In February half-term ten cadet NCOs and two staff made the long journey north to the Cairngorms, with the aim of experiencing the joys and challenges of the Scottish mountains in winter. The underlying philosophy was to run things as an expedition in order to further develop the NCOs, with the cadets having their own responsibilities that were central to the expedition – such as food, transport, media, kit and of course, Ministers of Fun!
“The skills we learnt will last a lifetime and will enable us to in the future go off on our own adventures. The sense of satisfaction once you have reached a peak was unmatchable and to have done it together as a team makes it even better…I think it’s made me realise that anything is possible, beforehand mountaineering for me was like a different language, I had no idea what I was doing. But now I’ve learnt skills that I previously thought impossible.”
Under the watchful eye of our expert instructors Cat and Louis, we enjoyed a happy mix of learning winter mountain skills with some interesting and challenging routes around the Cairngorm plateau, all the while developing our ability to look after ourselves, our kit and each other in the pristine but harsh environment. Highlights included learning fall arrest using walking axes, and an epic day working our way to and from the summit of Creag Meagaidh (1130m).
“Getting to the summit of all the mountains was super rewarding and a very unique feeling. I also loved the games we played in the evenings and the responsibility we had for our own areas and the expedition in general.”
“I feel as though this expedition has given me the chance to connect with a group of people which I wouldn’t find myself with at school. I felt as though it pushed me past my limits and got me out of my comfort zone whilst still feeling supported by both my friends and the instructors.”
“Sliding down the slopes and doing ice axe arrests was really fun, and the long hike to Creag Meagidh on the last day was challenging, really satisfying to complete and had some really cool views.”
The group stayed in Aviemore Youth Hostel, catering for themselves with both substance and style, other than the notable exception of a brave attempt at making meringue which nearly set off the fire alarm…
“I had never stayed in a youth hostel before, so was slightly cautious when arriving. But now after having stayed there, I absolutely loved it and being given independence and responsibility was marvellous.”
Scottish Winter conditions can be as challenging for navigation and keeping oneself warm and dry as anywhere in the world, showing the value of good clothing and equipment and the need to wear and look after it (and each other):
“On the last day the weather had huge changes, one minute we had no wind and felt quite warm but then the weather quickly changed to extremely windy. This was a challenge to the group trying to adapt to the conditions, but we all stuck together and supported each other getting layers out and keeping morale high.”
While the ‘hard skills’ learned on the mountain (and in the Youth Hostel kitchen!) will come in handy as this group of young people take on their own adventures in the future, the wider benefit to their ‘soft skills’ of teamwork, communication, understanding and sense of responsibility will pay off in all aspect of their futures.
“Made me realize more about the fun and enjoyment in organizing and carrying out your own expedition. This trip has inspired me to do similar things in the future as I have enjoyed this trip so much and learnt lots.”
“I’ve learnt that I don’t give up and even if it is difficult I can keep on going. I have learnt that worrying about what’s to come isn’t helpful and that staying in the moment helps you get through the tough moments. I also realised how a positive attitude and working together can make you so much better and stronger as a unit.”
“It has made me appreciate that having a good group of people around you can make a huge difference, on both the morale but also on how successful the group can be. In the future, I’m going to make sure to prioritise the soft skills like fostering relationships with people as having positive connections with people are extremely important.”
The expedition is particularly grateful to the Ulysses Trust, HQ Royal Navy & Royal Marines CCF, and Regional Command Cadets for their support, both practical and financial. We hope that this final quote shows the true value:
“It’s definitely made me more confident, both in my skills on the mountain and in my ability to help out and organise things that were needed for the expedition. In the future it will definitely make me more willing to step out of my comfort zone and try things I might not have much or any experience in. It will also allow me to trust that I can get on with different combinations of people if even if I don’t know them very well before.”
