Page 86 - WishStream Year of 2023

Exercise HIELAN CADET
OCdt Bagnall
Something I have learnt is that Army life is one of immense contrasts. Within twenty-four hours of the final royal salute to our sovereign on Old College Parade Square, crisp ranks of OCdts and smooth asphalt was exchanged for the untram- melled wild chaos of the Highland landscape. We had broken from the laborious ballet of the slow march to a merry, bouncy hike. The steady drum- beat of military marches had faded to tranquil mountain quiet.
First however, we negotiated a herculean journey to Glenelg, in far northwest Scotland. Our chariot was a nondescript white minivan, its lazy mechanisms more than offset by the high spirits of its passen- gers. The heroic driving of OCdts Bagnall and Vail got us safely to Glasgow, where, thanks to the kind hospitality of OCdt Howe, we billeted that night. Wearied, we faced a final struggle – the security of the van was questionable, with only two of the three doors locking. Serious debate was given to leaving one of our number sentinel. However, deciding that Mr Hoffman would be more annoyance than deter- rent to any would-be thief, we decided against it.
Van having survived, we set off for the final stint towards Glenelg the following morning. We made it for mid-afternoon. Arriving, we were spectators to a colosseum of natural beauty: a long loch stretched out towards Skye and thereafter the Atlantic, pali- saded by sharp glens. We settled in at the delightful Glenelg Inn, with introductions to our hosts and AT instructor. Major Malcolm firmly established his cre- dentials as our Mountain Leader. His previous ser- vice provided a wholesome banquet of experience
which he graciously shared. We devoured every morsel, feasting like the Romans on the bread- crumbs dropped from the table of Grecian classics.
The following day, we conducted our first hike. We headed to the fairy pools of Skye, pushing up to the ridgeline between Bidean Druim nan Ramh and Bruach na Frìthe. The place was as unclimbable as it was unpronounceable. Shy of the summit, where the precipitous loose rocks turned to a near verti- cal cliff, we turned about and began our descent, stopping on the way for a paddle in one of the fairy pools. Suitably cooled and refreshed, we headed back to the van and thence to a well-earned pub supper.
The ridge above Arnisdale provided our route for the second full day. At the summit we enjoyed a superb vista. Magnificently nestled in the belfry of this highland cathedral, Loch Hourn glistened in the April sun and around us hundreds of munros sat thoughtfully like kings, sovereign over their pastoral surroundings. The most perfect peace and silence reigned. In a busy and noisy world, particularly in the chaos of Sandhurst, it was a moment we all treasured. Mr Lovick, our artist in residence, immor- talised the timeless scene.
The final full day was a hike combined with an overnight camp. Once again, a challenging climb and once again, the views did not disappoint. Rope work was practised on one crag, where Mr Vail had a sharp reminder of the realities of physics. Post hike, we made camp. We had the most splen- did supper underneath the stars before bedding down. We enjoyed a short climb on the final day, with the happy interlude of a brief battlefield study of Glenshiel, where in 1719 government troops defeated a force of Spaniards and Jacobite rebels. All concluded, we made ready for our long journey south. Having bathed in Scotland’s glory, our minds and bodies were tested, restored, and given time for a little introspection. We were grateful for this interval before heading southwards. All ready for the finale of CC223 after a well-earned leave.
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