Thanks to the generous support of The Ulysses Trust, thirty Sea Cadets from across London Area, accompanied by ten Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, recently took part in a demanding and rewarding adventure training weekend in the Peak District. This weekend gave the cadets the opportunity to experience caving as well as hillwalking and campcraft.
This annual expedition, now a well-established part of the London Area Sea Cadet calendar, aims to challenge young people in unfamiliar environments and support their development through structured, adventurous activity. The 2025 event would not have been possible without the significant contribution from The Ulysses Trust, whose funding enabled access to professional instruction, specialist equipment, and safe, high-quality delivery of the programme.
The weekend began with the fundamentals of outdoor living. After arriving at the campsite late on Friday evening, cadets were immediately tasked with setting up their tents in the dark. For many, this was their first experience of camping, and the activity introduced them to essential campcraft skills—from pitching and securing tents to organising personal kit and preparing meals in an outdoor environment.
Saturday brought the expedition’s most physically and mentally demanding activity: caving. The group travelled to Giants Hole, a significant cave system near Castleton, where a professional external provider delivered all instruction and guided the cadets underground. Fully equipped with helmets, overalls, harnesses, and wellington boots, the cadets entered in small groups, each accompanied by an experienced caving guide.
For participants, this was their first time in such an environment. The activity involved crawling through confined spaces, climbing vertical sections using ladders, and negotiating underground streams—all in complete darkness except for their headlamps. Along the way, cadets learned about the geology and natural history of the cave, and how water has shaped the landscape over millions of years.
Despite the physical effort required and the occasional challenging moments, every cadet emerged from the cave with a huge sense of achievement. Many overcame personal challenges—such as a fear of heights or confined spaces—through teamwork, encouragement, and perseverance.
On Sunday, attention turned to the hills. Cadets completed a day of hillwalking and navigation around the iconic Mam Tor area. Under the supervision of staff, they used Ordnance Survey maps to plan routes, navigate terrain, and apply safe movement techniques in the open countryside. This element of the weekend allowed cadets to develop their map- reading and hill safety skills, contributing towards their Sea Cadet Basic Hillwalking Proficiency.
Throughout the weekend, cadets also learned valuable life skills: resilience, responsibility, self-reliance, and trust in others. They worked alongside peers from across the London Area, formed new friendships, and strengthened bonds across units. The ten adult volunteers supporting the expedition provided guidance and encouragement, while also benefiting from the opportunity to develop their own instructional and leadership experience.
