Twenty-four students - one mission - to walk as far as possible along the North Norfolk Coast between sunrise and sunset!

Our annual Dawn to Dusk Challenge is organised by Ely Scheme staff, and this year pupils from Years 11-13 put their best feet forward.

The intrepid teams set off along the Norfolk Coastal Path from Blakeney at 6.50am on Saturday 27th September. By dusk, students participating in the one-day challenge had achieved their goals, with teams covering an impressive 35.5 kilometres. Students taking on the two-day challenge pushed further, reaching 50 kilometres at Hunstanton Pier! 

Mr Tim Wyndham-Smith, our Assistant Director of Outdoor Education, said: "At this point, the one-day challenge students returned to school, tired but immensely proud of what they had achieved. The two-day challenge participants restocked supplies, ate dinner, stretched out their weary muscles, and went to bed to prepare for what they knew would be a tough second day.

"The 6am alarm clock on Sunday came around all too quickly, ready for a 6.52am sunrise departure. The weather was more mixed on day two, but this did not deter the teams, who clocked up an impressive 47 kilometres whilst navigating the Peddars Way trail. This brought the total distance achieved within the time limit to an incredible 97 kilometres."

Mr Will Ayers, an Old Elean, King's parent, and member of our freelance staff who supported the expedition, said: "The students all showed absolute grit and determination throughout the challenge. Just shy of 100 kilometres in two days is a phenomenal distance to cover - under their own steam and through teamwork. I am in awe of their strength of mind to carry on. All of those who stepped up to this challenge should be very proud of themselves."

Mr Wyndham-Smith added: "We are already looking forward to the 2026 Dawn to Dusk Challenge, with some students eager to return and to try and beat the records they set for themselves, and, more importantly, with new students ready to take on this amazing personal challenge. Next year, we are also hoping for a staff team to challenge the pupil teams!"

Kudos to every single student who took on this year's Dawn to Dusk Challenge, and to all staff involved for their dedication and support!

Enjoy more photos from the expedition on our Facebook page: Facebook