282 (East Ham) Squadron RAFAC Scottish Heights 2025 – 3438
From the 22nd to the 30th of August 2025, cadets and staff from 282 (East Ham) Squadron and 1147 (Barking) Squadron RAF Air Cadets embarked on a truly memorable week of adventure training in the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Swapping the urban sprawl of East London for the vast, rugged beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, the group undertook a 12-hour journey—each way—with excitement and perhaps a little apprehension about the challenges ahead.
Upon arrival at Garelochhead Training Camp, preparation began almost immediately for the first part of the week: the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions. After final briefings, revision sessions in navigation and campcraft with their assessors, and a “supermarket sweep” expedition food shop, the teams were ready. Thankfully, common sense prevailed, and heavy tins and fragile glass jars were left behind in favour of lighter, exped-friendly options.
This expedition had been months in the making. As the teams travelled along the scenic route past Loch Long and into the mist-covered hills, the magnitude of the task ahead became clear. Despite this, spirits remained high, and the teams stepped off from the starting point both focused and excited.
Throughout training, cadets had been warned that “Scotland is a different beast” compared to their previous expeditions in Wales. Four days, three overnight camps, two sore feet, one major summit (Ben Lui), and countless midgie bites later, the beast had been met, respected and conquered. Cadets reached the end point exhausted but elated, having pushed themselves to new limits and achieved something extraordinary.
Expedition Diary
Day 1 saw the teams walk approximately 17km and ascend 475m. Teams walked from the A83 (car park NW of Beinn Ime) to the Beinglas Campsite in Inverarnan. The teams headed NE from the start point through Glen Kinglas then through the wooded area above Loch Sloy. When they exited the first area of woodland, they turned North navigating between Lochan Srath Dubh-uisge and Lochan Beinn Damhain to pick up the track NW of Garabal Hill. This track brought the teams down to the A82 North of Glen Falloch Weir where they were escoted to the campsite.
Day 2 saw the teams initially walk along the famous West Highland Way, past the Falls of Falloch and up to Derrydaroch where they were escorted across the A82. They then headed North, navigating around Fiarach and from there, set up camp near Dalrigh. The day itself was approximately 14km with a total ascent of 736m.
Day 3 saw the teams walk back along the West Highland Way up to Cononish. They followed the track west where they met staff who supported a river crossing over the Allt an Rund. The weather on this day was particularly poor and extremely wet. This was a very arduous day after the initial river crossing. Many more river crossings were to follow as streams were all in spate. Teams walked through the valley between Ben Lui and Ben Oss, initially planning to camp approximately 2km due south of the Ben Lui summit. Due to the ground being completely saturated, the teams had to walk a further 2km south to reach drier ground. The day itself was approximately 15km with 600m of ascent.
Day 4 was a relatively easy day for the teams (approx 11km), which is understandable considering the ‘monster’ of a day that the previous day was. Teams walked from the campsite to the Drovers Inn in Inveraran via the track North of Sgairneach Mor. After debriefs, some proper food and access to proper facilities, the teams headed back to camp.
To recover before the next phase of the adventure training week, cadets and staff enjoyed some well-earned downtime. This included a visit to the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, a competitive round of ten-pin bowling, and, of course, some much-craved “normal food”— with McDonald’s and Nando’s proving especially popular!
On the penultimate day, the group visited Benmore Outdoor Activity Centre, where cadets challenged themselves with climbing, abseiling, high ropes, and canoeing. From the perspective of the staff team, it was inspiring to watch cadets support each other, push beyond their comfort zones, and share uncontrollable laughter throughout the day.
This is exactly why we volunteer. Seeing young people grow in confidence, resilience, and teamwork through activities like these is immensely rewarding. This unforgettable experience would not have been possible without the generous support of The Ulysses Trust. On behalf of every cadet and staff member who took part in Scottish Heights 2025, thank you. Your support empowered the young people of 282 Squadron and 1147 (Barking) Squadron RAFAC to face challenges, grow as individuals, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Ulysses Trust also wish to thank the generosity of the Aviation Focus Group for supporting this expedition.
