Gold Expedition - French Pyrenees

French Pyrenees Gold Expedition with Essex Outdoors

Complete the final qualifying venture of your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in the stunning mountains of the High Pyrenees.

As part of your Gold Award you will need to complete the expedition section of the scheme. Along with your walking group you will attend training, practice and also plan and execute a journey for your final qualifying venture. We will support your expedition in the High Pyrenees ensuring it meets the requirements of the Gold Award scheme.

We offer the training, practice and qualifying venture as a complete package to get you through the expedition section. If you and your group are looking for someone to facilitate your expedition then this is for you.

You will take four days and three nights to journey through the mountains working together and gaining new skills and experiences to take forward into the future.

Your base will be a 16th century former water mill at Caudies de Fenouilledes which has been converted and modernised to provide bunk-house style accommodation for up to 20 people with additional camping space available outside for larger groups. There is also a large kitchen and communal dining area, together with toilet and shower facilities.

8 Day Excursion:

The Mill de St James is just outside the village of Caudies de Fenouillede in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

The qualifying expedition starts not far from here at the base camp where you follow your pre-planned route through the stunning landscape of the High Pyrenees. At least two nights will be spent “wild camping” giving you the opportunity to choose your view for breakfast!

After your expedition you return to the Mill and are given time to soak up a piece of the culture and history of the area before flying home.
However your fun need not stop there!!

11 Day Excursion:

Extend your time in the Pyrenees after the expedition and take some well-earned time to relax, meet locals, or just try your French language skills. Take in the French Riviera with its boutiques and amazing coast line, swim in the crystal clear sea or try a game of Boulle. Enjoy guided rafting tours along the River Aude’s rapids and climbing the local mountain’s absorbing views to take your breath away. Finally, explore the Galamus Gorge where you meet with a French guide who fully equips you to tackle the amazing Gorge with its slides, jumps and swimming holes.

How To Book

  • Decide on your Destination
  • Confirm availability of dates with us & request an application pack
  • Return application forms and deposit to secure expedition
  • Recruit participants