For many boys a day out hill walking in the Autumn term is their first experience of a school trip with King Edward's. Boys sign up for the trip not quite sure what to expect; mums are a bit better prepared, sending them with warm clothes, and not surprised if their child returns home rather grubby, tired but very happy.

The day trips take place in our nearest wild places: Church Stretton, the Stiperstones and the Derbyshire Dales. Each year there's a hill walking weekend towards the end of the Christmas term, usually to the Lake District. The weather is entirely unpredictable, so it is always a joy on those rare occasions when we end up knee deep in snow!

There are generally three day walks and one weekend trip, and the walks provide a good appetiser for the Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions which start in year 9.