If you’re curious about physical geography, geology, or geomorphology, this course opens the door to understanding how these disciplines connect and shape the world we see every day.
You’ll move from exploring the features we notice at the surface to uncovering the deep-time processes, spanning thousands to millions of years, that have sculpted our landscapes.
Geography and geology together help us bridge the gap between what we observe and the powerful forces that created it. Through hands-on fieldwork, guided walks, and interactive activities, you’ll get the chance to engage directly with the environment and build a meaningful connection to the places you study. Throughout the experience, enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff will support you in developing your own curiosity and confidence.
No previous study is required, just an eagerness to get involved and make the most of the adventure.
This course is for those aged 16-18 years old and is suitable for the residential section of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Always check with your leader before booking.
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Our young people residentials deliver a wide-ranging, enriching experience and give you the chance to develop a range of transferable skills. This can be great to include in higher education and job applications.
Around core themes of nature and landscapes, active learning, and personal and social skills, our courses promote nature connection, environmental understanding and responsibility, health and wellbeing, working well with others, resilience and curiosity.
If you are a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participant, this course is also an ideal way to complete the Residential section of the award
See our Residential FAQs page if you’d like to know the answers to our most frequently asked questions.
If these course dates do not suit you, we run similar courses at many of our other centres.
Approved Activity Provider
As an Approved Activity Provider for DofE, our opportunities meet all the requirements for DofE. We do however always recommend checking suitability with your DofE assessor before booking a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential.
Explore our range of opportunities for young people. Whether you’re looking to complete your gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, want to explore possible careers, or simply want to expand your knowledge of nature and the natural world, our range of opportunities and experiences offers something for everyone.
Example Timetable
Day 1
Arrive 12pm
Introduction to the course and local area
Afternoon - Participants will receive an introduction to the centre, followed by icebreakers and team games. There will also be an opportunity to explore the area and familiarise yourself with the local environment.
Evening - Activities introducing the geography and geology of the local area.
Day 2
Geomorphological skills
Morning/afternoon - Introduction and practice of key geomorphological skills such as rock identification and landscape interpretation. These environments may be coastal, igneous or glacial, exploring sites of national significance including SSSI and UNESCO sites.
Evening - Careers and technologies in the industry. A chance to chat to professionals and gain experience with tools such as GIS that will help you develop your own skills.
Day 3
Landscape Exploration
Morning/afternoon - Look at how industrial uses have altered our environments. Gain experience of mineral ID, along with geomorphological mapping and rock formation, all whilst adventuring through some of the UK’s most rugged environments.
Evening - Make your own pizza night. Test your culinary skills and cook your own food on our wood fired oven.
Day 4
Human Interaction
Morning/afternoon - Visit a local wonder whether that is touring a prehistoric cave or exploring slate mines and quarries in UNSECO listed sites. Looking at how humans have interacted with landscapes over thousands of years.
Evening - Gather around a campfire, toast a marshmallow, sharing stories and experiences.
Day 5
Environmental Adventure
Morning/afternoon - Combine your geography and geology knowledge with stepping out of your comfort zone to explore an outdoor adventure activity working with your coursemates to solve problems. Review and recap your week with group presentations.
Depart 3pm
Please note: to ensure safe and quality learning experiences for participants, the timetable may alter depending on weather conditions and local factors at centres.
What's Included
Before You Attend
This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
We want to ensure participants get to share in their experience with those of a similar age. Please consider what age the attendee will be on the course date and check they fit into the age category when booking. (Please see each individual course at the bottom of this page for age ranges).
When attending the residential dates which welcome 16-18 year olds, all participants will be expected to follow the behaviour and conduct rules which will be in place to safeguard young people.
If the attendee is under 18, the booking must be made by a parent/guardian. When you book, it is essential that you enter the age and attendees name in the Order Notes at the checkout.
Prior to the course, you will receive the following:
- A full kit list. Any technical equipment required will be provided so you will just need typical kit for a residential stay and being outdoors.
- An introduction to the staff delivering the course and information about the centre so you know what to expect on arrival.
- A detailed itinerary for the course, including arrival and departure instructions. On some courses there may be the opportunity to book a train station pick up and/or drop off.
- A link to an online photo consent form.
- The expectations of young people attending our courses.
- A form to share any specific dietary or medical needs.
Opportunities to attend this course
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Mon 27, July 2026 12:30 - Fri 31, July 2026 15:00
Hone your geographical and geological skills with five days based at Rhyd y Creuau. Easily access the diverse physical landscapes of Eryri, including geomorphological investigations at Cwm Idwal NNR SSSI. Then take a deep dive in the local industrial past with a mine exploration and a visit to Llanberis. Look at the impact that humans have on the Conwy valley with a study of flood risk and defence in Llanrwst. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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Mon 03, August 2026 12:30 - Fri 07, August 2026 15:00
Discover the rich geography and geology of South Devon, climbing the tors of Dartmoor, visiting caves in Torbay Geopark, and coasteering in Start Bay, one of the UK’s most striking coastlines. This course is aimed at people wishing to find out more about geology and physical geography, no previous knowledge is needed. This residential is only open to young people who will be aged 16 - 18 years old at the time of attending.
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