Gordonstoun Students Reenact Teen King's 28-Mile Cairngorms Trek

A Journey Through Time: Gordonstoun Students Recreate the King’s Historic Hike

A group of students from Gordonstoun has taken on a unique challenge by recreating a historic 28-mile hike through the Cairngorms that was once undertaken by the future King. This journey, originally completed by Prince Charles in October 1965, was part of his Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) award program. Now, more than six decades later, these young adventurers have retraced the same path, experiencing the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

The original hike took place during a period of harsh weather conditions, with rain and stormy winds making the journey even more challenging. The students, however, chose a more favorable time of year for their expedition, enjoying temperatures as high as 27°C (80°F). They followed the same route that Charles had taken, starting at Balachroich, passing through Kingussie, and ending at Rothiemurchus Lodge in Aviemore. Along the way, they explored Glenfeshie Forest and passed by Ben Macdui, one of the highest peaks in the region.

Two groups of students took part in the adventure, with one group traveling the route in the same direction as the King and the other going in the opposite direction. The students used historical records and handwritten notes to guide them, which detailed Charles’s ascent of 2,788 feet and the mist-covered views he encountered.

William Griffin, a 16-year-old hiker, described the landscape as incredibly diverse. He noted how the journey began in dense woodland, moved along the banks of a dried-up river, and eventually led into wide valleys covered in thick heather. The trek then took them through the mountains and into an open plain, where a river meandered through the terrain.

According to the historical accounts, Prince Charles was part of group two, led by pupil leader Michael Fabianski. A note from “Mr Varney” mentioned that the group was in good spirits during their journey, with overcast skies and stormy winds on Saturday, but a fine day on Sunday. The prince's group reached their final destination just after group one at 3:20 pm.

India Lewis, another student who participated in the expedition, found it exciting to follow in the King’s footsteps. She highlighted the importance of the motto “Plus Est En Vous,” which translates to “There is More in You.” She explained that this mindset helped the group push through difficult moments and ultimately complete the challenge.

The DofE award, now a well-known program across the UK, originated at Gordonstoun. Initially called the Moray Badge, it gained national recognition when Prince Philip supported the initiative. Today, the program continues to inspire thousands of students each year, with over 572,802 participants in the 12 months leading up to March.

Peter Green, the principal of Gordonstoun, emphasized the school’s commitment to challenging students both inside and outside the classroom. He praised the recent expedition as a powerful example of this philosophy in action. Spending four days in one of the UK’s most remote areas tested the students’ resilience and teamwork, and they demonstrated remarkable perseverance and strength of character.

This journey not only honored the legacy of the King but also provided valuable lessons in determination and perseverance for the next generation of leaders.