About A to Z

Ato Z Expeditions specialise in delivering Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training and expeditions.

We offer tailor-made programmes of DofE training and expeditions for schools and groups and we run open DofE expeditions for individuals and small groups.We are based in Herefordshire, in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. We offer a friendly and personal service and are committed to delivering high quality training and expeditions.

About us

We got started in 2007. Ever since then, we have delivered tailored DofE Expeditions for schools and youth groups as well as open expeditions for small groups and individuals.
There were two main reasons for running the business.

  • Firstly, the A to Z team are all big supporters of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The opportunity to proactively promote it through our work is something we all appreciate.
  • Secondly, as outdoor activity instructors, we know that running safe, successful expeditions is a big ask for anyone who isn’t an outdoor professional. So we are on a mission to provide as much expedition help and support as possible to DofE co-ordinators across the UK and to give participants a rewarding experience they will always remember. Since we got started, A to Z Expeditions has become a leading force in this industry, which in some ways is not surprising – we focus all our efforts on delivering DofE expeditions. It’s all we do and we take a pride in doing it really well.

Our service

We talk and work with DofE co-ordinators to design and deliver a successful, tailor made expedition. Our service includes a presentation to potential participants and parents (we help spread the word!) as well as providing and processing important paperwork, the training, supervision and assessment of participants, and Q&A sessions with parents (let us answer the tricky questions!).We even provide some of the essential group kit free of charge including tents, stoves, shelters, first aid kits and maps.

DofE – It’s all we do

Since A to Z Expeditions was established in 2007, we have dedicated our efforts to delivering Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE expeditions to thousands of participants… and because it’s the only thing we do, we pride ourselves on providing a high quality and comprehensive service.We were one of the first 6 companies to be awarded the sought-after, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider badge. We hold an Adventure Activities Licence and have been approved directly by DofE to deliver this service. In 2013 our highly qualified, DofE accredited and friendly staff planned and ran in excess of 150 expeditions for over 1,500 participants from schools across the UK.

DofE expedition specialists

A to Z Expeditions is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity Provider.

We work closely with DofE head office and DofE Operating Authorities across the country to ensure our programmes fulfill the DofE Expedition Requirements (20 conditions).The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers young people a fantastic opportunity to develop practical and personal life skills making it a very popular activity schools like to offer. However, for many DofE Co-ordinators, running these programmes can be a time consuming and challenging task, particularly when it comes to arranging and staffing safe expeditions.At A to Z Expeditions we take the pressure off co-ordinators by planning and delivering rewarding expeditions, which meet current DofE requirements and the most stringent safety standards.

Build and design the adventure that is right for your school and groups. You can choose from Hiking, Canoeing and Cycling expeditions at all levels.

Participant balancing a stove lid on her head

Open expeditions are for individuals and smaller groups. We can offer Bronze, Silver and Gold awards, in both Hiking and Canoeing.

Approved Activity ProviderA to Z Expeditions is a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Approved Activity ProviderWe work closely with DofE head office and DofE Operating Authorities across the country to ensure our programmes fulfil the DofE Expedition Requirements.

The Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority is the body which regulates Adventurous Activities in the UK. It is a government body and part of the HSE. A to Z Expeditions is licensed by AALA to provide walking, cycling and canoeing expeditions. Our licence number is R1606, details of our licence can be confirmed by emailing the AALA: aala@hse.gov.uk or by visiting https://www.hse.gov.uk/aala/


Why choose A to Z Expeditions?

A to Z Expeditions puts safety first. We work hard to ensure our expedition programmes provide an appropriate challenge for participants without compromising on safety.

We ONLY specialise in Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions, offering schools and open programmes at all three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Our top outdoor instructors are proficient at giving participants the skills they need for DofE. They are backed up by our enthusiastic and knowledgeable head office team, who will answer all your questions.

Explore the great British countryside by foot, canoe or bike whilst training and completing an A to Z DofE expedition. You wont be disappointed, so don’t forget your camera!

We are very proud of our credentials, but they cannot stand alone. They have to be validated by the level of knowledge and expertise we offer, that only comes with experience.