Quite simply, people come to Mid Wales because it's good for the soul. A home-from-home with a generous sprinkling of magic, but for the Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition group, 4 days of adrenalin highs will await them around every mountain.

Easter break pulled together and accommodated several cadets from 480 Sqn (Studley), 489 Sqn (Accocks Green & Olton), and 1459 Sqn (Heart of England) to start the 1 st expedition phase of the Gold Award by carrying out the practice walk in preparation for the actual expedition later on this year.

Whilst Cadets set out on foot amid the picturesque back drop of the Cambrian Mountains and Welsh heat, they navigated through the valleys of Élan and climbed along tough tracks and trails crossing peaks such as Banc Ty-coch, following cairns' across the ridges and enjoying the kaleidoscope of sensations in the never-ending landscape of Mid Wales.

Flight Sergeant Chris Courtney, 489 Squadron says ‘It's certainly a challenging environment and the expedition is certainly the toughest I've been on. The hikes have great scenic views and the sightings of the local Majestic Red Kites are amazing as they sore the mountain ridges with us' .

Warrant officer Keir Hart from 495 Sqn who is also a DofE panel assessor for the area is encouraging more groups to consider expeditions in Mid Wales. The remoteness of the area and the challenging navigation is commented on by groups who find this more challenging and rewarding than following long established routes full of other DofE groups .

Well done all…