Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential: Personal Development & Adventure Week

Location: Set on the shores of the Solent and backed by the New Forest National Park, Calshot offers the perfect blend of coastal adventure and personal growth in an unbeatable outdoor education setting.
Ideal For: Gold DofE participants (please check with your DofE leader before booking) and anyone looking to develop leadership, confidence, and outdoor skills whether you're exploring a future as an instructor or simply seeking a week of challenge and connection.

This immersive residential is designed to stretch your comfort zone, build your confidence, and ignite your passion for adventure. Through a mix of high-energy activities and reflective learning, you’ll gain valuable skills that support personal development and potential instructor pathways.

From climbing real rock on the Jurassic Coast to kayaking the Solent and riding one of the UK’s velodromes, every day offers a new challenge and a chance to grow.

🔍 What You’ll Experience
🧗 Learn to Climb & Real Rock Adventure - Start with indoor climbing at Calshot, then head to Swanage for a day of real rock climbing on the Jurassic Coast, an unforgettable experience in a stunning natural setting.
🚴 Velodrome Cycling - Ride on one of the UK’s iconic velodromes, learning track cycling techniques and pushing your speed and stamina.
🛶 Solent Kayaking - Explore the Solent by kayak, navigating coastal waters and building paddling skills in a safe, supportive environment.
⛷️ Ski or Snowboard Sessions - Try skiing or snowboarding on Calshot’s indoor slope, perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their technique.
🧠 Instructor Pathway Insights - Meet experienced instructors and outdoor professionals who’ll share their journeys, qualifications, and advice for getting started in the industry.

Additional Information
- Arrive between 0900-1200 Monday morning. Leave from 1345 Friday.
- Participants will stay in our accommodation buildings right here on the stunning Calshot Spit.
- The first meal is served at Monday lunchtime and the last meal served at Friday lunchtime.
- Develop practical skills across multiple adventure disciplines
- Explore pathways into outdoor instruction and leadership
- Build confidence, resilience, and teamwork
- Make lasting friendships with fellow adventurers
- This activity may count for your DofE Gold Residential. Please check with your DofE Leader before booking.

- Sunday night accomodation: Available on site (subject to availabiltiy and for participants being aged 18+).
- Transfers: Available from Southampton Train Station (subject to availability).
- Please email calshot.bkgs@hants.gov.uk for more information or to register your interest. 

Looking for a more water based week check out our Watersports Development Week,
or for a more Environmental week check out our Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences and Adventure week

If you can’t see any availability, email us at calshot.bkgs@hants.gov.uk to see when this activity will next be available to book or to register your interest with us.