Page 72 - RADC Bulletin 2019

Walking the GR20 South with AHF HQ
Maj D Edwards RADC
Attack Helicopter Force Headquarters have been brilliant during my time in Wattisham, supporting the dental centre and making us feel truly integrated. They often invite us on AT, so this time, we thought – why not? Having realised I
had done less AT in 12 years than LCpl White had done in 3 years, I was willing to desert my wife and kids to attend a heavily subsidised once in a lifetime opportunity, what a hero. Its not like I am leaving the Army or anything and wanted to rinse it for everything it has! The GR20 is described as the toughest long-distance trail in Europe, crossing the mountainous centre of Corsica heading from North-West to South East for 112 miles. It is possible to walk it from early June to late October, when the snow has melted.
Six of us from AHF HQ deployed on
30 June 2019. We got off to a rocky start involving kicking a door in and ditching a van at the airport, but the less said about that the better. Once we arrived, we met our guide, John Howie. I can’t quite find the words to describe John. Still serving at 65 years old, the man is a legend, who’s dark humour and extensive experience was to prove invaluable. Transport to the delightful Le Vizzavona Hotel was provided by Ayrton
Senna. Relieved to ‘arrive alive’, the hotel was a luxurious start, and lulled us into a false sense of security. After a restful night, we set off early on our modest 30Km trek with 1320m height gain. It’s not like it was
in the middle of the European heatwave,
but fortunately my intense training regime (Netflix) combined with my ginger skin meant that this was no problem for me. Once we arrived at Col di Verde, I was slightly horrified at the accommodation, for this was not what the RADC is accustomed to. The RAF would have had a full-on breakdown. My lack of preparation was really starting to hit now, with my winter sleeping bag helping me to get a superb nights sleep.
The next day was much easier – on paper. We hiked to Monte Renoso across demanding terrain. It was really tough going, and people were starting to feel the heat and fatigue. To arrive at what can only be described as the lovechild of a patrol base in Afghanistan and one of Pablo Escobar’s favelas, I was devo’d. The single toilet
for the entire camp was just something to behold, and the single shower which was fed from a mountain stream did nothing to lift my mood.
And so the trip went on for another 3 days. Accommodation did improve slightly
as we went, and I think everyone found
their stride. The most surprising thing about this route is the change in terrain and the scenery. You can be walking through a forest for several hours, and the next minute you are scrambling up a mountain to traverse
an arete. Sadly on the last day, it’s possible my training regime caught up with me when I rolled my ankle – this quickly became a cankle. I grizzed out the last 8 miles with an avulsion fracture, but this didn’t spoil the
trip for me (just the rest of my life). The last
2 nights were spent in the relative luxury
of Porto Vecchio. This was some much- needed rest – what a fantastic place, and well worth a visit. Jules Bianchi was kind enough to drive us to the airport, but at least we didn’t have to kick down any doors in this time.
LCpl White and I learned a lot about ourselves during the trip and further strengthened our relationship with AHF. If anyone else gets the chance to attend AT with their local unit, you must take up the opportunity. My time in the regulars is now over, but I can look back with fondness, having had some amazing experiences. I am now joining the reserves and plan to spend the next 12-years mainly doing AT!
70 RADC BULLETIN 2019
ADVENTUROUS TRAINING