The aims of the expedition were to qualify 10 medically ratified personnel in the Regiment in the Summer Mountain Foundation course, and to enable 2 OCdts to gain 6 Quality Mountain Days, which can count towards their next qualification. It was a great success with all 10 participants achieving the qualification they were assessed at, and gaining their Summer Mountain Foundation Qualification and the other 2 OCdts adding 6 QMDs to their portfolios. Everyone was initially assessed on day 1 to see if the group needed to be split into a fast group and a slightly slower group, however there was no discernible difference so the groups were randomly divided, with the 2 SMF qualified individuals placed in the same group.
Leeds OTC Triglav trip blog – OCdt Mary Betteridge
I had not anticipated how much this Adventurous Training exercise would change my perspective on mountaineering. The week in the Julian Alps was my first taste of Alpine Mountaineering, giving an insight not only into the associated challenges of the environment but the sheer beauty of it.
We were fortunate to be based in a Campsite 5 minutes from Lake Bled. On the first day, we warmed up for the week and got our bearings of the area by walking the 6km around the Lake. Then, after a brief kit check, we headed up to a local 700m peak, Velika Osojnica.
With the instructors having a better gauge of our competencies, the second day involved summiting a 2050m mountain named Viševnik. It was the first occasion that we had to adapt to hiking at high altitude. The lowered oxygen (about 20% less at that height) meant that walking required more effort and our pace was reduced. This slight discomfort was definitely worth it for the stunning view of Triglav at the summit. The higher elevation also meant that we could appreciate the local flora and fauna. There were several Alpine Choughs begging for our sandwiches near the trig point and we noticed the bright colours and smells of flowers such as Auricula (Primula auricula). After returning to the campsite, we researched the impressive adaptations of the birds and flowers to surviving at high altitudes.
The third day provided a fundamental lesson on the risks of mountaineering and how to ensure the safety of the group. Our plan was to summit Špik, a 2472m mountain. We carried out daily analysis of the weather forecasts and then headed out for the day. However, it soon transpired how quickly the weather can turn in Alpine areas. After listening to local knowledge and watching the clouds rolling in, we made the sensible decision to end the ascent of the steep scree slope and head back to camp. Despite not reaching the summit, we still achieved a 5 hour day, taking it in turns to lead the group. Our individual navigational experience was quite varied at the start of the week, but by the end our instructors had taught us how to reliably and confidently interpret both the maps and the landscape.
Climbing Brda (2009m), the following day, gave us experience of travelling over cable assisted stretches. The surface was no more technical, but the consequence of slipping was enhanced by a steeper drop at the side of the path. The group held onto a cable to ensure our safety.
We then started the exped phrase of the Adventurous Training. Using the accumulated knowledge and skills from the week so far, we began our ascent of Triglav. With our heavier rucksacks, it took us 6 hours to cover the 15km distance and 1750m total elevation up to Kredarica Mountain Hut at 2500m. Sat above the clouds, we watched the sun disappear behind the surrounding mountains while replenishing our energy with a traditional Slovenian meal from the hut. A family of Chamois could be spotted traversing the steep slope of Triglav.
We awoke early to a sunrise that could only match the incredible sunset the night before. On the descent, we had a chance to reflect on the week we had completed. It had inspired many of us to think about spending more time in the mountains and even progressing to complete our Mountain Leader Training and Assessments. Personally, having already gained my Summer MLT, I now feel more inclined to branch out to Alpine areas, given the impressive scale and challenge of the mountains that you don’t find UK.
My participation in adventure training in Slovenia has grown my resilience as I experience the toughness but also the rewarding nature of mountaineering in the Julian Alps. OCdt Cameron Holdway
It is with many thanks to the grant from The Ulysses Trust and various other organisations’ grants that this expedition has been possible and it has helped retention, recruiting and growth of leadership and teamwork in YOTR. The opportunity to take these participants and instructors to Slovenia showed the possibilities that joining the Regular and Reserve Army can offer, and we are very grateful for that opportunity.
