A group from 2nd Ahoghill Company Section completed their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze qualifying expedition, after a two day exploration of the Antrim Hills.
The boys had a rain soaked start to the day as they left Slemish car park, heading south-east along the Antrim Hills Way. The wet conditions offered poor visibility, and the boys strayed off course as they trudged through the mist.
However they found their bearings and eventually navigated back on course towards Shillanavogey Wood where they met their DofE Assessor Colin Bell, an officer with 1st Raloo Company.
With the day wearing on and the boys behind schedule, Colin agreed to transport the group to their campsite, happy they had completed their walking requirements for the day. The boys pitched their tents on the grounds of Greenmount Hill Farm in Glenwherry, and cooked dinner as they prepared for their overnight stay.
Sadly one of the boys had to go home at this point, as his asthma prevented him from continuing.
Day 2
The boys’ second day took on a more exploratory approach as they documented the flora and fauna of the Antrim Hills.
After leaving camp the group continued east along the Antrim Hills Way for 5km, exploring their surroundings as they went. They stopped for lunch just north-east of Ballyboley Forest, where Colin met them again for another assessment.
The second half of their journey was a 4km walk through the forest to Killylane Reservoir, where the boys completed their expedition with a final exploration of the area.
Despite some mishaps, the boys pushed on to complete their expedition and move one step closer to achieving their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award.
Many thanks to Colin Bell for his time and assistance during the expedition, and to the various parents who helped with transportation.
