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25th Mar 2013

Windermere

Cadets Lauren Fletcher (14), Will Nicholls (15) and Nathan Turpin (15) attended a week’s adventure training course at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre (NACATC) in Windermere. The aim of the week was to expose the cadets to a wild county area, hone navigation skills and gain the Bronze National Navigation Award (NNA).

On arrival on the Saturday, it was straight to work with “safety on mountain” and “security on steep ground” briefings, together with a comprehensive equipment check. Loughrigg Fell (335m) was the choice for the introduction walk on Sunday and determined the course content and individual capabilities. A visit to nearby Ambleside rounded off a very tiring first day.

Experience was tested and further knowledge gained on the second day by challenging Wansfell Pike (480m). This relatively short distance route started off at Ambleside and was the beginning of a fantastic day with breathtaking views over the Cumbrian Mountains.

A well deserved break was provided on Tuesday, by a split programme of Rock Climbing in Chapel Stile and Orienteering in the popular Grizedale Forest. For the cadets, this was their first exhilarating experience of actual rock face climbing as opposed to an indoor wall.

Wednesday proved just as exhilarating for the course as three groups conquered Lake District classics such as the Langdale Pikes (Harrison Stickle 736m), Haystacks (597m) incorporating Brandreth (715m) and Grey Knotts (697m) and Cat Bells (415m) incorporating High Spy (653m) and Maiden Moor (576m).

Thursday was another programme split of Abseiling at Tilberthwaite Quarry in Coniston and free time in Ambleside, enabling some well deserved shopping for Mothers Day. Unfortunately, the weather was very poor on the Friday and so time was spent Orienteering at Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick. It was a great experience as knowledge was gained from previous Orienteering enabled 16 cadets to gained their Bronze NNA.

Teamwork and leadership was not only tested on the hills but also working in the Centre in group tasks including cooking, washing, making lunches and cleaning. Catering was provided by Flt Lt Khalid Murad, Officer Commanding 134 (Bedford) Squadron, who has also provided the catering service on previous years and at the second NACATC in Llanbedr, Wales. Fg Off Lyndsay McGregor from 134 Squadron also attended the week in the capacity of a Mountain Leader qualified staff member.

Flt Lt Murad said, “This has been a very tiring but rewarding week for the cadets with many skills tested and knowledge gained in a wild country area. For three of our cadets to gain the Bronze NNA is an excellent result that will aid them in future expeditions.””