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4th April 2006

Venture, Adventure

Six hours after catching their coach, Cadet Malyan and Flight Sergeant Otulakowski arrived at the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre in Windemere, in the Lake District. This building was to be their home for the next week, and what a week it was!

On 18th March 2006, after a cold wait outside 134 (Bedford) Squadron Headquarters and a six hour coach journey, Cdt Malyan and FS Otulakowski unloaded their kit into the male dormitory and settled down for the evening’s briefings. Though lengthy, the week’s safety briefs were essential and meant that they would not have to be repeated throughout the daily activities.

Sunday 19th March:
Sunday started early with the cooking group in the kitchens by 0630, and the rest of the cadets in the dining room for a full breakfast before 0700. Eating plenty was a necessity, not a choice, as we quickly found out. Each day was filled with so many activities that we burnt twice as many calories as we do on a normal day.

After lunch we learnt that our target for the day was Wonsfell Pike, a hill small enough to ease us into the week’s activities, while still challenging our navigational, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

The day was a success, with excellent views from the top and a fun day had by all. With a bit of relaxation time in Ambleside to finish off the day, it was a good gentle introduction to Adventure Training for some, and a chance to stretch the legs of the old-timers.

Monday 20th March:
The camp was split up into three groups on Monday, each tackling different routes, two attempted the Langdale Fells, while the other attempted the ‘Horseshoe’.

While all three groups had satisfying days, due to weather restrictions and the difficulty of the routes, only one team completed their entire plan. The highest point reached was Harrison’s Stickle, at 730 metres above sea level, which afforded some great views of the most famous peaks on the Lake District.

Tuesday 21st March:
Tuesday saw the three groups tackle different challenges, namely rock climbing and abseiling. Again this was a refresher activity for the old-hands and a new one for some individuals. For myself, it was a first on both counts.

Kitted out with all the necessary safety equipment, I took to the sheer walls of the Lake District. Although I was nervous, I also knew that I would be in safe hands under the watchful eye of the staff, and the abseiling expert, Sgt Carter. However, doing a full ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’ routine while hanging several metres of the ground wasn’t exactly what I’d anticipated, and certainly motivated me to get down quicker!

Climbing also involved responsibility on the cadets’ part as they watched keenly over the safety rope. Of course there was no safety incidents and, for me especially, a lot was taken away from the experience.

Wednesday 22nd March:
WOW! What an awesome day. Wednesday saw the cadets walk to the top of Grisedale Pike, one of the most North-westerly in the Lake District. After a gradual ascent to Kinn (just over 300 metres above sea level), it was time for the steeper hike to the top of Grisedale, which was a fair way to go at 791 metres high.

Certainly a first for me, it was also the first time that the highly experienced staff had taken cadets up Grisedale, and I’m very glad they did. With only a few sparse clouds, glorious sunshine, and snow capped peaks before us; the views were breath taking. From the top we could see both Scotland and the Isle of Man. I need hardly add that it was a worthwhile trek!

After a descent via Hobcarton Crags (another fantastic view) it was the speedy walk back to the minibus, and home for a well deserved meal.

Thursday 23rd March:
Another broad day saw the three groups climb, walk, and spend some relaxation time in Ambleside.

Though the climbing was conducted under the watchful eye of many members of staff, the walking was a chance for the cadets to test out their newly learnt navigational abilities independent of staff. The climbing on Thursday was also more challenging and varied than on Tuesday, and challenged everybody at some points.

Ambleside and its Apple Pie Café (highly recommended) became our adopted town for the week as it offered a chance to replenish, relax and get to know each other a bit more.

Friday 24th March:
Our final full day at Windermere was originally intended to be filled with another day’s walking, however, as a result of deteriorating weather conditions and the fact that Grisedale Pike had been so remarkable, it was thought by the staff that the proposed hike would be an anti-climax. Instead, the cadets participated in a high ropes course, which was thoroughly enjoyed, thanks to the encouragement from the staff and the excellent safety equipment.

The evening meal of pizza was ravenously consumed, after which some free time was had by all, followed by some very deep sleep.

Overall the camp was absolutely amazing, not only does Windemere offer opportunities that are not available anywhere else, it also allows people from the Wing to get to know each other, and teaches valuable lessons in teamwork.

Thanks are due to all the staff that partook in the week, for giving so much to all the cadets. 

I can certainly say that the Adventure Training camp does exactly what it says on the tin: ‘Venture, Adventure’