Page 34 - RADC Bulletin 2019

Castle Martin Adventure Training 09 – 14 Jun 19
Cpl Etu Romain RADC
We arrived at the Castle Martin Adventurous Training Centre on Sunday 09 Jun 19. Upon arrival we were issued our keys to our accommodation. As there were no planned activities or arrival briefs until Monday morning, we decided to use the opportunity to make the most of our downtime and explore the local area of Pembrokeshire.
It was a multi activity AT Package, so the course was broken up into four groups, with each group taking part in a different activity on each day.
On the first day we had to report to the
AT Centre for the course welcome brief and details on the activities throughout the week. There were four different activities, mountain biking, kayaking, trekking and climbing.
We were group 1, a small group consisting of two Army Dental PMs, a RAF MO and an Army Mental Health Nurse.
Our first activity of the week was kayaking. After the brief we headed over to the stores to be issued all the kit that was required for the day’s activity.
The kayaking was led by a very experienced instructor who made everyone feel reassured as there were a few concerns with the activity amongst the group.
We arrived at Roose Ferry Lodge, where the kit was off loaded and we got changed into our wet suits. After a brief training session, which included safety drills, we set off as a group on our adventure on the high seas. Despite the undesirable weather the day’s activity was very much enjoyed by all in the group.
On the second day we were mountain biking, a step up from the kayaking adrenaline wise. We carried out the normal morning routine, and went over to the morning brief, collected our kit from the stores and set off. Everyone was quite excited about the mountain biking, however, there were also a few concerns amongst the group as some hadn’t ridden for a while.
After an hour journey we arrived at
the Raven Mountain Bike Trail located in Brechfa. The instructor gave us the normal brief prior to heading out. The course took
The course took place in the Watkins woods, it was fun and at the same time very challenging
place in the Watkins woods, it was fun and at the same time very challenging. Again, despite the undesirable weather, we all
still made the best of it and completed the course.
On day three we were scheduled to go rock climbing outdoors, however due to the unsuitable weather, there was a slight change in the plan and the activity was carried out indoors at the Haverfordwest leisure centre. Even without the daunting
elements of the sea cliff the indoor climbing was still adequately stimulating.
The following day’s activity was trekking in the stunning Pantmaenog Forest located near the coast of Clynderwen. The route was sufficiently arduous however we were able to enjoy some truly breath-taking views of the Welsh countryside.
On the final day there were initially no activities in the schedule - however there was a change to the plan. We all got a second chance at one of the activities
we had done during the week. Our group now had the opportunity to take part in
the outdoor climbing. This took place at Huntsman Leap, Merion, approximately 15 minutes drive from the Castle Martin Camp. The outdoor climbing was good, we all took part and we were put out of our comfort zones. We all had 3 climbs each as well as an abseiling session.
In summary this was a great opportunity to take a break from the normal working environment and experience the great outdoors, while simultaneously taking part in challenging yet fun activities. I believe everyone who took part was, at some point, placed out of their comfort zone.
Finally, we would like to say a special thanks to Maj Wooldridge and SSgt Purkiss for organising this event and to the Castle Martin Adventure training team for their efforts in providing this brilliant week of Adventure Training.
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING
32 RADC BULLETIN 2019