Nigel Painter

MBE, ML (Winter) IML, Survival and Bushcraft Expert

Nigel is a non commissioned officer in the RAF flying the Lancaster bomber on displays, A Chief Leader for British Exploring Society, A qualified International Mountain Leader and UK Winter Mountain Leader. Nigel freelances solely for WCC as he believes we are one of the few companies that sets the appropriate standards of safety and ethos for the Award. We count ourselves as fortunate indeed to have him on the WCC Team.

ABOUT US

ABOUT US

A family run business based in the South West of England who have been providing high quality DofE expedition services to schools for over 15 years.

MEET THE TEAM

We have been operating in the outdoor environment for over 40 years and this has allowed us to build up a network of over 50 similarly minded and experienced personnel. Being an industry leader in the running of DofE expeditions we do not need to advertise or scrabble around looking for instructors when we are busy, we have a waiting list of instructors who want to come and work for us.

WHY CHOOSE US

Not all expedition companies are the same. Our aim is to make the DofE Expedition section as Adventurous, Enjoyable and Educational for the group as possible.

OUR PRINCIPLES

The DofE is an achievement award, the expedition should be a challenge but also an enjoyable experience it should not just be a “tick in the box” experience.

SAFETY FIRST

The expedition section of the award will expose the participants to a degree of risk, some of which is beyond the ability of the best of us to forecast, our staff are Mountain Leaders first and DofE leaders secondly putting safety first as a priority for all.

UK DofE Duke of Edinburgh Award

UK DofE

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non-competitive and uniquely individual program of activities for anyone aged between 14 and 24.

WHAT IS THE DofE EXPEDITION SECTION

All levels of the award require the participants to complete an expedition in a team of the appropriate size in an environment suited to the level of the award and the ability of the group.

OUR DofE SERVICES

Specialising in walking expeditions at all levels of the award our DofE expedition services are second to none.

DofE PRICING

Its not what you pay for your expeditions but what you get for your money that is important. We aim to give you the best service at the best possible price.

Not all AAP’s are the same.

OVERSEAS DofE Duke of Edinburgh Award

Overseas DofE

Tired of the rain, overcrowded campsites and the same old places?

If so and you want to give your DofE participants a unique experience as part of their DofE program that they will remember for the rest of their lives, then why not consider one of our European Expedition destinations.

Cheap flights from local airports give you the ability to be there in just a couple of hours, in country transport meets EU safety standards, and a comprehensive rescue and medical service is avalaible at the end of the phone. All this, and you can be confident of more settled weather.

Below are a variety of options for you to consider, they have suggested itineraries but anything can be changed to suit your budget and the ability of your groups. All prices quoted are excluding flights as prices can vary significantly due to operator, departure dates and times and we leave this up to your discretion rather than adopt a one price fits all approach.

Most importantly, all of these destinations and routes have been visited and walked and comprehensively risk assessed by leading members of the WCC team, campsites have been checked and in country transport is supplied by known companies whoes standards have been vetted.

All of our overseas expeditions are run by an International Mountain Leader and/or Qualified watersports instructor whois familiar with the area and local support services.

When prices prices start at £500 for a weeks adventure and a lifelong memory, why wait ?

French / Spanish Pyrenees

Suitable for single or multiple groups
Moderate - Challenging
Best months August - Oct
Cost from £500 p/person depending on numbers
7-9 day itineraries

The Spanish Pyrenees and the Ordessa Canyon

Suitable for one or two groups
Challenging
Best months August - Sept
Cost from £600 depending on numbers
8-9 day itineraries

The Vanoise, French Alps

Suitable for single or multiple groups
Moderate difficulty
Best Months July - Oct
Cost from £500 p/person depending on numbers
7 or 8 day itinerary

French Alps and the Tour of Mnt Blanc

Suitable for one or two groups
Challenging
Best months mid/late July - Oct
Cost from £1200 (for the full tour), including accommodation by camping throughout
7-14 day itineraries available

Norway Fjords and Mountains

Suitable for one or two groups
Moderate difficulty
Best Months July - Sept
Cost from £1000 depending on numbers and itinerary
7-9 day itineraries

The Atlas Mountains of Morocco

Suitable for one or two groups
Challenging
Best Months April - June and Sept - Nov
POA
Various Itineraries

The Dolomites – Alta Via 2

Best for 1 or 2 groups
Grade - Challenging
Best months Late June/July and Late August/September. August is very busy
Cost from £600 p/person depending on numbers.
7-9 day itineraries

Corsica - GR20

Best for 1 or 2 groups
Grade - Challenging
Best months June/July and Late August/September/Early October
Cost from £700 p/person depending on numbers.
7-9 day itineraries