Mountain walk or Conservation day
Evening Camp fire and reflection
Friday
Morning High ropes challenges and Big Swing in grounds
Afternoon Course review and travel home
Dates & Prices for 2026
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- Monday 10th – Friday 14th August 2026 & Monday 24th – 28th August 2026
- This includes shared accommodation, all meals, and use of activity equipment and specialist clothing including boots and waterproofs.
- Pick up and drop off at Penrith Train Station is available on request
- Price: £595 per person per week
- A non- refundable deposit of £100 is payable to secure a place
- The balance must be paid 8 weeks prior to the course starting
