On Friday 11 October 11 cadets and 2 adult volunteers from Morrison’s Academy CCF set off for a four day Adventure Training expedition to the Cairngorms National Park. Nine of the cadets were novices and this was their first multi day expedition. Following a kit check and route brief the group set off and drove to just south of Dalwhinnie. The aim for the first day was to climb Sgairneach Mhor, a Munro. This was the first opportunity to practise navigation in a mountainous environment. What had seemed to be a straightforward task in a warm classroom was infinitely more challenging on a mountainside. The weather was nowhere nearly as bad as what had been forecast and the cadets enjoyed good views from the summit. Having safely descended to the minibuses at Dalnaspidal the group continued up the A9 to Aviemore before enjoying a visit to the local fish and chip shop. From there it was a short journey to our base for the next few days, Badaguish.
The second day was slightly damp but this did not prevent an introduction to mountain biking within the confines of Rothiemurchus forest. Instruction was given by WO1 Martin and then the group were given the chance to practise their skills on the local forest tracks. By the end of the day all were riding were far more competence and confidence. Cadet Zoe Currie said, “I really enjoyed learning how to do drop-offs within the skills park at Badaguish”. Following dinner the group then spent time creating route cards for their next mountain walk up Meall a Bhuchaille. The creation of route cards is part of the Army Cadet Syllabus and really got the group to focus on where they would be going the next day.
Temperatures had dropped overnight and there was snow on the highest part of the route. Each member of the group was asked to lead a “leg” of the route and there was a lot of time spent improving basic “map to ground” skills. There was a chance to stop at the Glenmore Centre and learn about the Norwegian commandos who trained in the area during the Second World War and the part that they played in the destruction of the Nazi heavy water plant at Rjukan. Following a visit to the “Green Lochan” and lunch in Ryvoan bothy the cadets ascended Meall a Bhuchaille and were rewarded with spectacular views across Speyside. The group returned safely to Badaguish and had the chance to prepare their equipment for the final day of activities.
The last day was spent conducting a mountain bike journey through Rothiemurchus forest, via Ryvoan to Nethybridge. The standard of cycling skills for the group was noticeably better than it had been on the first day and they enjoyed some stunning scenery before completing their cycle in Aviemore. All that remained was some time spent cleaning the bikes, which had been provided by the Black Watch ACF before beginning the journey south to Crieff. The minibus was far quieter than it had been on the outward leg as most of the cadets were asleep!
Adventure Training trips like this provide the cadets to learn new skills and mix with others whom they might not normally train with on a weekly basis. Following the return to school the cadets give an Assembly talk to the school community about the trip which serves to advertise the CCF to the audience. This trip would not have been possible without the generous financial input from the Ulysses Trust.
Mike Clayton
Lt Col CCF
OC Morrison’s Academy CCF
