11 cadets and 3 adult volunteers from Morrison’s Academy CCF headed to the Cairngorms National Park for four days of Adventurous Training at the start of their October half term holiday. The aim of the trip was to introduce the cadets to summer mountain walking and mountain biking. There was a particular focus on building resilience through the physical challenge of the activities as well as teaching skills such as navigation.
Friday 09 October: The group met at the school and underwent final kit checks and then were issued maps, compasses and team stores, such as group shelters, before healing north to the Drumochter Pass. The aim for the first day was to walk a 17km route that ascended two munros (mountains over 3000 feet above sea level). The weather conditions were great, with clear skies and relatively warm (for Scotland in October!) temperatures. Initially the going underfoot was easy but soon the gradient steepened and height was rapidly gained. We stopped for lunch just below the summit of Beinn Udlamein and enjoyed the views. Refuelled, the group powered on to the top before descending to the bealach (col) below Beinn Sgairneach Mhor. There was an easy-to-follow path to the summit and then a straightforward walk back to the minibuses. Once in Aviemore there was more refuelling in a local chip shop before heading to a nearby supermarket to buy the food for the trip. The cadets were given the shopping list and then embarked on what one called ‘supermarket sweep’. After a few incorrect products were rejected, we drove the short distance to our accommodation, a lodge at Badaguish, our home for the next three nights.
Saturday 10 October: After a filling breakfast (pancakes made by WO1 Martin) the group spent a day mountain biking. WO1 Martin led the activity and this began with comprehensive bike checks before being taught about braking and balance. This then led onto a session on the skills track where cornering and drop-offs were coached and practised. Following lunch, the group then made use of the fantastic network of tracks in the Rothiemurchus Forest and completed a 20km journey. For some this was their first day mountain biking whilst others were seasoned veterans. The only way to recover after this is to eat a large amount of chocolate cake at the lodge. Following dinner (officially Spanish Chicken but referred to as ‘Chicken Surprise’ by some cheeky cadets and adults) the group spent part of the evening creating detailed route cards under the supervision of Lt Col Clayton for the walking they would be doing the next day.
Sunday 11 October: Yet another day of amazing weather saw the group head to the Cairngorms ski area to begin a 8km circuit of the Northern Coires. This is a stunning geographical feature where the main plateau ends with cliffs that are hundreds of feet high. The group split into two and each cadet was asked to lead a number of legs around the route. Careful map reading was the order of the day as contours were counted, distances measured and estimates for the time each leg would take were calculated. This was a true application of the navigation skills in an outdoor environment that all cadets are taught in the warmth of a classroom and what would appear to be a simple calculation suddenly became harder when fatigue kicked in. However, what made the day was the weather – blue skies and warm temperatures. The views in all directions were simply stunning. The group ascended Cairn Lochan and then traversed the edge of the Northern Coires to climb Cairngorm before descending, via a stop at the Ptarmigan restaurant, to the minibus. That evening the cadets cooked pizza and relaxed at the lodge.
Monday 12 October: On the final day of the trip the cadets were given a choice of the activity that they would do. One group went with WO1 Martin for a walk up a mountain called Meall a Buchaille. The others went with Lt Col Clayton on their mountain bikes. Both groups passed through Glenmore and visited the Green Loch (so called because of the minerals in the water) and Ryvoan Bothy. The cyclists’ route was 27km and finished with a long climb up the Slugan Pass before descending to Badaguish whereas the walkers travelled 8km. Both groups met at Badagish and, after a final consumption of cake, travelled south to Crieff.
Final thoughts: For all but two of the cadets and one of the adult volunteers this was their first experience of Adventure Training. One cadet had never climbed a munro before (he only has 279 to do now!) and one another had never mountain biked. A trip such as this builds self-confidence, teamwork and individual resilience as participants are pushed physically and mentally. The cost of the venture was significantly reduced thanks to the fact that the Black Watch ACF loaned us their bikes and due to the generosity of the Ulysses Trust. Additionally, as a CCF, we have suitably qualified instructors who can deliver the activities at no cost to the cadets. I wish to finish with some comments that came from a mixture of our cadets and CFAVs.
Lt Jane Corbett wrote;
“It was an inspiring and rewarding trip that showcased the very best of our cadets. Their outstanding commitment, resilience, and teamwork shone through in every challenge, and their enthusiasm and impeccable behaviour made them a pleasure to be with. Spending time with them rekindled my own passion for getting out into the Scottish hills and reminded me just how rewarding these experiences can be, for both cadets and staff alike.”
The mother of Cadet A said;
“My daughter had a brilliant time and has come back with lots of great photos and memories, not to mention new mountain biking skills!”
Cadet R said;
“I had a brilliant few days away in Aviemore. The biking was amazing and so much fun. I found some of the hiking challenging but it taught me if you set your mind to something you can do it, especially when helped by great friends and teachers.”
Cadet R’s mother said;
“Biking is his passion, so being given the opportunity to explore new trails with friends, in such a gorgeous part of the country, was just brilliant. Having not done a huge amount of hiking, he did find some of this out with his comfort zone but ultimately, with the support of a lovely group of friends and fantastic teachers, it was clearly a rewarding experience for him. I think it has helped him learn to tackle challenges head on and have more self-belief in himself. I am sure the weekend has helped build his resilience, determination and self-confidence, not to mention solidifying friendships.”