Over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of March, 59 pupils from the 4th, 5th and 6th Form took part in the 2013 
Kelly Expedition.
For many, this was the final opportunity to secure a coveted Ten Tors place.
For others, it was also a chance to complete their Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award practice walks, before heading to Brecon in the summer term for their assessment.
During the walk, pupils’ navigation, commitment and teamwork were ruthlessly tested by severe weather, which proved to be some of the most difficult experienced this year.
Visibility was down to less than 50 metres for the majority of the walk and despite all teams suffering some navigational displacement, everyone made it to Nuns Cross Farm on Saturday night.
Despite the conditions, spirits were high throughout and the Kelly spirit shone through the mist. Mr and Mrs Whitson-Fay were a very welcome sight on Sittaford Tor with their homemade brownies and cakes.
Sunday morning proved to be particularly testing with many walkers waking up to frozen tents and even frozen boots.
A slightly shorter walk on Sunday finished with conditions improving, as teams summited Cox Tor for their final walk down to Kelly. All teams eventually finished the walk to a fantastic reception from parents, who were amazed to hear of the weather and conditions that they had experienced on the moors.
Thanks must go to all the staff and parents who have committed a huge amount of time and effort to make this year’s Kelly Expedition, and all the training that goes into it, such a great success.