Exercise NORTHERN MIDDLETON ADVENTURE was a 150 Regiment RLC Adventure Training package delivered based out of Capel Curig, North Wales. Participants from across the Regiment took part in kayaking, mountaineering and mountain biking in an effort to challenge individual goals, implement Army Leadership and Resilience Training (ALeRT) and enhance the opportunities for Army Reservists to become future Adventure Training Instructors as well as instructors refreshing their log-books for upkeep of currency and competency. With access to several quality training areas, the location was more than ideal to deliver this level of training to a relatively inexperienced group of individuals.
During the period we conducted mountaineering in and around Snowdon (14 personnel), kayaking at Plas y Brenin lake and indoor pool (11 personnel) and mountain biking at Coed y Brenin (11 personnel). We then conducted a further ALeRT training serial on the last day involving cave trampolining which was extremely popular amongst those in attendance. We utilised mainly our own instructors for the delivery of training and managed to gain support from another reserve unit with an additional SML instructor for the mountaineering.
The location itself lends itself for quality and challenging training being delivered in a superb environment. Using the ALeRT model, it permitted us to assess the level of each individual and how much they were willing to challenge themselves throughout. The weather certainly played a big part of the experience for all personnel as during the second day of activities and certainly tested individuals throughout.
Climbing Snowdon for some was a challenge, for others it was a personal goal with one army reservist stating ‘it has been on their bucket list to climb Snowdon prior to reaching 50 years of age’. Personnel were split into 2 groups for this activity and were suitably equipped, they enjoyed the challenge (not the weather), testing personal fitness levels and working together as they have not done previously in a challenging environment. Due to visibility being a little poor, the requirement for navigation skills was a must and this brought out great leadership skills and endurance amongst the group. Despite the weather, the scenery was most certainly worth the trip. This was by far the most popular activity with 50% of those attending choosing to conduct this activity.
Kayaking was conducted over 2 days and based out of Plas y Brenin Outdoor Centre (an organisation who are extremely supportive of the Armed Forces). The use of the indoor pool to conduct safety drills for personnel not accustomed to kayaking was extremely beneficial prior to heading to the expansive lake and onto some moving water. Weather conditions on day 1 were perfect and saw a huge level of personal development for all those undertaking the activities. At least four individuals have expressed further interest in becoming instructors within the Army Reserves and their development and progression will be supported with future training and courses being supported. The second day of kayaking required us to take shelter later into the morning once the inclement weather arrived. Unfortunately, due to higher-than-normal chlorine levels in the indoor pool, we were unable to conduct this session indoors which would have been extremely beneficial to the group. Notwithstanding the weather, everyone had a great time, learned new skills, several capsizes and most certainly we now have more proficient kayakers in the unit for future events.
Mountain biking was another popular activity, due to this activity being conducted over 2 days with smaller groups, the use of E-Bikes was conducted at Coed y Brenin Mountain Bike circuit. With a very proficient Mountain Bike Leader, the routes and distances were extremely challenging to all, the weather did not seem to impact on this activity as everyone most certainly enjoyed the challenge. The use of E-Bikes was a huge benefit as everyone was on an even keel when it came to bike ability. The hire of the equipment on-site reduced the need for additional transport, costly maintenance and gave individuals much more time on activities.
One individual sadly succumbed to a fall at speed from his bike whilst undertaking the circuit and thankfully was not badly injured. He was unable to conduct any further physical activities for the remainder of the exercise.
The accommodation at Capel Curig was sufficient for the location. Following our departure, the majority of the single room accommodation was being condemned, and this will impact on future use of the site requiring reduced numbers. Aside from this issue, the remainder of the accommodation was fit for basic use, the on-site staff were superb, and the food was simply first class. The quality and quantity of food, and professionalism shown by the staff was certainly worthy of note.
The benefits of this Adventure Training have most certainly aided our retention of personnel, and we will likely see many undertake further foundation level courses to progress their skills and seek advancement. The ability to minimise use of transport and reduce fuel and associated costs was very much evident throughout. Our personnel being spread across six different sub-unit locations certainly aided cohesion from the very start of the exercise and throughout. It catered extremely well for Army Reservists only being available for a limited amount of time and maximised their opportunities to take part in activities of their preference. There will be noticeable changes in the workplace in terms of improved confidence, leadership and most certainly understanding resilience in difficult situations and being able to apply these routinely.
The support kindly provided from the Ulysses Trust has been incredible and has most certainly made a difference to all our personnel. The opportunities to less fortunate individuals or those who have never had the chance to undertake this level of training previously has opened new avenues. This has significantly enhanced relations to improve the lived experience of our personnel.
