Over the course of two weeks in Kinlochleven, Scotland, OCdts from Birmingham University Officers’ Training Corps (BUOTC) undertook various activities on the annual Adventurous Training Camp, Ex DRAGON SLIM LEVEN. With opportunities to obtain foundation qualifications in kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, and mountaineering, as well as a group completing the West Highland Way and Mountain Bike continuation training, cadets were spoilt for choice in what promised to be an excellent two weeks in the Scottish Highlands.
In Week One, BUOTC had the pleasure of hosting a contingent of German Officers from Helmut-Schmidt Universität – Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg. For the duration of the week, they were fully integrated into the foundation courses with our British counterparts, sharing their experiences of the military in Germany and further enhancing the ongoing partnership we have developed over the past 18 months.
Activities were blessed with good weather (for the most part) as well as high quality teaching delivered by both internal and external instructors. The activities were progressive in nature, giving students the foundation skills required to develop onto more technically demanding aspects of the respective disciplines, while enabling aspiring participants to look forward to potential instructor courses. For students undertaking canoeing and mountaineering, their week had in store a night out under the stars. With self-sustained rations on the menu and a tent as a hotel, cadets were able to experience the full force of Scotland with miserable weather and midges a pertinent issue throughout. Regardless, the cadets approached the challenges facing them with enthusiasm and self determination.
Those undertaking canoeing were introduced to the basics of paddling and quickly learnt the importance of teamwork and communication, placing trust in their partner to ensure the canoe stayed the right way up! Beginning on flat water, the group progressed throughout the week to paddling down white water and engaging in an overnight expedition on Loch Lochy in week 1 and Loch Garry on week 2.
The kayakers had a similar week to the canoers, however with one key difference: they had no one to blame but themselves for any mistakes! Under expert instruction, they also started with the foundations on flat water, gaining the core skills of manoeuvring and controlling what can sometimes be a quite temperamental boat. However, with time and practice, all managed to progress onto the rapids of north-western Scotland. Requiring greater concentration, the cadets threw themselves into this new environment, with stories accompanied by a few bangs and scratches to show for their experiences. The groups built themselves up from flat water to Grade 2 rapids tackling rivers like the Awe, Garry and Oich.
“The progression in kayaking is really great, you start on flat water and slowly build your skills up so you tackle the more challenging stuff. When you’re on the white water you’re not just practicing your own skills but you really have to work as a team to get down the river” 2Lt Jesson
Back on land, the mountaineers were out on the hills. Equipped with a map, compass and an essential waterproof jacket, their week focussed on navigating the Munros around Glencoe and Fort William. Four big days and an overnight expedition allowed all participants to see Scotland in all its glory, with the occasional shower to remind them they hadn’t left the UK, despite the amazing views. With long approaches followed by short and sharp ascents on the agenda most days, the cadets were able to enjoy their time on the tops. Ridges often connected several Munros, allowing them to appreciate the scenery from different perspectives. Meanwhile, the focus was on navigation. Using the Munros, valleys and rivers, the cadets were able to triangulate their location and dictate the correct route. This was even more prevalent on the overnight expedition where they were exposed to night navigation, which proved the importance of pacing, bearings and maintaining concentration while wet, cold, and tired. All in all, the cadets were privileged and fortunate to have been able to spend a week walking in some of the most stunning landscapes in the United Kingdom.
Just a few miles away, a group had set out to complete to West Highland Way. Over the course of six days, they managed to hike and trek their way from just outside Glasgow to Fort William. While the immense physical challenge was at the forefront, midges turned out to be the real enemy. Being low in the valleys and near rivers, the humid climate only lent itself to constant hand-waving while trying to avoid mixing the freshly boiled rations with extra protein. Regardless and in good spirit, the group pushed on through the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. After a long week walking and a few blisters, those who finished could proudly say they had completed the West Highland Way.
If midges were the main problem for the walkers, the rain was the main problem for the rock climbers. Being the most weather-dependent activity, the climbers spent most of the week watching for weather windows so they could get out onto the rocks and put their skills into practice. With a mix of rope lessons indoors and some trips to the local climbing centre, this made time outdoors even more valuable. Abseiling allowed the cadets to face the daunting task of lowering themselves over the edge of a sheer drop, while the art of belaying put the safety of their fellow students into their own hands, building strong communication skills while emphasising the importance of trust in your team. Despite some occasional bad weather, everyone came away with vital transferrable skills further enhancing the bond between the students.
The camp was a great success and all at BUOTC are incredibly grateful to Ulysses Trust for their generous grants, without which we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to undertake such a wide range of activities in one of the best locations for outdoor adventure in the country. The consensus amongst the students was we had all been pushed out of comfort zone whether physical or mental and left stronger as a result.
The Annual Scotland AT exercise is a critical activity for the unit and is used as part of our ongoing recruitment campaign and to give our students the foundations needed to be an instructor. After this year we now have 9 unit members who plan to undertake an instructor qualification in the next year. Those individuals will continue to support the unit in their time with us and the wider Army post graduation.
