Royal Marines Cadets
ExCanford Cairngorms 2025
by Maj R Hoey CCF, OC Royal Marines Detachment and AT Lead, Canford School CCF
In February half term ten cadet NCOs and two staff made the long journey north to the Cairngorms, with the aim of experiencing the joys and challenges of the Scottish mountains in winter. The underlying philosophy was to run things as an expedition in order to further develop the NCOs, with the cadets having their own responsibilities that were central to the expedition such as food, transport, media, kit and of course, Ministers of Fun!
Under the watchful eye of our expert instructors Cat and Louis, we did a happy mix of learning winter mountain skills with some interesting and challenging routes around the Cairngorm plateau, all the while developing our ability to look after ourselves, our kit and each other in the pristine but harsh environment. Highlights included learning fall arrest using walking axes and an epic day working our way to and from the summit of Creag Meagaidh (1130m).