The Adventurous Training (AT) activities were planned by the flight in June on the basis of providing a physically challenging walking route and instilling self-sufficiency through wild camping; with all clothing, cooking equipment, rations, sleeping and shelter systems being carried by individuals throughout the weekend.
The limits of minibus travel and Friday evening logistics ensured arrival and pitching of tents after midnight on the first day. After the group located some of the slightly less rocky and vertical parts of the hillside next to Llyn Ogwen and got to sleep, the tents and bivvies were thoroughly tested by the overnight weather.
On Saturday, the team set off to the Devil’s Kitchen via Llyn Idwal, climbing to 700m and passing between the peaks of Y Garn and Glyder Fawr before descending to the Llanberis Pass. Following a transit to Pen-y-Pass after encountering adverse weather, camp was set up next to Llyn Cwm-y-ffynnon. On Sunday, Glyder Fawr itself was tackled, involving an ascent to 1000m and difficult progress over a very rocky summit. A careful descent was made into the Ogwen valley to link up with transport back to RAF Benson.
Each member of the group found their own challenges: for some it was their first time hill walking or wild camping. For some the physical challenge of 10,000ft of height change and 10 miles whilst carrying everything for the weekend was particularly strong. For others the challenge was to motivate and help others, to get the whole team safely across the route. And for one or two it was just staying positive in the rain and fog on the first day!
However, the group were eventually rewarded with bright sunshine on Sunday and spectacular views across the mountains and valleys of Snowdonia. As with most good things, if it’s too easy it isn’t worth doing and that particularly goes for AT.
SAC Gary Belben, 606 Squadron (Operations Flight)
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