Storevatn to Vassdalstjørn 40km, 11 1/2hrs. Good forecast, no snow, light winds, but flat light. Make hay whilst the sun shines… and GO! 😀 Long day out alone in the winter hills… decided to try to get past Blasjø reservoir. This vast dammed lake provides 17% of Norwegian power (so I’m told). Last light as […]
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition: Day 8 Read More »
The Ice Maiden Expedition has become the first all-female team to cross the Antarctica continent from coast-to-coast using muscle power alone. The Ulysses Trust is proud to have been a major sponsor for such a challenging and ambitious expedition. After spending 62 days on the ice, the six soldiers crossed the finish line at the Hercules Inlet
Wow, what a trip! I am sitting in the airport at San Francisco, waiting for the flight home, reflecting on the last two weeks. It is hard to know where to start. I could run through the ‘stats’ (everyone climbing between 50 & 60 pitches or 2500 to 3000m of rock over the course of
Dragon Venturer Cadet Rock Yosemite 2017 Read More »
In August 2017 twelve Officer Cadets (OCdts), two instructors and a member of support staff from Oxford University Officer Training Corps (OUOTC) flew to Alberta, Canada for a twelve day open canoeing adventurous training package. The main aim of the expedition was to challenge OCdts, most of which have never open canoed before, by tackling
Blue Poseidon 2017 Read More »
In the corner of a quiet Essex pub, ‘three nods’ around the table meant we’d just agreed to run Essex Wing’s first ever overseas paddling expedition. A fantastic journey down the Ardèche River had begun … In the months that followed, routes were chosen, letters of intent sent and a staff team built. The nominations
The summer of 2017 saw Royal Air Force Air Cadets from the Bristol and Gloucestershire Wing take on the Canadian Rockies. The self-supported cadet expedition which was the result of two years of planning, fund raising and training was, led by Adult Sgt Edward Smart. It saw 19 cadets & staff from 9 different squadrons fly
Mountain Storm 2017 Read More »
The Upper Valais region in Switzerland, with routes up to 3,000 meters altitude and surrounding the magnificent Groesser Aletsch Glacier, was selected for a summer mountaineering expedition, exercise ALPINE BULL, which took place between 24th and 30th July 2017. Twelve personnel with a mixture of background, qualifications, and experience from 11 Infantry Brigade and headquarters
Tiger Alpine Bull 2017 Read More »
The aim of the expedition was to introduce Officer Cadets to Alpine mountaineering, including teaching them crevasse rescue techniques and skills for moving on a glacier using ice axe and crampons, and to give them experience of summiting an Alpine peak. There were 11 military participants and one civilian International Federation of Mountain Guides Association
Gaukhei to Håheller. 22km 5hrs. Started in the fog, tricky navigation, mostly white, linking lots of frozen lakes. Saw ptarmigan and a fox… then into my cosy cabin for the night
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition: Day 7 Read More »
Bortelid to Gaukhei, 22km 5 1/2hrs. First 5km on empty tracks then… into the wild. Strange sand castle trees and lots of white! Making @4k/hr A little nervous, snow showers, light winds, visibility could be better! “Begin at once to live, and count each separate day as a separate life”
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Introduction On the 16th June 17, myself and a team of mountaineers left Northern Ireland heading to Chamonix, France for what would be one of the most memorial experiences of my life. Flying into Lyon it was late evening when we arrived in Chamonix. Despite the long journey, seeing the mansion that our exercise planner
Shamrock Glacier 2017 Read More »
On the 16th of July, after a difficult few weeks of exams and revision, we were all looking forward to an exciting trip, walking a section of the Carros de foc (or Chariots of Fire) which is part of the Aigüestortes mountain range, white water rafting and canyoning, abseiling down the many water falls. As
HCS Carros de Foc 17 Read More »
The St Albans sea cadets had planned a sailing trip for 28 cadets and six staff to sail three 72 foot Challenger yachts across to the Channel Islands. This was to take place over six days. Commencing Tuesday 25th July after travelling to Portsmouth by coach, we arrived to meet the three boats at 1200,
Channel Islands Challenge 2017 Read More »
A day or so after having returned from our two week Annual Camp in Denmark a rather unexpected and exciting opportunity presented itself to me, sailing! Being a fairly sporty person I am always up for trying something new but this was something I had not even considered before. I quickly learnt that the Royal
Mediterranean Ubique 2017 Read More »
Between 17th-24th November 2017, eighteen volunteer reservists from 212 Field Hospital undertook a rock climbing expedition to the Costa Blanca region of Spain. The aim of this expedition was to challenge the participants mentally and physically, using rock climbing as a medium to do this. The group consisted of greatly varied ranks, ages, and –
Echo Adventure 2017 Read More »
Wonderful evening with Kristine before deep snow in the woods and compact skiing up the snowy roads to Bortelid. 25km 5 1/2hrs
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition: Day 4 Read More »
Thanks to the likes of Jacques Cousteau and our own Sir David Attenborough, for the uninitiated, talk of scuba diving may conjure up pictures of kaleidoscope coloured reefs, the inimitable ‘Finding Nemo’ clownfish and a plethora of sharks and weird and wonderful fish. However, reality and fantasy are rarely synchronised as the members of Exercise
Neptune Serpent 2017 Read More »
Cadets from Lord Wandsworth College CCF traveled to a small village called Autrans near Grenoble, France, to engage in a week of exciting Adventurous Training activities. The idea behind the expedition was to take part in challenging activities in a setting that is bigger and better than anything the UK has to offer. We were
A day of contrasts… 42km to Torsland in Longdalen… skiing on the road now but the rucksack’s too heavy and the day was too long
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Summary Exercise Dusty Dalmatian saw 12 students from Cambridge University Air Squadron, one member of staff and one external instructor travel to the Istria region of Croatia to conduct 6 days of single pitch outdoor climbing, followed by one day of indoor lead climbing at Big Rock, Milton Keynes. The group was accommodation in a
Dusty Dalmatian 2017 Read More »
There’s a very good reason for the Foreign Legion having bases on the island of Corsica, it’s rugged, hot, mountainous and a challenge to all who want to operate there! The island is traversed from Calenzana in the northwest to Conca in the southeast by the GR20, the toughest of all France’s Grand Route long-distance
Short day to Hessa to a warm welcome from old friends.
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Introduction Fourteen officer cadets, four Reserve Forces staff and one Non-Regular Permanent Staff member departed Scotland on the drive to the Bourgogne region of France on a Rock Climbing expedition. This region was chosen due to the climate, variety of rock types and the needs related to delivering the RSF course. This was due to
Overview From the 9th of July to the 16th of July 2017, 20 Officer Cadets from Bristol University Officer Training Corps took part in a week of Sub-Aqua diving in the area of Buggiba, Malta. Their aim was to either gain initial qualifications or further progress in BSAC qualifications, while simultaneously taking advantage of Malta’s
Our ambassador, Tania Noakes, has completed her epic ski trek expedition to raise funds for the Ulysses Trust’s 25th Anniversary Appeal. Tania set-off on the classic Norge På Langs, or ‘Norway from end to end’ on 14th January 2018. A journey of over 2,500km from the southern tip of Norway, Lindesnes to the most northerly point, Nordkapp. She completed
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition Read More »
50km, 8hrs 15mins of power walking from Lindesnes Fyr on the coast to the snows of Marnardal. A fierce start but heavy rain forecast today…
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition: Day 1 Read More »
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step..
25th Anniversary Appeal Expedition: Day 0 Read More »
In June 2017, a crew consisting of soldiers from The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry took part in an expedition to sail the Royal Armoured Corps Yacht Club boat, Yacht Ajax, from Gosport to Barmouth in Wales. Named ‘Exercise Sea Wolf’, reflecting the unit’s cap-badge of a grey wolf, the aim of the expedition was
On the 19th November 2017 two reservists from the University of London Officer Training Corps began a three-week Adventure Training exercise on-board Yacht ‘Discoverer’, one of the Army’s two Challenger 72’ Ocean going sail training yachts. The aim of Ex Pacific Longbow was to challenge participants in a demanding environment and to develop their individual,
Pacific Longbow 2017 Read More »
The Ten Tors Challenge is a challenge for teams of young people between the ages of 13 and 19 to walk 35, 45 or 55-mile courses across Dartmoor in just 34 hours. The event takes place from Okehampton on the first weekend of May every year. This year was the 57th running of the event.
Ten Tors Challenge 2017 – Dorset & Wiltshire ATC Read More »
Day 0 We met at 1530 on the 26th March at our Town Headquarters. At 1600 the transport arrived bringing with it the Boss as well the remainder of our diving equipment. We stopped quickly at a service station for a toilet and food break. On arrival at RAF Brize Norton we found out that
Atlantic Marlin 2017 Read More »
“This trip is a life changing event and I am not the only one who has said that.” Cadet Aaron Burke. Whilst everyone in Middlesex and North West London ACF were being picked up by coaches to go to Annual Camp at Sennybridge in South Wales a group of 18 cadets plus 6 adults had
In August 2017 40 cadets and 12 staff from London Area Sea Cadet adventurous training Team descended onto the town of Newquay in Cornwall for Summer Rock 2017. 5 Days of adventurous training slightly different and more extreme than what the cadets of London area are normally used to. Thanks to the Ulysses Trust we
Expedition information Middlesex Wing took part in August of this year on an expedition to Serbia. The aim of the expedition was to canoe in areas not normally used for this activity taking cadets into unfamiliar environment while controlling the exposure to risk. I would like to say the expedition was a success and was
Serbia Canoeing Expedition 2017 Read More »
Four seasons in one week maintained the ambitions of Ex Northern Jacobite Venturer. Temperatures of 20o C for the first few days gave way to wet and wintry by last day of the expedition. Our now annual Scottish exploit is in it’s 11th year and is successfully delivering all five phases of a cadet’s five year
Northern Jacobite Venturer 2017 Read More »
Exercise Northern Inca Unicorn 17 was conducted from the 26 Oct to 12 Nov 17. It was led by Staff Sergeant (Senior Permanent Staff Instructor) Guy Bufton, its aim was to promote the Joint Service Adventure Training scheme at all levels within 32 Signal Regiment, in particular junior ranks and to provide a fertile learning
Northern Inca Unicorn 2017 Read More »
I was just browsing through my emails when Ex Dragon Eagle Sphinx stood out to me. One week adventurous training, diving, in the red sea. I’m sorry, who would turn that down? No previous experience was needed as training had been organised prior to this exercise, so complete beginners including myself could be part of
Dragon Eagle Sphinx 2017 Read More »
Ex AMA 60 was a Pan Army, Army Mountaineering Association (AMA), High Risk and Remote, mountaineering & trekking expedition to the remote Dolpa region of Western Nepal. It was open to all AMA members, and the team consisted of both Regulars and Reserves. It was conceived to celebrate 60 years of the formation of the
The trip really started for me at the Heathrow Hotel with the issue of the Jungle Monkey tops, a last repacking of kit before the flight and a team beer at the bar. On arrival despite the travel exhaustion we all congregated at the hotel rooftop pool to rest and acclimatise to the heat. A
Northern Jungle Monkey 2017 Read More »
As most of the school community were enjoying a first lie-in of the October holiday, twelve Morrison’s Academy cadets and two officers were already heading to the Cairngorms. The plan was straightforward. Two days of mountain biking in Rothiemurchus were to be followed by three days of mountain walking in the Cairngorms. We would be
Northern Highland Venturer 2017 Read More »
On the 19th October 2017, 10 reservists and 1 regular soldier boarded a flight to Malta in order to begin Exercise Tiger Rifles Azure; the annual 6 RIFLES scuba diving expedition. The aims of the exercise were to qualify divers ranging from Ocean Diver to Dive Leader, develop the skills and experience of divers, and
Tiger Rifles Azure 2017 Read More »
September 2017 saw 12 individuals from 159 Regiment RLC embark on a weeks Scuba diving in sunny Lanzarote in the Canary Islands. Ideally located just off the North African coast, it offered the chance to explore further afield while still being in Europe. Diving commenced from the dive centre located in the picturesque cove of
Dragon Barbarian Odyssey 2017 Read More »
Congratulations to the SPEAR17 for winning the Military Awards 2017 ‘Inspiring Others’ category, otherwise known as ‘the Millies’. The SPEAR 17 expedition (supported by the Ulysses Trust) consisted of a team of British Army reservists who completed a coast-to-coast crossing of Antarctica earlier this year. Upon completing their 1,100-mile expedition, the team of British Army reservists
SPEAR17 Wins Award Read More »
In December 2015, Major J W Swanson and Corporal T McWhirter from the Northern Ireland Garrison Support Unit (NIGSU) began the extensive planning process for their first overseas Adventure Training expedition to Nepal. The culmination of this planning was Expedition Finn Himalaya, which took place from 15th September 2017 to 7th October 2017. Adventure training
Himalayan Finn 2017 Read More »
Soldiers from 6 Rifles recently embarked on a mountaineering expedition to Georgia with the goal of increasing the Battalion’s mountaineering capability. While spending five days in the Southern Caucasus the team covered the Summer mountain foundation syllabus, engaged with the local population and hiked over 80km with 2,800m of elevation. The hike began in Mestia
Tiger Ushguli Bugle 2017 Read More »
Bristol ACF conducted Exercise Bristolian Zeus during the back end of October 2017, with the main aim of cycling some of the varied technical and challenging off road routes of Cyprus. From the stunning views along the Cyprus coastlines showing off the deep blue and emerald sea of the Mediterranean, to the craggy and muddy
Bristolian Zeus 2017 Read More »
Personnel were from across the RNRM service, including: CTCRM, 30 Cdo RM, HM Surface Ships, HM Submarines and the Fleet Air Arm. From 2 – 17 July 16 Commando Training Centre Royal Marines led Adventurous Training (AT) in three phases on the mainland and cayes of Belize. The aim of phase 1 and 3 was
Belizean Adventure Read More »
As the cadets first set their eyes on the 72’ Ocean Youth Trust Scotland Ketch, Alba Venturer, which was to be their home and workplace for the next 7 days, there were mixed comments and expressions of apprehension. None of the selected Air Cadets had ever taken part in an activity like this and it
OYT Scotland West Coast Challenge Read More »
As part of our 25th anniversary celebrations the Ulysses Trust is launching an appeal to raise £1.5m by the end of 2021 to significantly increase the amount of support we can give to cadet expeditions. Our ambassador, Tania Noakes, is embarking on an expedition to raise funds for the appeal. Tania will ski the classic Norge
For cadets from Budmouth College the adventure started a little early as the American Airlines Boeing pushed back at Miami after the catering was struck by lightning. As the aircraft taxied to the runway the most violent of thunderstorms erupted over the airfield. There the plane sat for three hours whilst thunder, lightning and accompanying
Trans Andes Expedition 2017 Read More »
On 16th July 11 cadets and three Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from TS Stirling Sea Cadets in Birmingham set off for the adventure of a life time in the USA. They were off to join 300 American cadets from 19 high schools in New England that are part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Army League
Stirling Venturer 2017 Read More »
The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition contains: + An introduction to our new Vice Patron, Viscount Chelsea and ambassadors Levison Wood and Tania Noakes + Expedition reports + The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards 2016 + Our 25th Anniversary Appeal + An update on SPEAR17 Click the Ulysses Trust Newsletter –
Winter Newsletter 2017 Read More »
In August 2017, 5 members of staff and 14 cadets from Chester le Street Sea Cadets spent 10 days in Nova Scotia, Canada hosted by Llewellyn SCC. The assistance from the Ulysses Trust enabled the cadets and staff to participate in a training programme that included both land and water based activities at HMCS Arcadia,
Canada Summer School Waterborne Training and Survival Skills 2017 Read More »
Ex COCKNEY BARBARIAN was a Summer Mountaineering Expedition organised by PJHQ J2 Division to the Supramonte Region of Sardinia. Coming from PJHQ, the group was very diverse, incorporating regulars and reserves from across the tri-service community. As a rare opportunity to conduct Adventurous Training in a busy operational Headquarters, the expedition was heavily oversubscribed, and
Cockney Barbarian 2017 Read More »
On 19 April 2017 a team of 21 regular and reserve soldiers left London for Nepal to take part in Exercise Diamond Peak; a month long high altitude trekking and climbing expedition to the Himalayas. The expedition was planned as part of the Army Air Corps (AAC) Diamond Jubilee Celebrations to mark sixty years since
Headquarters Northwest Cadet Training Team has not completed any AT for a number of years as a team. Some of the team have served in Germany and never had the opportunity to visit Bavaria. The initial uptake was great, however due to the courses programmes and other changes we set off with 8 in total.
Ex Northern Bavarian Trek Read More »
In July 2017, 11 cadets and 3 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from TS Stirling Sea Cadets in Birmingham set off for the adventure of a lifetime in the USA – Exercise Stirling Venturer 2017. The group consisted of six senior cadets from the community side of TS Stirling and five, newly enrolled cadets from Tile Cross Academy.
Birmingham Cadets Visit the USA for the Junior Cadet Leadership Challenge Read More »
Leg 1 summited Denali; not one but 6 of the team made it to the summit (photo 1), an awesome feat in anyone’s book as the mountain is a weather and snow condition challenge at the best of times. Supported by the RAF Charitable Trust, Flt Lt Andy England and his Leg 1 team, part
RAF REGIMENT Ex DIAMOND ROCK – 2 LEGS COMPLETE & A LONG WAY DOWN & AROUND TO GO! Read More »
It was to the beat of Welsh drums that the RNLI Lifeboat led Ajax and 13 other boats out of the harbour to the start line of the Three Peaks Yacht Race, while several hundred spectators watched the spectacle from across the broad Barmouth sands. The Three Peaks is the original adventure race, and 17
Yeoman Amphibian 2017 – Royal Yeomanry & Queen’s Own Yeomanry Read More »
La Thiule – Mountain biking. After a fantastic two weeks of military training in Germany for Annual Camp, 20 officer cadets and training staff embarked on a one-week adrenaline filled training expedition mountain biking in La Thiule located in the Italian alps. The expedition aim was to bring potential officers out of their comfort zones;
Ex Northern Enduro – Northumbria UOTC Read More »
Exercise Baltic Pelican was the Summer Sailing Expedition for Ardingly College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) undertaken between the 16th and 22nd of July 2017. The Expedition sailed across the Baltic (hence the expedition name) from Stockholm in Sweden to Turku in Finland. There are no Pelicans in the Baltic but it is the emblem of
Baltic Pelican – Ardingly College CCF Read More »
In late May 2017, after a 6 month build up period, 20 members of 154 Regiment set out from Scotland bound for Granada in Southern Spain and a week-long Mountain-biking expedition. The membership of this group represented the Regiment’s Reserve make-up in almost perfect microcosm; 6 Girls and 14 Guys; every rank from Private to
Northern Sierra – 154 (Scottish) Transport Regiment RLC Read More »
‘On 16th May at 0650 we made it to the top of the world, Mt Everest, and I was so happy I can’t express what I was feeling.’ LCpl Umesh Gurung, 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles The Gurkha Everest Expedition has given a unique opportunity to 22 members of the Army, and through its
Gurkha Everest Expedition 2017 – HQBG Read More »
In May and June of 2017, several members of staff and senior cadets from Plymouth & Cornwall and Dorset & Wiltshire Wings, Royal Air Force Air Cadets , spent 8 days in the Cairngorm National Park, residing at Feshiebridge Lodge, Aviemore. With assistance from the Ulysses Trust, the aim of the week was for all
Scotland Staff AT Development – Plymouth & Cornwall Wing ATC Read More »
On the 21st May 2017 a fifteen-strong crew, led by Maj Terry Hackett of London UOTC, began a two-week Adventure Training exercise onboard Yacht ‘Adventure’, one of the Army’s two Challenger 72’ Ocean going sail training yachts. The aim of Ex Artic Express was to challenge participants in a demanding environment and to develop their
Arctic Express – London UOTC Read More »
Plymouth and Cornwall Wing of the RAF Air Cadets spreads from Okehampton and Kingsbridge in the East to Hayle in the West and covers some of the more deprived wards in the country. The Wing has always prided itself in making activities available to all cadets regardless of their family circumstances. This is particularly so
Ten Tors Challenge 2017 – Plymouth & Cornwall Wing ATC Read More »
As a CCF Adventurous Training Officer, and Winter Mountain Leader I felt privileged to be able to organise, and take a group of Cadets from the Oldham Hulme Combined Cadet Force on their expedition to NE Lapland in Arctic Sweden. The expedition was the culmination of 18 months hard work by the 11 Cadets and
Arctic Tundra Venture 2017 – Oldham Hulme Grammar School CCF Read More »
We are delighted to be a major sponsor of Ex Ice Maiden, the first all-female traverse of Antarctica scheduled to take place later this year, and we are thrilled to report that the final team sheet is in and there are two Reservists on the team! Their full message is below, but congratulations to all
Ex Ice Maiden Antarctica Challenge Team Announced Read More »
“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever” – Jacques Yves Cousteau 27 soldiers from 71 Royal Engineer Regiment have completed a two week multi activity expedition to Belize. Meeting in Heathrow on Easter Monday 2017 after travelling from Northern Ireland and Scotland, 12 divers and 15 canoers
Finn Sappersoaker 2017 – 71 Engr Regt Read More »
An air of excited anticipation hung over the expedition party as we assembled in Nottingham to begin our long journey to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The group comprised of twelve students and two instructors from Northumbrian and East Midlands Officer Training Corps. Our aim was to summit Jebel Toubkal in winter conditions. At a
Dragon Atlas EMU – East Midlands UOTC Read More »
We’re delighted to report that our Founder and Deputy Chairman, Philip Neame, has been awarded an MBE in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for Voluntary Service to Reserve Forces and Cadets. Phil founded the Ulysses Trust on the back of a winter Everest attempt in 1992. The Trust is now celebrating its 25th year,
Phil Neame Awarded MBE in 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List Read More »
On the 22nd March 2017, Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps (CUOTC) departed for a trekking expedition in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco. The aim was to summit Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Our secondary aims included empowering officer cadets (OCdts) to embrace leadership roles and to give potential officers a taste of
Ex Dragon Toubkal 2017 – Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps Read More »
26th March 2017, 14 regular and reserve personnel from 104Bn REME embarked on an expedition to Machu Picchu in Peru. The following 14 days were an odyssey of lost boarding cards, inexplicable bag searches, contraband tent pegs, a naked man in the airport and mountains. Lots of mountains. The journey to Peru began in Northampton,
Ex Castle Adventure 17 – 104 Bn REME Read More »
The end of 2016 marked a major transition point for the Ulysses Trust. Aside from the considerable achievement since 1992 of raising some £2.7M to help nearly 33000 individuals take part in some 2600 expeditions, the Trust itself has raised its game in the run up to our 25th anniversary in 2017. This change of gear
The Ulysses Trust Annual Review 2016 Read More »
The aim of the Exercise was to take Shropshire Army Cadets to Bavaria for a progressive Adventurous Training programme using the medium of Alpine skiing. It was planned to undertake the UKCC Snow Sports Snow Life Awards course as the basis for the weeks training. This was supported with elements of snow/mountain survival lectures including
Ex Dragon Venturer Snow Cub – Shropshire ACF Read More »
Each year the Ulysses Trust presents awards for the annual Best Expedition to the following categories – Volunteer Reserve Forces, University Units and Cadet Forces to highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The expeditions for the Ulysses Trust 2016 Awards have been selected using the award guidelines, which include the key
Prince of Wales’s Best Expedition Awards 2016 Read More »
The original concept for the trip to climb Mount Kenya was sown mid-way round our Mini Tour of Mont Blanc in the summer of 2015, for which the Ulysses Trust kindly provided a grant. The FANY links with Kenya started in 1931 with the establishment of a Section of 16 members, which had risen to
Mount Kenya Expedition – FANY (PRVC) Read More »
Exercise ICE MAIDEN, the first all-female military transantarctic crossing planned for November 2017, is the vision of expedition leaders Major Nicola Wetherill and Major Natalie Taylor. The two adventurous Army doctors hope that the expedition will inspire others, particularly women, to seek adventure and to engage in arduous outdoor activity. In addition, regardless of who
Ex Ice Diamond 2017 – RAMC, HAC, 32 Sigs Read More »
Departing February 12th at midday from Pate’s, the CCF ski trip encompassed a wide range of Cadets from 13 to 17 as well as adult staff and instructors. Flying from Birmingham meant the time spent travelling was relatively short, arriving in Stuttgart at around 19:30 and at the lodge just a little later at 21:30.
Olaf Ski Challenge 2017 Read More »
5 years ago, ‘someone’ suggested it would be a fantastic idea to take Calday Grange CCF Cadets to Norway for a ‘bit of Adventure Training’, 2 years later it happened, and who could have predicted how successful it would have been? Certainly the constant questions from cadets about whether there’d be another trip meant it
Ex Norwegian Troll 2 Caldeian Adventure – Calday Grange CCF Read More »
Between the 17th and the 25th February 2017, 45 cadets and 12 Adults from Northumbria ACF travelled to Crans Montana in the Swiss Alps to undertake a week of Alpine Skiing. The Exercise was designed to give the group which consisted of mainly Novice skiers the opportunity to learn to ski or for those with
Ex Northumbria Swiss 2017 – Northumbria ACF Read More »
Over February half-term, sixth former Jemima, a CCF cadet, attended one of the courses being offered by the Cadet Centre for Adventure Training (CCAT), which is designed to teach students the basics of Nordic Skiing on high-level terrain. The trip included an overnight ski tour and was based in a particular area of Norway, made
Ex Dragon Venturer Cadet Norski – Cadet Centre for Adventurous Training Read More »
On the evening of 26 February 17, 11 members of Air Cadet Organisation’s volunteer staff gathered at the Inchree lodges in Onich in the Western Highlands of Scotland with the objective of furthering their knowledge and experience of the British mountain environment. Two members of the team would be undertaking a Joint Services Winter Climbing
Western Winter – HQ Air Cadets Read More »
Ex DRAGON POLAR PILGRIM (also referred to as SPEAR17, South Pole Expedition Army Reserves 2017) first came into being over two years ago in November 2014. The original plan was for a team of Army Reserves to ski 730 miles from the coastline of Antarctica to the geographic South Pole. This was to be an
Dragon Polar Pilgrim (SPEAR 17) Read More »
Exercise Khumbu Commando was the only authorised Royal Navy / Royal Marines expedition to the Himalayas in 2017. The plan was for 14 Bootnecks to travel to the Everest (Khumbu) region of Nepal to trek for 23 continuous days (total yomp distance circa 350 km) over the region’s three highest alpine passes (Renjo La, Cho
Ex Khumbu Commando – Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside Read More »
One of the more nuanced elements of military training to explain to the civilian employers of the officers and soldiers of 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (3 MI Bn), is the notion of “adventurous training”. This is particularly the case when this involves skiing! What may seem on the surface to be entirely recreational by the
Cockney Skadi – 3 Military Intelligence Battalion Read More »
Thirty three year ten cadets from the Canford School CCF consumed with excitement and anticipation, together with three teaching staff and seven instructors converged on Hovden at the southern end of the Norwegian mountains on a cold clear and starry evening in February to be met by the chief instructor from GoAdventure1 on the eve
Ex Canford Norwegian Venturer Tiger – Canford School CCF Read More »
“Its 10pm now”, said the first mate, “what time do you want lights-out?” “10.30” came the response from the crew of senior cadets taking part in the annual Headquarters Air Cadets ‘West Coast Challenge’ offshore sailing expedition. Proof that the week on-board the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland ketch, Alba Venturer, had been demanding and exhausting,
OYT Scotland West Coast Challenge – HQ Air Cadets Read More »
The 2016 Scot-Paddle with the Sea Cadets aimed to Open Canoe the reverse route taken by Bonnie Prince Charlie on his return to Scotland in the year 1745, by journeying from Glenfinnan to the sea. The objective was to take a group of cadets and let them work as a team to develop self-sufficient expedition
Ex Loch Shiel Wilderness Open Canoe – Marine Society and Sea Cadets Read More »
During the last week of October 2016 65 Air Cadets and 23 members of staff from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing Air Training Corps mounted an Adventure Training expedition to Rothiemurchas Lodge, Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorm Mountains overlooking Loch Morlich. The expedition provided life enhancing opportunities for young men and women from various
Ex Golden Eagle One – 29 Norfolk & Suffolk Wing ATC Sqns Read More »
Steam billowing up from under snow bridges, sideways jaw-freezing hail turning your woolly hat white, sunburned noses, soggy tents and dust storms. Lush mossy landscapes set against black volcanic ash tinged by red and green, and dark verdant canyons filled with thundering waterfalls. The Laugavegur trail is considered to be one of the most beautiful
Ex Tiger Midnight Sun – 77th Brigade Read More »
On the 4th June 2016 11 divers set off for the small Island of Gozo. The expedition was made up of various ranks from Private to Captain, all of whom were looking forward to progressing their diver training, refresh their skills or just get back in the water. My participation on the expedition came about
Ex Dragon Gozo Eagle – various British Army units Read More »
Completion of Leg 13, sailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia into Gosport, Hampshire saw the conclusion of the round-the-world joint service Exercise Transglobe expedition in mid-August 2016. With the voyage having set out from the south coast of England in June 2015 it was with a great deal of pride and enthusiasm that air cadets CWO
Ex Transglobe 2016 – Headquarters Air Cadets Read More »
‘The mountains are calling and I must go’ John Muir (1838-1914) EXERCISE COCKNEY DESERT SCORPION (EX CDS) 14 June – 8 July 2016 John Muir was a Scottish- American naturalist and member of the Sierra Club, a conservation organisation which founded the U.S. National Parks – in particular Yosemite and Sequoia National Park both of
Ex Cockney Desert Scorpion – National Reserves Headquarters RA Read More »
This year’s Sherborne CCF Summer Camp involving 12 personnel was a trip to the breath-taking scenery of the Setesdal Valley in Southern Norway to undertake the Viking Trail which comprised hiking and canoeing phases. The aim was to enable the cadets to experience an expedition that would enhance their self-reliance and teambuilding skills using adventure
Ex Viking Trail – Sherborne Combined Cadet Force Read More »
Exercise COCKNEY PADDLER 16 saw 14 personnel from 135 Geographic Squadron, 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic), deploy to Canada to kayak the Rideau Canal. The aims of this adventurous training expedition were to introduce squadron personnel to kayaking and refresh previous kayaking skills leading to the award of the K2F qualification in order to prepare personnel
Ex Cockney Paddler – 135 Geo Sqn RE Read More »
After months in the planning, the fortunate few to pass the dive medical gathered to depart for Gibraltar on Ex Yeoman Nautilus 5-14 Jun 16. Capt C Tate 6 Regt AAC Having recently qualified as an Open water recreational diver, I thought nothing could be easier than getting a few guys away on a military
Ex Yeoman Nautilus – 6 Army Air Corps Read More »
On Sat 28th May 2016, 42 members of Essex Army Cadet Force met at Chelmsford Army Reserve Centre to embark on the celebratory twenty first Exercise Itchyfoot. From an idea born by Lt. Col. I. Coffin, this seven day Adventurous Training exercise has grown and developed into a leading event in the Essex ACF calendar.
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It was a crisp October morning as we headed down to Netheravon to meet the rest of the exped participants and collect our parachuting equipment. This would be the first time we would all meet as the exped comprised of both Regulars and Reservists from 3, 14, 16, 37 & 71 Sig Regts. It was
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This ambitious, adventurous and demanding expedition is one of the most successful mounted by the Army Cadet movement following two years of planning. It comprised of two independent groups sub-divided into the three AT activity teams – the Tugela River descent and the Drackensberg and Zulu Trail treks. The ethos of each activity was that
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Between the 10th and 25th August 2016 eight cadets and four staff embarked on a Sussex Air Cadets led expedition deep into the Yukon Territory of Canada. The main thrust of the trip was a 369km self-sufficient paddle in Open Canoes from the maintenance camp on Quiet Lake to a get out in Carmacks near
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Between 21 and 28 October 2016, nineteen Royal Navy CCF cadets (10 male and 9 female) and three staff members from Calday Grange Grammar School (Wirral, Merseyside) travelled to Gibraltar for an adventure training expedition. The expedition name comes from the MOD requirements that cadet expeds should include the word Venturer. The original name for
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Eight Army Reservists from the NW of England, part of 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, recently trekked the classic ‘Evolution Loop’ of the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada, California. The high altitude trek required two acclimation days before completing the loop with a grand total of 77 miles covered in 8 days. Expedition
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16 days, 174 miles, 2,758 flights of stairs, 18 pieces of the best apple pie in the world and a lot of dal bhat power. Exercise COCKNEY KALA PATTHAR took 10 Reservists from 151 Regiment RLC and 3 Regulars from 10 QOGLR on a 3 week trek to the Himalayas. The objective; for the team
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Exercise Ubique Finn (ID 02005) took place in the mountain regions north of Malaga between 14th-21st May 2016. Taking part in the exercise where 17 reserve troops from 71 Engineer Regiment comprising of personal from 102 (Paisley), 124 (Edinburgh) and 591 (Bangor) Squadrons. The pasty white Celtic troops travelled from Northern Ireland and Scotland with
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With a buzz of excitement the expedition team for Exercise Dhaulagiri Serpent arrived at 201 Field Hospital on Sunday 24th April; eager for the start of the high altitude medical research expedition. The expedition focus was on high altitude and its effects on the human body. As such, the trek not only comprised some arduous
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Exercise ICE MAIDEN, the first all-female military transantarctic crossing planned for November 2017, is the vision of expedition leaders Major Nicola Wetherill and Major Natalie Taylor. The two adventurous Army doctors hope that the expedition will inspire others, particularly women, to seek adventure and to engage in arduous outdoor activity. In addition, regardless of who
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Huge congratulations are due to the SPEAR17 team who have successfully crossed the finish line of their epic trek becoming part of a very exclusive band of brothers. To put it another way, more people have walked on the Moon than have achieved the remarkable feat of trekking unsupported across 1100 miles of the most
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The 29th March 2016 saw twelve Officer Cadets (OCdts) and two members of staff from Bristol University Officer Training Corps (BrUOTC) embark on Exercise CABOT TELEMARK, a twelve day Nordic Skiing Expedition to Norway. The aim of which was for the group to become competent Nordic Skiers and gain either a Nordic Foundation 1 or
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Between the 1st and the 10th April, 44 cadets and 9 Adults from Northumbria ACF travelled to La Plange in the French Alps for 7 days fantastic Skiing. This was our second venture of this size to be undertaken by Northumbria ACF into the Alps to conduct skiing of this type. The Exercise was designed
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Thirty cadets from Dorset & Wiltshire Wing of the Air Training Corps participated in the Dartmoor Ten Tors Challenge on the weekend of 8th and 9th May 2016. The Ten Tors is a challenge for teams of 6 young people aged between 13 and 19 to walk between ten checkpoints on ten tors over a
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Following the 2016 Easter period, 106 Regiment Royal Artillery travelled to sunny Malta to commence Exercise Cockney Abyss, a SCUBA diving expedition aimed at developing competency and confidence in the sub aqua discipline. Nine troops enjoyed a challenging and rewarding endeavour in which they were able to develop their diving skills and achieve gradual depth
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For most of us Exercise Northern Plunge started back in August 2016 when the fourteen intrepid explorers of 37 Signal Regiment were despatched to Army Medical Centres to undergo fitness to dive medicals. Certified fit (and for the most part human) we were all keen for November to come while Sgt Chris Woolerton continued in
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Potential candidates were warned from the start that Ex BACKCOUNTRY SAPPER 16 was to be an Adventurous Training expedition unlike any other. ‘This will not be a jolly.’ the email read and whilst that may have been enough to put many others off, it only appealed to me further. Headed up by Lt Tom Brunstrom,
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Day 1 saw a total of 8 members of Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS), travel to Malta for Exercise Maltese Mission after meeting at Cambridge Headquarters at an early time of 03:30 before heading to Luton Airport for the flight to Malta. After about an hour’s delay due to fog we landed in Malta around
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