Llanbedr 2010
Llanbedr 2010
Corporal Liam Alcock and Cadet Ashley Wood were selected out of 130 cadets from Durham/Northumberland Wing, to represent 861 Squadron at Llanbedr, situated on the Welsh coast, just north of Barmouth. It is one of the ATC’s National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centres, the other being at Windermere in the Lake District.
We set off from Wing HQ in Gosforth on Saturday, to arrive at Llanbedr in time for an initial briefing, evening meal and a kit check before bed. On Sunday, everyone set off for a basic navigation exercise, ending up on the beach in time for packed lunches. In the afternoon, we all went to Porthmadog Swimming Pool to do swimming proficiency tests, before returning for food, then some free time before lights out.
Monday was spent at the Coed-y-Brenin outdoor centre, where everyone did some very exciting mountain biking, as well as an orienteering exercise in the forest. After getting back and being fed, cadets had the opportunity to practice their climbing techniques on the outdoor climbing wall at the centre, until it got dark. The climbing wall was used most nights, once we all got back from the days’ activities.
The next two days were spent doing rock climbing at Barmouth Slabs, navigation training, and kayaking/Canadian canoeing on Llyn Gwynant. Unfortunately, many of the kayakers ended up in the water, as did some canoers, as they tried to walk from one canoe to another whilst still on the water.
On the Thursday, everyone went for a mountain walk up Cadair Idris, (2946ft). Some took the tourist route from the North, some scrambled up the very steep Foxes Tarn path, and the advanced group tackled the mountain from the South. It was a lovely day with clear views as far as Snowdonia, from the summit.
Friday was spent at the Plas-y-Brenin outdoor centre. The cadets did a round robin of the low ropes course, raft building, and dry slope skiing. After that, back to base before going out to a local hostelry for our evening meal, followed by some time in a local amusement arcade. Finally, back to the centre for ‘paper plate’ awards, and to clean up before packing up, to set off for home the next morning.
Saturday morning saw us all onto a coach for the (sleepy) journey home. An excellent time had been had by all. Everyone was shattered. Success!!!!
