Eltham Hill School 2026

Ula, Jessica, Oscar (Chestnut Grove Academy), Elijah (Chestnut Grove Academy) & Mylo (Elmgreen School)

Dartmoor Hike

Their story, in their words…

Our team of five recently completed an unforgettable five-day hike in Dartmoor national park, from the 29th of July to the 2nd of August. The experience challenged us both physically and mentally while also giving us opportunities to develop teamwork and resilience in one of England’s most iconic landscapes.

Throughout the expedition, we tackled miles of rough terrain and weather which was warmer than expected, while carrying bags that weighed over 15kg! Everyday brought new challenges, from navigating rough moorland to managing all our equipment. On the second day we unexpectedly ran out of gas, forcing us to adapt our plans and carefully balance our priorities while continuing to enjoy the experience. We had to lengthen one of our hikes to get more gas for our upcoming dinner plans.

One of the highlights was visiting Castle Drogo, the last castle ever built in England in the 1930s. Hidden in the valleys of the castle was ‘Fingle Bridge’ a famous swimming spot and pub where we enjoyed lunch and the company of a very social dog called ‘Pounder’ we miss you!! We also reached the highest parts of Dartmoor, where we wild camped for two nights surrounded by stunning views and unforgettable scenery. Spending our nights in the open moor made the adventure even more rewarding and gave us real appreciation for the beauty and remoteness of the national park.

The trip was an incredible opportunity that pushed us beyond our comfort zones and strengthened our teamwork, as well as create memories that will stay with us for years to come. We are proud of what we have achieved together and our amazing 60km hike!!