From the 14–21 December 2025, 53 Army Reservists and instructors deployed with 3 MI Bn to the Trois Vallées ski area in the French Alps for an overseas winter adventurous training exercise – Ex Cockney Skadi X. Flying from Gatwick to Lyon, the team transferred to Les Allues in the Méribel Valley, ready to tackle […]
Cockney Skadi X – 2025 Read More »
It was a cold dark morning when we boarded the coach. For all there was excitement and for most some trepidation about an unknown future. Time away from home with other cadets and adult staff with whom, until now, our interactions had been limited to a couple of hours a week on a Wednesday afternoon.
Ullswater Residential Week 2025 Read More »
Join Dr. Amelia Rudd, polar expedition leader, endurance athlete and inspirational speaker, for an exciting talk on how adventure builds powerful leadership skills and resilience. Through real-life stories from some of the most challenging environments on Earth, learn how adventure can help you expand your comfort zone, and how these experiences can be applied to everyday
🎙 Expedition Leaders: Exploring Leadership Through Adventure Read More »
In September 2025, 54 Officer Cadets from six University Air Squadrons embarked on a long-running expedition to the wilderness of northern Sweden. Divided into three groups of around 18, the students each spent a week canoeing down a 60km stretch of the Harkan River in Jämtland County. This trip aimed to build resilience, teamwork and
Harkan Wilderness 2025 Read More »
A huge thank you to City Veterans CIC for hosting a wonderful Carol Service at the Guards’ Chapel at Wellington Barracks in Westminster on 11 December 2025. It was a warm, uplifting event, and we’re truly grateful to have been part of it. We extend our sincere thanks to all the City Veterans and the
City Veterans 2025 Carol Service Read More »
Previous Chair of the Ulysses Trust, AVM Nick Kurth (pictured centre), represented the Trust at the Aviation Focus Group (AFG) Christmas lunch on 11 December 25 at the RAF Club. Cadet Flight Sergeant Charles Johnson (pictured left) from 282 (East Ham) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets highlighted the great expedition support his squadron had
Aviation Focus Group Lunch 2025 Read More »
In September and October 2025 Trent Wing undertook two DofE Training weekends aimed at Gold / Silver Practice and Assessed Expeditions in the White and Dark Peak areas of the Peak District. Weekend 1 saw some 31 Cadets undertake Silver Practice, 20 Silver Assessed and 33 Gold Practice expeditions. The weekend was based between Millers
Derbyshire Sector Silver/ Gold DofE Practice 2025 Read More »
I spent the week kayaking with a Civilian instructor who was very knowledgeable and helped me gain a foundation course. I also attended two multi-activity days, where you could choose what you did that day. I chose hill walking to build up my experience and log more hill days, which is an important step towards
Bavarian Hasta – (Serial 1 & Serial 2) 2025 Read More »
Suffolk ACF – Adventure Training Snowdonia National Park October 2025 Introduction “The view is amazing!” This was the quote from all the cadets on reaching the summit of our mountains we climbed and realising that Suffolk is quite flat! Over the October break, 40 cadets and 10 adult instructors from Suffolk ACF took part in
AT Wales – October 2025 Read More »
On September 1st the third annual Exercise Leviathan, once again supported by The Ulysses Trust, set sail from Portsmouth Harbour. Forty young army cadets from JFS CCF, St Benedict’s CCF, City of London and NE Sector ACF and 9 Company ACF spilt into four crews aboard four 72ft Challenger class yachts began their voyage with no
During the 2025 October half term 26 Sea Cadets aged 11 to 17 years and 5 adult volunteers from East District Sea Cadets embarked on a 1-week offshore sailing voyage on board the Baltic Trader Queen Galadriel and Bermudan Ketch Faramir, owned and operated by The Cirdan Sailing Trust and sailing out of Ipswich Beacon
East District SCC Offshore 2025 Read More »
Under new leadership, this year’s MR SAILEX took advantage of the gap in the unseasonal weather experienced in September to make the most of a glorious weekend of sailing on the Solent. Filling six of the Joint Service’s Sailing vessels, 28 members drawn from 10 units of the Maritime Reserve enterprise took part. Although smaller
Maritime Reserve Sailing Expedition (SAILEX) 2025 Read More »
Overview: 9 – 16 Nov 2025 – Ex DRAGON TREPAR. This was a type 3 rock climbing expedition to the Calpe region of southern Spain. The lead organising unit was 3 R Welsh. The Ex OiC (and instructor) was 3 R Welsh UATO, with addition instructors provided by SW OTR, 100RA and PRU Wales and
Dragon Trepar 2025 Read More »
On the 8th of September 2025, eleven Officer Cadets from Northumbrian, Yorkshire, and Oxford University Air Squadrons embarked on a major adventurous training expedition to Slovenia. Supported by two members of staff and a designated driver their task was to complete a 227.9km cycle, tackling 4925m of ascent over 5 days across the Juliana Alps.
This year as part of the SWOTR, I had the opportunity to take part in two adventure training exercises that introduced me to kayaking and further go on to complete a sea kayak safety and rescue course. In early summer I travelled to north Scotland for a week of sea kayaking. This was my first
Sea Kayak Safety Rescue & Sea Kayak Leader Assessment 2025 Read More »
Between 17–19 October 2025, six members of 100RA took to the water for Exercise SOLENT UBIQUE – a three-day sailing expedition on board Bombardier III, the Royal Artillery Yacht Club’s 34-foot yacht. Supported by The Ulysses Trust, regimental, and public funds, the exercise aimed to develop teamwork, leadership, and seamanship through practical adventurous training on
Solent Ubique 25 2025 Read More »
366 King Ecgbert air cadet squadron was formed in 1975. The squadron has a proud record of taking part in events all over the country from parades to shooting events, to overseas organised trips. The cadets have opportunities to go climbing, hiking and take on all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh award. With all
Thornbridge AT Weekend 2025 Read More »
‘Roof of Africa’: Cambridgeshire Army Cadets summit Mount Kilimanjaro Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force is always looking for new ways to achieve its central goals – to develop and inspire young people, and our 14 day expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, in August of this year, did exactly that. The generous donation from The Ulysses Trust
Venturer Mount Kilimanjaro 2025 Read More »
Over the last four years, sea kayaking has become very popular within Exeter UOTC. Fortunately, we hold a small armada of sea kayaks and associated equipment and being based in Devon allows good access to some of the south-west top sea kayaking venues around the Devon and Cornwall coast. Making the most of our fortunate
Tammie Norrie 25 2025 Read More »
On 24-28 October 2025 – Hertfordshire Wing RAF Air Cadets successfully completed their Gold level Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Wye Valley National Park. Whilst Hertfordshire Wing ran this event, participants from London, Middlesex, South Midlands and Wales joined to make up three gold and one silver group. As this was at the very end
Herts RAFAC Silver & Gold Expedition – Wales 2025 Read More »
On 30th August, 21 members of HQ Centre arrived at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell. The day consisted of a full schedule of briefings—some mandatory Health & Safety sessions, alongside instructional lectures for those participating in the Distributed Training to gain their Summer Mountain Foundation qualification. After lunch, the group was issued any required loan pool equipment
Dragon Polar Elephant 2025 Read More »
Our Winter 2025 newsletter is out now. INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Winter 2025 e‑newsletter! In this special edition, we’re delighted to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has become our new Royal Patron—bringing his long‑standing dedication to youth, cadet forces, and the DofE Award. We held our annual Odyssey Circle celebration at Google
Winter 2025 Newsletter Read More »
Firstly, on behalf of Gosport Sea Cadets, I would like to extend my thanks for the opportunity to attend this sailing weekend. It allowed 9 young people to bond and form friendships that probably would not have happened if this trip had not taken place. This trip also provided some of our cadets to have
On the 26th September 2025, 20 cadets made up from 1165 (Oswestry), 24 (Market Drayton), 28 (Shawbury) and 1119 (Shrewsbury) squadron and 4 staff made the trip from Shropshire to the Arete centre in North Wales. For some of these cadets it was their first overnight weekend activity undertaken with the air cadets so there
1165 (Oswestry) Squadron Adventure Training Multi Activity Weekend 2025 Read More »
Sussex Cadets Take to the Skies – ‘A’ Company’s Parachuting Expedition Tests Resilience and Spirit In the summer of 2025, cadets aged 16 and 17 from ‘A’ Company, Sussex Army Cadet Force, embarked on a remarkable expedition designed to push them beyond the ordinary boundaries of training. The aim of the venture was to provide
A Company Parachuting 2025 Read More »
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
Cairngorms Venturer 25 2025 Read More »
This year saw the hottest unit camp since records began, with significant fires having taken place across Dorset including the area where we were due to camp. Despite these challenges the highlight of the year still took place- 42 cadets got a chance to go away and have an experience they will never forget. Thursday
Poole Sea Cadets Annual Camp 2025 Read More »
Fourteen cadet and two staff set off on a Voyage of Discovery. Cadets from Clacton on Sea unit were offered a voyage with the Cirdan Trust but this voyage would have been out of reach for us as a unit without the support of the Ulysses Trust. The expedition was originally set to head to
Cirdan Voyage of Discovery 2025 Read More »
In July, twelve sea cadets from Keighley embarked on an adventurous voyage aboard the James Cook, a vessel owned and operated by the Ocean Youth Trust North. The journey began at North Shields, with the cadets setting sail out to sea before heading to the port of Grimsby. The cadets and crew spent some time
Ocean Youth Trust North Voyage 2025 Read More »
Organising Body: RAF Mountaineering Association (RAFMA)Location: Bohuslän, Sweden – renowned for its granite crack climbingDates: 1st – 11th September 2025Participants: 12 RAFMA members, regular and reservist, including instructors and climbers of varying experience levels Objectives: Ex Trad Venture 25 was designed to develop the trad climbing skills of RAFMA members and help them understand the
In this article, OCdt Rosie Brown and OCdt Annabelle Vaughan describe the many challenges and lessons learnt from the South West OTR climbing and via ferrata trip to the Dolomites. Towards the end of the summer a group of 30 OCdts gathered in Wyvern barracks ready to begin Ex DELAGO COMICI. For some, 2 weeks
Delago Comici 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is proud to have supported 13 young people to attend the Royal Geographical Society’s Explore weekend—one of the UK’s leading gatherings for expedition planning, field research, and adventurous training. The aim of the bursaries was to inspire and enable future leaders to develop exciting and challenging expeditions for the years ahead. Those
RGS Explore Bursaries Inspire the Next Generation of Cadet Adventurers Read More »
A new report from 42 schools with cadet units shows clear, consistent, and overwhelmingly positive impact on pupils’ education, personal development, and wellbeing. Schools reported improved attendance, behaviour, confidence, resilience, and emotional health among cadets, with particularly striking benefits for disadvantaged, SEND, or previously disengaged pupils. Staff wellbeing also improved through volunteering as Cadet Force
New Report Shows Cadet Units Transform School Communities Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce a generous donation of £60,000 from Forces Support, a UK charity dedicated to supporting the families of fallen service personnel. This significant contribution will directly enable cadet units across the UK to deliver challenging and life-changing expeditions for young people in the Army Cadets, Royal Navy Cadets and
The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce that City Veterans CIC has selected us as their charity partner for the coming year. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to strengthening opportunities for young people across the UK’s Reserve and Cadet Forces. Our first official partnered event will be the City Veterans annual
New Charity Partnership with City Veterans Read More »
Warsash Sea Cadets undertook an offshore sail training voyage with Rona Sailing Project, between 7-13th April 2025, involving 8 cadets and 2 volunteers. The voyage took place on Sailing Yacht Merrilyn, a 65-foot schooner. The cadets onboard had varying sailing experience, some new to yachts through to very experienced dinghy/yacht sailors. The voyage provided the
Merrilyn Easter Sailing Voyage 2025 Read More »
I am pleased to report back on a successful Bronze Duke of Edinburgh assessment weekend – the first Duke of Edinburgh assessment weekend our squadron has run since 2012. Thanks to your support, we were once again able to make this happen at minimal cost to parents/carers – in an area of high financial deprivation,
1228 (Louth) Sqn Bronze DofE Qualifiying Expedition 2025 Read More »
Ex HIGHLAND EXPRESS 25 was a ULOTC Offshore Sailing expedition delivered over nine days using JSASTC yachts based in Oban. Over the duration of the expedition, OCdts completed their RYA Competent Crew qualification, in a challenging environment, enjoying the unique geography that Scotland provides. This pushed them out of their comfort zone and testing their
Highland Express 2025 Read More »
On 15 September 2025, ten Sea Cadets aged 11 to 15, accompanied by two adult volunteers, embarked on an educational voyage aboard the Thames Barge “Thalatta,” departing from Ipswich. Upon arrival, comprehensive safety briefings were provided, including detailed instructions on the correct use of lifejackets, and all procedures were carried out efficiently despite some initial
In September, Southampton University Officer Training Corps (SUOTC) departed on an adventurous training exercise in Tyrol, Austria. Our team conducted a hut-to-hut hiking expedition from the 8th to the 13th of September. We revisited the challenging Berlinner High Trail route. The expedition aimed to push us as officer cadets beyond our comfort zone and discover
Cadet – Bergziege Jaeger3 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is honoured to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has become Royal Patron of The Ulysses Trust charity. The Ulysses Trust fosters confidence, resilience, and self-awareness by providing funding and expert guidance for challenging and adventurous expeditions undertaken by members of the UK’s Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces. These
His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh becomes Royal Patron of The Ulysses Trust Read More »
Many thanks to everyone who attended our Odyssey Circle meeting at Google HQ in London yesterday evening. It was a wonderful night! The Odyssey Circle is a society of like-minded people who support the Reserve and Cadet Forces through expeditions and the life changing opportunities they represent. The purpose of the event was to thank
Odyssey Circle Celebration at Google HQ Read More »
The Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Award celebrates Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of cadets through challenge and adventure. This new award recognises volunteers who plan and deliver cadet expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, highlighting both the benefits to the young people who take part and
Our Summer 2025 newsletter is out now. IntroductionOur new look e-newsletter aims to keep you informed about some of the recent expeditions we have supported, our latest news and a video presentation for grant applicants. We’re trying a new electronic format for this edition of the newsletter. It saves money on printing and posting, its
Summer 2025 Newsletter Read More »
12 British Army reservists have returned from an exhilarating adventure training parachuting expedition in Cyprus, supported by the Ulysses trust. The aim was ambitious yet attainable, to qualify all novice participants on the UK Accelerated Freefall (AFF) course, taking them from ground school to freefall competency, and to provide continuation training for the more experienced.
Dragon Falling 2025 Read More »
After the last two years of adventures in the Dolomites, this year, for its annual expedition Dorset ACF was staying home based. So immediately thoughts turned to the world class scrambling and rock climbing available in North Wales. However even the biggest fans of the area could not have imagined that the weather would have
Venturer Snowdon 2025 Read More »
Ex GOLDEN LION is the Adjutant General’s Corps led, summer multi activity Adventurous Training expedition which included Mountain Biking, Summer Mountaineering and Rock Climbing/Klettersteig. The exercise consisted of 60 participants and 15 staff, taking place in and around Neustift im Stubaital, Austria. This year’s exercise took place over the period 04 – 13 Sep 25.
Golden Lion 25 2025 Read More »
Leadership on the High Ground: Cadets Conquer Canada’s Rockies MOUNTAIN STORM 25 was the culmination of a year-long programme of selection, preparation, and training by the cadets and well over a year of planning by the staff of this exhilarating expedition. This ambitious expedition involved the deployment of a team of cadets and staff from
Mountain Storm 2025 Read More »
On Monday September 8th, nine personnel from Birmingham UOTC set off for the Dolomites to participate in Ex Cadet Slim Gran Festa – a climbing expedition which allowed six Officer Cadets to successfully complete their rock climbing foundation qualification in the Dolomites. All of the participants gathered at our Army Reserve Centre (ARC) bright and
Cadet Slim Gran Festa 2025 Read More »
Reservists from 159 Regiment RLC deployed to southern Bavaria for Ex DRAGON BARBARIAN ALPEN (Adventurous Training) in September 2025, completing one of two Foundation courses, Mountain Biking or Summer Mountaineering, and undertaking a two day intro to the other discipline. With Bavaria in the distance the first glimpse of the Alps was seen from the
Dragon Barbarian Alpen 2025 Read More »
A Maltese Adventure Beneath the Waves Introduction This September, members of 75 Engineer Regiment traded their army boots for fins on a two-week scuba diving expedition in Malta. From wrecks and reefs to tunnels and swim throughs, the team pushed their limits underwater while achieving new BSAC qualifications and strengthening bonds above the surface. The
Ypres Dive 25 2025 Read More »
Twenty-one Army Cadets and three Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from across the United Kingdom had the incredible opportunity this summer to travel to Bavaria in Germany to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. Their journeys began in the beautiful Allgäu region of Bavaria, situated in southern Germany and parts of Austria. After an
Venturer Bavaria Gold 2025 Read More »
Exercise WAGONERS ADVENTURE 2 was a 150 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps Level 3 Mountain Biking (MTB) Adventure Training expedition in the vicinity of Morzine, France. Thirteen service personnel from across the Regiment deployed on a 10-day package for novice riders, to challenge individual goals. Implementing and adopting the Army Leadership and Resilience Training (ALeRT) system
Wagoners Adventure 2 2025 Read More »
Summary Since 2019 Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force has had a formal Alliance with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Army Cadet Force and this year was the turn of GMACF (Greater Manchester Army Cadet force) Cadets to visit Gibraltar. Support from the REME Charity helped the cadets to experience a wide variety of training from Adventurous
Venturer GM Rock 25 2025 Read More »
Between 23rd August and 2nd September, eight members of the Birmingham University Officers Training Corps, accompanied by their instructor, participated in a mountaineering expedition in Corsica, France. They navigated through the northern section of the GR20 route, regarded as being one of the toughest treks in Europe, with rocky ridges, wild scenery and high altitudes.
Cadet Slim Pickings 2025 Read More »
British Army Team Conquers Europe’s Wildest Gravel Challenge in Spain Four British Army personnel have successfully completed one of Europe’s most gruelling cycling challenges, conquering the legendary Badlands gravel race through the harsh landscapes of southern Spain. The expedition, supported by a media team from British Army Extra, saw two male and two female soldiers
TS TIGER, Leicester Sea Cadets, is a unit which forms part of the Sea Cadet Corps, a youth organisation for young people aged 9 – 18 years, based on the traditions and customs of the Royal Navy. Cadets are trained in disciplines on and off the water such as first aid, catering and water sports,
Central District Sea Cadets Silver and Gold D of E expeditions 2025 Read More »
Tyne South District Sea Cadets and Adults along with friends from Northumberland District Sea Cadets, Took part in an amazing offshore adventure this summer onboard the Training Ship – James Cook. The vessel belongs to the Ocean Youth Trust North and operates out of the Tyne. The Vessel had been taking part in the tall
Tyne South District OYT Voyage 2025 Read More »
West Wales District Sea Cadets recently supported a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Expedition to Snowdonia for our cadets to qualify in their expedition section. Through this expedition, they were supported by 4 adult volunteers, providing remote supervision and assessment throughout this time. Remote being the key word, as the participants need to be
Duke of Edinburgh – Gold 2025 Read More »
In July, ten cadets and two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers chartered the tall ship Challenger 2 from Belfast Marina in Northern Ireland. This endeavour was made possible through the generous support provided by the Ulysses Trust. The 12 novice sailors and the 4 experienced crew of the challenger 2 set sail and conducted Activity training
Lisnagarvey Tall Ships 2025 Read More »
Ex CADET GLACIAL EMU was an East Midlands UOTC Adventurous Training expedition held in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland from 29th June to 12th July 2025. The exercise involved 12 participants—4 instructors and 8 Officer Cadets—and aimed to introduce the Officer Cadets to Adventurous Training while completing the Alpine Mountain Foundation (AMF) course. The
Cadet Glacial EMU25 2025 Read More »
Summiting the roof of Africa – Two Reflections. THE FIRST VIEW Fourteen adventurers recently completed what many described as the most transformative experience of their lives, successfully reaching the 19,341-foot summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the challenging seven-day Lemosho Route. Led by two mountain leaders and supported by six experienced local guides, the entire group
Wyvern Uhuru Strike 25 Read More »
Introduction Across two long weekends (22-24 August and 29-31 August) 13 members of the Royal Yeomanry took part in sailing training in the Solent. Of these one was a qualified sailing instructor and three (having been able to attend both weekends) achieved the necessary requirements to gain the Royal Yacht Association (RYA) Competent Crew (CC)
Villier’s Armada 2025 Read More »
Introduction 2024 saw our unit (6 RIFLES Army Reserve), conduct its first large scale Adventure Training (AT) Exped to the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, this was kindly supported by the excellent work of the Ulysses trust. The idea was always to do more and keep progressing in order to provide the best opportunity for
Wyvern Grande 2025 Read More »
15 Officer Cadets from WUOTC recently visited Morzine in the French alps on a week-long mountain biking adventurous training package. Officer Cadets benefited from this trip by developing leadership skills, being pushed outside their comfort zone to develop resilience, improving their mountain biking ability and most importantly having fun on the trip. The group had a
Dragon Morzine 25 2025 Read More »
282 (East Ham) Squadron RAFAC Scottish Heights 2025 – 3438 From the 22nd to the 30th of August 2025, cadets and staff from 282 (East Ham) Squadron and 1147 (Barking) Squadron RAF Air Cadets embarked on a truly memorable week of adventure training in the stunning landscapes of Scotland. Swapping the urban sprawl of East
Scottish Heights 2025 Read More »
Between 9th June 2025 and 20th June 2025 6 students and 1 instructor from Liverpool University Air Squadron completed the Traversee Du Massif Vosgien bikepacking route through the Alsace region in France. They were accompanied by a support team of 2 students. They took on challenging but beautiful terrain. The route was 400km long with
LUAS Adventurous Training (France Bike packing) – Summer 2025 Read More »
Eight members of our Combined Cadet Force – six cadets and two adult Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (the Army and Navy section commanders) – recently took part in an unforgettable international voyage as part of the Tall Ships Race on the leg from Le Havre to Dunkirk, sailing on the Excelsior – one of the
Tall Ship Event from Lowestoft to Le Havre 2025 Read More »
First Tracks Venturer was a two day expedition that enabled 10 cadets to participate in the social mobility charity Snow Camp’s entry level course at the Tamworth Snow Dome. First Tracks provides young people (aged 13-21) with their first experience of snowsports at indoor snow centres in the UK throughout July and August every year.
First Tracks Venturer 2025 Read More »
This summer, 11 Officer Cadets from East Midlands UOTC took to the Ardeche River for a week of canoeing. Ex Cadet Paddle EMU provided a fun and exciting opportunity to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills, delivering the O2F canoe qualification. This successful expedition was made possible by the generous support of The Ulysses Trust. The
Cadet Paddle EMU 2025 Read More »
Journey There: Leaving home on 13th August 2025 in time to be at the minibuses for 2015hrs, the excitement was getting bigger. After meeting up with everyone and final checks with our OC, Charlie, we were on way. Travelling from Belfast to Dublin to get the ferry (and a couple of hours sleep), then the
Expedition Blue Sky 2025 Read More »
🎯 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! 🪂 From 25th–27th July, 8 brave Cadets from Delta Company (with support from C and B Company) headed to Netheravon Airfield in Wiltshire for our now annual, static line solo parachute jump. Arriving late Friday night under a dark, humid sky, we bunked down in the Bunk House ready for a full-on
Delta Company Parachuting Expedition 2025 Read More »
This August, soldiers from 156 Regiment RLC swapped their civilian jobs and Army Reserve drill nights for the mountain air of Morzine, France. Exercise ROSE STEEL ‘25 saw 14 troops take on a six-day Adventurous Training (AT) package, packed with mountain biking, klettersteig (via ferrata), and hill walking. The aim? To get out of comfort
“The best thing about being on the boat is meeting new friends and working with them” – Cpl G From 13th to 21st July 2025, 12 cadets and 2 CFAVs from Cumbria and Lancashire Wing Air Training Corps, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, completed their tall ship sailing expedition. They sailed from North Shields to
Ocean Youth Trust North – Tall Ships Race 2025 Read More »
Eight British Army reservists have returned from a high-adrenaline adventure training expedition in the United States, having earned internationally recognised skydiving qualifications and pushed their physical and mental limits in the skies above Southern California. Exercise EAGLES SPEEDSTAR, held from 19 June to 8 July 2025, saw personnel from 299 Parachute Squadron, 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment & Royal
Eagle Speedstar 2025 Read More »
In 2024, the first Expedition Tiree Tiger was undertaken. It was planned as an expedition with a difference. An expedition not only to explore and experience a remote island in the Inner Hebrides but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on its environment and community. However, it turned into something much bigger –
The Bronze DofE 2025 expedition weekend involved cadets from 1228 (Louth) Squadron Air Training Corps taking part in a training and practice expedition in the Lincolnshire Wolds in July 2025. The purpose of the weekend was to prepare cadets for their Bronze DofE assessed expedition, scheduled to take place in September 2025 (26–28 September), by
Between the 20th and 27th July 2025, 16 personnel, including 2 instructors, 2 SMF Continuation candidates and 12 students working towards their SMF qualification, took part in Exercise Slim Birds, a summer mountaineering expedition through Iceland’s renowned Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails. With over 75 km of hiking and significant elevation gain, the exercise pushed individuals
Cadet Slim Birds 2025 Read More »
Four Devon Army Cadets and 1 Cadet Force Adult Volunteer have enjoyed a five-day sailing expedition aboard the historic sailing vessel the Boleh, navigating the Solent as part of their Royal Yacht Academy (RYA) Competent Crew training. The journey, which began in Haslar and included stops in East Cowes, Southampton, Lymington, and a last night meal
Pellew Splash 25-02 2025 Read More »
Petty Officer Cadet E O from TS King Alfred took part in in the Tall Ships Race 25 2025 and described the experience in the following report: As part of a group of 18 Sea Cadets, 6 CFAV’s, 2 serving Royal Naval Officers and a team of Sea Cadet staff including Naval veterans from all
Tall Ships Race 25 2025 Read More »
In July 2025, a joint team from 158 Regiment RLC and 2 Battalion REME embarked on a demanding 14-day Adventurous Training (AT) expedition through Morocco’s breathtaking but unforgiving Atlas Mountains. Working side by side with members of the Moroccan Armed Forces and Gendarmerie, the team tackled a series of strenuous hillwalking routes in extreme weather
Dragon Steeleback 25 2025 Read More »
Following on from the success of ALPINE VENTURE 2024 where we got four RAF Mountaineering Association (RAFMA) personnel through their Alpine Mountaineering Foundation (AMF) course, I offered to lead a similar trip in 2025. Those plans changed a bit when the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Mountaineering Club (RN&RMMC) started planning a Tri-Service trip to
Alpine Venture 25 2025 Read More »
The Ulysses Trust is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to Officer Cadets, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who are aged 18-25 to attend the Royal Geographical Society’s (RGS) Explore event 31 October- 2 November 2025 at the Royal Geographical Society, London. We also have a special discount code for cadets who
Twenty DofE participants from throughout Norfolk & Suffolk Wg of the RAF Air Cadets and a team of six staff joined forces to run the largest (since I have been in post) Wing DofE gold expedition to the Brecon Beacons in July 2025. The expedition consisted of three teams, two undertaking their qualifying (assessed) expedition,
Wing Gold DofE Exped 2025 Read More »
Earlier this summer, seven officer cadets from the Manchester and Salford Universities Air Squadron took part in Exercise IRON ROAD – a week-long mountaineering expedition based in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. With support from The Ulysses Trust, the team tackled some of the Dolomites’ most dramatic Via Ferrata routes, building resilience, leadership, and technical climbing skills
“You can train for a storm in a textbook, but nothing prepares you for the reality of being inside a tent that feels like it’s about to be torn apart, thousands of miles from anywhere… You are completely reliant on the person next to you. That experience alone was worth the entire trip.” – LCpl
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
Peak Caving 25 2025 Read More »
Thirty four Silver and Gold DofE participants from Giggleswick School CCF travelled to Garelochhead Training Camp, Scotland in the first week of their Easter holidays. Accompanied by five instructors and five CFAVs the aim was to complete their training and expedition practice for the Award. Days 1 and 2 – Training: In the local area
Northern Jacobite Venturer 2025 Read More »
In late May 2025, forty-seven cadets from the Greater London South East Army Cadet Force embarked on a transformative expedition to North Wales, based out of the rugged and remote Capel Curig Training Camp. The week-long multi-activity adventure was made possible thanks to generous support from the Ulysses Trust, whose funding helped open the outdoors
Cockney Venturer Novice 12 (2025) Read More »
The IOD Sea Cadet Unit is a Schools Unit based on the Isle of Dogs, East London where, in the past, most cargo trade was transported by Thames Barges plying their trade on the Tidal Thames. We decided for our first residential trip to sail on the Blue Mermaid Thames Barge from the River Blackwater
Isle of Dogs Thames Barge Residential 2025 Read More »
Exercise ITCHYFOOT is the pinnacle adventurous training activity that Essex ACF runs annually for cadets in the Peak District. It is celebrating its 30th year and from humble beginnings has become the ultimate AT event in the Essex calendar. We are extremely grateful to have received a grant from the Ulysses Trust to assist with
“This trip made me realise that I can keep going even when I think I can’t, and that I am much more capable than I thought I was. In future I will be less nervous to take new opportunities because I am more sure I can do it.” In February half term a group of
Canford Norway 2025 Read More »
Ex CADET HIGHLAND SISTERS the recent Regimental Adventure Training (AT) expedition trekking the Affric Kintail Way (74 km) followed by day in the mountains of Kintail (10 km). The exercise aims were threefold, to provide Officer Cadets (OCdts) with an introduction to AT through a mountaineering expedition, deliver Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) to novices and
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EX BLUE LOBUCHE saw twelve Oxford UOTC OCdts deploy to Nepal 31 Mar-24 Apr 2025, five of whom summited Lobuche East (6119m) via an alpine climbing route. 31 Mar – 4 Apr 2025: Following a 60hr delay for fixed-wing flights into Lukla, and with no prospect of immediate improvement, the expedition used all the contingency
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In May 2025, a group of Sea Cadets from Hebburn Sea Cadets and RMCD embarked on a week-long voyage along the rugged Northeast coastline aboard a training vessel operated by the Ocean Youth Trust called the James Cook. The expedition was funded by the Ulysses Trust. This was not just a journey across the sea;
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
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The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce the generous donation of £10,000 from Cambridge Management Consulting, an international consulting firm. This contribution will directly support cadet units across the UK to deliver adventurous and challenging expeditions to army, air and sea cadets. The donation was marked by a formal cheque presentation at Cambridge MC’s London
210MMR headed across the Irish sea on 7 June 2025 with a party of 20 SPs for an adventure training exercise in the Highlands of Scotland. The week concentrated on climbing Munro Mountains every day, which are peaks over 3,000 feet. The week was arduous and challenging, testing every single soldier in some way whether
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Introduction: From the 11-21st June 2025, a team of 12 students and 2 instructors embarked on Ex Crystal Traverse, completing the Tahoe Rim Trail in Nevada and California, USA. This was a journey of 275km and over 8000m of elevation gain which was covered over 11 days. The group was entirely self-sufficient, carrying all food
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Summiting Mera Peak: A Life-Changing Experience for Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery In May 2025, a team of Army Reservists from 103 Regiment Royal Artillery returned from a three-week expedition to the Nepalese Himalayas, having successfully reached the summit of Mera Peak, which at 6,476 metres is Nepal’s highest trekking peak. The expedition,
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Staffordshire and West Midlands Army Cadet Force (North Sector) conducted an overseas sub aqua diving expedition, Malta Splash, in May 2025 with 8 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and 14 cadets (15-17yrs). The expedition primarily took place in the St Paul’s Bay area of Malta with travel to different venues to complete the diving. Aim:
From 24th-30th May 2025, Pocklington Detachment, Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, embarked on a 7-day expedition to Northumbria. With 10 cadets and 5 adult volunteers, the expedition aimed to test and enhance key navigation and expedition competencies at 1-, 2-, and 3-star levels, as well as to complete the expedition section of the Bronze Duke
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On Monday 07th April 2025, intrepid Air Cadets from 1244 (Swindon) Squadron set off from Swindon to the Outward Bound Centre at Ogwen Cottage, North Wales. The group comprised a mix of young people between the ages of 13 to 16, from a very wide range of backgrounds and experience; for a few, it was
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During the Bank Holiday weekend of 02 – 05 May some 140 cadets and 46 staff from Trent Wing RAFAC descended on Barn Farm Campsite at Birchover in the White Peak for the first Trent whole Wing DofE Expedition weekend since Covid. The weekend followed the successful format run by Derbyshire Sector over the past
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TS TIGER, Leicester Sea Cadets, is a unit which forms part of the Sea Cadet Corps, a youth organisation for young people aged 9 – 18 years, based on the traditions and customs of the Royal Navy. Cadets are trained in disciplines on and off the water such as first aid, catering and water sports,
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The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest this year with the UK’s first mixed gender military team. The eight-person team, with two supporting medical staff, placed two members of the regiment on the top of the world on the 19th of May at 08:43, marking the culmination of the HAC’s
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10-11 Mar 25: Our journey began the early hours of a cold, dark Monday morning when we arrived at our RHQ in Glasgow having either flown from Belfast or crossed Scotland from our Squadron locations. We paired up with our tent buddies to share poles and canvas, have a final rummage through our ration packs,
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In February half-term ten cadet NCOs and two staff made the long journey north to the Cairngorms, with the aim of experiencing the joys and challenges of the Scottish mountains in winter. The underlying philosophy was to run things as an expedition in order to further develop the NCOs, with the cadets having their own
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Between the 12th and 17th April 2025 Hereford and Worcester ACF (HWACF) took part in Exercise Forest Adventurer, which was a 6-day multi activity package delivered in the Forest of Dean and Abergavenny. On this occasion we opted for a number of activities that the cadets may not have engaged with before and so used
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From 21 Feb to 2 Mar 25, the Army Mountaineering Association (AMA) held its annual Scottish winter mountaineering and winter climbing meet. It was based out of Norwegian Lodge, a fantastic (MOD owned) hut on the edge of the Cairngorm National Park not far from Aviemore. 21 members of the AMA took part, from across
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Suffolk ACF – Adventure Training Snowdon – Easter 2025 Intro “The view is amazing!” Cadet L/Cpl Allison Hales, on reaching the summit of Moel Siabod and witnessing an unforgettable cloud inversion. Over the Easter break, 48 cadets and 10 adult instructors from Suffolk ACF took part in a challenging and rewarding Adventure Training week in
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COLNES Silver Practice and Qualifying Expedition The City of London and North East Sector has been building our presence in the DofE award for the last three years – from little acorns grow mighty oak trees! Our focus over those years has been the bronze award and getting Cadet Force Adult volunteer support for the
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7th-11th April 2025 | RAF Air Cadets Visit Ogwen Cottage, Gwenned, Wales 24 Cadets from 1105 (City of Winchester) and 1244 (Swindon) RAF Air Cadets reach new heights on adventure training course 1105 (City of Winchester) RAF Air Cadets As a Squadron we have been lucky enough to attend Outward Bound courses for several years,
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Cadets Rise to the Challenge in Transformative Duke of Edinburgh Expedition In a remarkable display of determination and teamwork, cadets from Penistone Grammar School CCF (PGS CCF) in Bravo, Alpha, and Charlie Troops recently completed a series of expeditions as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award journey—each group facing unique challenges that tested their
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The Royal Air Force Air Cadets joined forces from across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Middlesex to take 4 gold and 1 silver group to the Peak District to complete their expeditions. The event involved 31 Air Cadets and 7 staff members from across all these areas. The support of the Ulysses Trust was essential to
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