Triffid Explorers on a hilltop with a flag, showing the kind of outdoor expeditions they undertake
Licensed DofE centre

Duke of Edinburgh in Ludlow, done the proper way

Real hiking. Real camping. Real adventure. Do your DofE award with Triffid Explorer Scouts in Ludlow. Cheaper than school and done the way it should be.

Start your DofE Why choose us?
Bronze from £33.50 Start from 13½ Bronze, Silver & Gold
The honest comparison

Why do DofE with us instead of school?

There's a big difference between doing DofE properly and just ticking boxes. Here's how we compare.

Triffid Explorers Typical school
Cost From £33.50 Often £150–£600
Real hiking with packs Always Often driven between points
Proper camping Tents, cooking, the lot Sometimes glamping or indoors
Navigation skills Taught properly Often GPS-dependent
Can start from age 13½ Join Explorers early Usually Year 9/10 only
Year-round outdoor experience Ongoing programme DofE bolt-on to curriculum
Small group sizes Personal attention Large groups common
Experienced outdoor leaders Trained Scout leaders Often teachers, not outdoors specialists

Comparisons reflect the contrast between a Scout-run DofE programme (which is outdoors year-round) and a school DofE bolt-on (which usually delivers DofE alongside the curriculum). Individual school programmes vary, and some are excellent. Cost range based on publicly listed school DofE fees, 2024–2025.

We don't just help young people get a DofE award. We help them earn it. Every mile walked, every meal cooked, every challenge overcome is real.
The basics

What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award?

A world-renowned youth achievement award with three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. It's recognised by universities and employers as evidence of commitment, resilience, and initiative.

Volunteering
Giving back to your community
Physical
Improving a sporting or fitness skill
Skills
A practical or creative skill
Expedition
Planning and completing a journey on foot
Gold only
A residential, away from home
What you get

How we support you

As a licensed DofE centre, we provide everything you need.

  • Full expedition training: navigation, campcraft, route planning, first aid
  • Practice and qualifying expeditions in stunning countryside
  • Help choosing and logging your volunteering, physical, and skills sections
  • Access to eDofE, the online record system
  • Ongoing support from experienced DofE leaders
  • Kit lists and advice, plus discount codes for major outdoor stores

Plus, because you're part of Explorer Scouts, you get regular outdoor experience all year round, not just a crash course before expedition day.

Levels at a glance

Start at Bronze, progress to Gold

We'll support you every step of the way.

Bronze

Age 14+ (from 13½)

Time
Minimum 6 months
Expedition
2 days, 1 night
  • ~15 miles over 2 days
  • Overnight camping
  • Carry your own kit
  • Navigate as a team

The perfect introduction. Build confidence, learn the basics, and discover what you're capable of.

£33.50 total enrolment

Start Bronze

Silver

Age 15+

Time
Minimum 6–12 months
Expedition
3 days, 2 nights
  • ~30 miles over 3 days
  • More challenging terrain
  • Greater independence
  • Advanced navigation

A real step up. Wilder terrain, longer distances, and more responsibility. You'll surprise yourself.

£33.50 total enrolment

Start Silver
Most prestigious

Gold

Age 16+

Time
Minimum 12–18 months
Expedition
4 days, 3 nights
  • ~50 miles over 4 days
  • Wild country terrain
  • Full self-sufficiency
  • Plus a 5-day residential

The ultimate challenge. Recognised worldwide by universities and employers. A life-changing achievement.

£40 total enrolment

Start Gold

DofE through schools can cost £150–£300 for Bronze, up to £400 for Silver, and £600+ for Gold.

With us, you get proper expedition training, real outdoor adventure, and a better experience, from just £33.50. That's not a typo.

Recent expeditions

DofE in action

Expeditions and training, as they happened.

DofE FAQ

The questions we get asked most

Bronze is £33.50 and Silver is £33.50, which is the DofE enrolment fee. Gold is £40. On top of that there are small expedition costs for food and transport, but because we're a volunteer-run Scout unit we don't charge extra for training or leader time.
Young people can join Explorer Scouts from age 13½ and start their Bronze DofE. Unlike schools, we're not tied to an academic calendar, so you can begin when you're ready.
No. You can join Triffid Explorers specifically to do your DofE. Many of our members came to us without any Scouting background.
You can only be registered with one DofE centre at a time. However, activities done through school can still count towards your DofE sections even if you're registered with us.
Walking boots, waterproofs and a rucksack are the essentials, and we lend the tents. Our full DofE expedition kit list sets out everything you carry, and what not to waste money on. We share discount codes for the major outdoor stores too.
The Shropshire Hills, Brecon Beacons, and other beautiful areas on our doorstep. Gold expeditions venture into designated wild country.
Licensed DofE centre Bronze, Silver & Gold eDofE supported
Six months later he's properly into it and pushing me to drive him to camps.
— Parent of a Year 10 Explorer

Start your DofE journey

Don't wait for school to sort it out. Get in touch today and start your Duke of Edinburgh award with leaders who do it properly.

Email us about DofE