Three teams of RAF Air Cadets successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expedition in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland, during August 2026. Supported by a generous grant from The Ulysses Trust, the expedition challenged cadets to undertake a four-day, three-night self-sufficient journey whilst carrying out their aim of examining the industrial footprint of the Mournes, including the use of reservoirs, stone masonry, farming practices and their impact on the landscape.
Over the course of the expedition, cadets navigated through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular mountain terrain, traversing rugged ridgelines, remote valleys and historic tracks. Alongside the physical demands of carrying expedition equipment across challenging ground, participants gathered evidence for their aim through photography and discussions about how generations of human activity have shaped the landscape seen today. Teams examined the famous Mourne Wall, explored the impact of traditional stone quarrying and masonry, and considered how reservoir construction and hill farming have influenced the environment and local communities.
While the expedition aim provided a focus for the journey, the greatest achievements often came through overcoming the daily challenges of expedition life. Cadets demonstrated resilience during long days on the hill, made collective decisions under pressure, and developed essential teamwork skills whilst cooking, navigating and living independently in expedition teams.
Cadet McG reflected on the experience, saying:
“The expedition was one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in cadets. It was physically demanding at times, especially on some of the longer days, but working together as a team really helped. We learned a lot about each other and came away much stronger as a group.”
Sgt W added:
“The Mournes were an amazing place to complete our Gold expedition. It was great fun exploring the area, but the biggest thing I learned was how important communication and teamwork are. Everyone had to contribute and support each other, which made finishing the expedition even more satisfying.”
The success of the expedition would not have been possible without the support of The Ulysses Trust. Their funding helped provide an opportunity for cadets to experience challenging adventure, develop leadership and teamwork skills, increase their self-confidence and complete a significant milestone within their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey. By the end of the expedition, all three teams had successfully completed their routes, returning with lasting memories, stronger friendships and a greater appreciation of the Mourne Mountains.
