St Illtyd’s students pursue Duke of Edinburgh Award

During the first weekend of October 2022, a group of thirteen Year 11 learners from St Illtyd’s Catholic High School in Cardiff undertook a challenging Duke of Edinburgh silver award training weekend in Snowdonia (Eryri) national park.

The group had already completed their bronze award and now working towards their silver needed to gain some experience working as small groups in more challenging mountainous terrain.

Over the weekend the group had to overcome and deal with the best of Welsh weather that rolled off the mountains and into our camp at the rather exposed Llyn Gwynant Campsite. The group had to set up camp, cook and look after themselves for the whole weekend as well as taking part in a couple of challenging days out walking and navigating in the mountains.

Day one included a walk in the Ogwen Valley where the group enjoyed the epic scenery that Cwm Idwal presented. Cwm Idwal has been attracting climbers, hikers, geologists, biologists, and botanists alike for many years. The most notable of Cwm Idwal’s visitors is Charles Darwin, who conducted much of his scientific work in the area. The group thoroughly enjoyed the short scrambling tasks set for them on the many small crags and boulders nestled in the glacial cwm. This all proved excellent preparation for the following day.

On day two we attempted to summit Snowdon via the Pyg Track. A large landslip on the main road between the campsite we were staying at and the Pen Y Pass carpark stopped us from accessing the main carpark for Yr Wydffa (Snowdon) meaning we had to walk significantly further to even start our day out on the mountain.

For any aspiring hill walker, Yr Wydffa poses one of the best mountain challenges our country has to offer. Standing over 3000ft tall at 1085 metres and with its summit protected by rocky, exposed and steep ground to all sides, the group had a huge undertaking ahead of them. After a long and challenging climb all members of the group made it to the summit of Yr Wydffa.

“I found the climb up Snowdon horrible and my legs and feet have never felt the same again. However, the views and the feeling of accomplishment outweighed all of the pain” said Sofia Bahrami (Year 11 and member of the group).

We then descended back to camp to cook dinner and enjoy a well-earned hot chocolate and evening spent by the campfire. On day three we got up early, packed up camp and set off back down south before the forecasted rain set in. The group showed amazing resilience and teamwork in what was a challenging but amazing few days spent in the mountains.

Thank you to the staff that gave up their own time to make this expedition happen and a massive well done to the group on all that they have achieved this year in working towards both their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh awards.

HENRY TAY, TEACHER OF MUSIC AND DUKE OF EDINBURGH CENTRE MANAGER