Senior members of Matravers Combined Cadet Force expeditioned in Schwarzsee, Switzerland 17th – 24th August 2024. Not without issue, the expedition did not get off to a great start when the departure flight was cancelled at 2200 Friday 16th August. With very little time to resolve anything and automatically being rescheduled onto a flight to Frankfurt (GER), additional accommodation was quickly booked and an adhoc briefing was held online at 2300. Departing Westbury for Heathrow and addressing further complications, learning our rescheduled flight was full. A couple of awkward conversations later, Matravers were checked in, baggage dropped off and through security. Completing a short stay in Frankfurt, the group arrived in Geneva mid-morning Saturday 18th August. The problems did not stop, due to not being provided the correct hire vehicles, therefore group had to split into 2. With adult volunteers escorting cadets on the train alongside travel by car from Geneva to Schwarzsee. The team arrived a little after midday and very quickly went to get lunch.
Leaving the stresses behind them, a much-needed stretch of the legs exploring the immediate local area began, cadets using swiss maps for the first time quickly adapted to their use. It dawned upon the participants; they were residing in a nugget of Swiss environmental wonder. Considering, “what can they see, what do they know and what do they wonder?”, the cadets were challenged to explore the natural landscape around them. In just a short afternoon walk, 20 different species of alpine flowers and 4 different species of coniferous trees had been documented.
The following day the expedition travelled into the Gantrish Naturpark, for additional preparation whereby the weather presented a unique experience. When the first group were dropped off, glorious sunshine and visibility as far as the eye could see was the picture, whereas when the second group arrived it was white out. The group was full of energy to achieve as much as possible from this warmup trek, whereby they built on their knowledge and application of navigation, using Swiss mapping and were introduced to navigation by GPS/phone. During this walk the cadets, trekking above 2000m were introduced to the effects of altitude and the impact on our physical wellbeing summiting Burgle 2165m. On the return leg, the cadets were shown the entrance of a Swiss military bunker and tunnel system running through the mountainside. The weather was ever changing from clear skies to buffeting by clouds, focus returned to appreciating the flora and fauna of the area, identifying an additional 20 different alpine flowers but also some wildlife in the shape of frogs and marmots. Concluding the day with a debriefing, the need to re design a couple of routes reared its head due to the limitations that had been encountered by transport. The cadets replanned a suitable choice of routes to qualify them for completing their Gold Duke of Edinburghs Award (DofE) expedition section.
Qualifying Day 1 started Tuesday 20th September. After consuming a hearty breakfast to get them on their way, cadets set off at 0730. They had listened to the advice provided and focused on averaging an hour for every 300 metres of height gain, to ensure they could sustain themselves in the challenging environment. Meeting the assessor along the route at an agreed hut, they made good time and then began exploring the lakeside in search of beavers. Schwarzsee, previously recognised as the home of Europe’s highest beaver habitat, our furry friends proved elusive. Upon discovering increased animal protection laws, which has facilitated an increase to this animal population, we sadly learned, Schwarzsee no longer can claim this title.
Day 2 the cadets challenged themselves against the Schwyberg ridge, a standout ridgeline enclosing Schwarzsee from the West. Independently trekking the cadets achieved summits of 1628m, 1608m and 1645m whilst trekking the ridgeline in low visibility conditions. This was a particular highlight of the expedition, as the cadets felt they had to overcome a sense of not progressing because of how poor visibility conditions were. Dropping below the cloud line and into the valley, the cadets found more evidence of beaver habitats discovering a couple of dams and lodges along the riverside.
Thursday 22nd August presented a glorious day of Swiss summer weather. The cadets faced another challenge as a result, managing themselves in warmer conditions. In turn, this challenged their understanding of climate and how many different weather systems they had experienced since their arrival. Hiking through the Brecca valley to the Col du Chamois, reaching heights of 1800m, the cadets were able to demonstrate how much fitter they had become over the course of the trip, and how well they had acclimatised, as they made comfortable work of the challenging route. Exploring the valley, which had been carved out by glaciers, they were able to gain insight into how active but environmentally diverse it had become. Whether it was the discovery of more flora and fauna in this valley, which was beautifully celebrated by the abundance of great yellow gentian, known for its medicinal properties to treat digestive problems or the presence of the “herd guard”, dogs living in the mountains to protect livestock.
Throughout the expedition, the value of each alpine hut and availability of drinking water grew in appreciation. The convenience and frequency were a particular highlight for the team. Relieving the stress of purifying water from questionable sources.
Friday 23rd August, motivation was high, weather was excellent, and the trekking aspect of the expedition concluded, with the cadets meeting the requirements to complete their Gold DofE qualifying venture. Walking through the Chesalette valley navigating to the peak of La Patta, the group returning by trekking down a unique arete ridge, whereby the spruce trees had grown to provide a natural border either side of the ridgeline. Utilising an early start, the cadets were able to rest next to the Lac Noir and appreciate what they had achieved after a turbulent start to the trip. The evening was concluded with a celebratory meal in Restaurant Gypsera, whilst receiving individual feedback on their performance and actions moving forward that were transferable to their futures.
An early start Saturday, accommodations were cleaned, packed down and handed back to our hosts. Our shuttle bus service then deployed, dropping group A into Fribourg before following with group B. Shopping for souvenirs and gifts for those at home, our time in Switzerland was coming to its conclusion. A small group returned to Geneva airport via the impressive Swiss rail system whilst the bulk of the group returned via road. No flight cancellations or issues processing through the airport, it was all going to well! Then true to form, a flight delay, followed by another and then another…. We began to fear we would have to stay an extra night, but thankfully the third delay did fly, and we returned to London Heathrow. All returning safely to Westbury, early morning Sunday 25th August.
We would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for their incredible support delivering this project and understanding about the context of our small town in Wiltshire. Expedition Venturer Matravers Schwarzsee has highlighted the world class activities available to young people through membership of the cadet forces. Our cadets have benefitted so much from this expedition alongside being able to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award expedition in an areas that is known to the locals as paradise. It has allowed us to demonstrate that hard work and commitment in Matravers CCF will be rewarded with life changing opportunities. This expedition will kick start regular overseas excursions for Matravers Combined Cadet Force and has allowed us to start building a team of volunteers to support these excursions.
Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Quotes:
“The Matravers CCF expedition to Schwarzsee provided dedicated members of the CCF with an unrivalled opportunity to experience mountain walking and independence. As a staff member, it also personally gave me the opportunity to further develop my leadership, planning, quick thinking, and most importantly French speaking skills! I am extremely grateful to have supported this expedition and look forward to supporting the Contingent in future.”
Mr L Best
“Our cadets had a great adventure exploring the wildlife, adapting to Swiss maps, and hearing a range of languages from others on the trails. They were enthusiastic to explore the local area, taking pictures of high-altitude flowers, nature spotting at the lake and enjoyed getting to see the dragon who guarded it. Some had not been overseas before, what a beautiful place to challenge themselves and make memorable moments for their first trip abroad. A successful venture despite its initial difficulties. Thankyou Ulysses Trust and congratulations to the cadets.”
Lt S Paginton
Cadet Quotes:
Cadet Company Sergeant Major Rebekah Slarke
“It was an amazing opportunity to do something so fulfilling with good friends and members of staff that have supported me throughout my school life. The views were incredible, and the experience will stay with me forever.”
Cadet Staff Sergeant Tayla Plummer
“When I joined cadets, I never thought I would have the opportunity to do the things I have done, let alone going to a place like Switzerland. I am grateful for the opportunity as it opened my eyes to the wonderful places that I could go. Thanks to the supportive staff and friends who come on the trip with me.”
Cadet Staff Sergeant Kieran Wilkinson
“It has been an incredible opportunity to do so many new things and meet several amazing people who have my best interests at heart. I have gained so many experiences like going to Switzerland that I will never forget. Thanks to the amazing staff who have supported me through this journey as part of the CCF.”
