Page 35 - 2015 AMA Autumn

a Grade 1 scramble in a perfect position with great views. After a day of climbing, their final day forayed into the Cairngorms to complete the Fiacaill a Coire an Sneachda. Scrambling involves moving together on the rope as well as pitching more difficult steps and requires confidence and judgement to move safely and efficiently. This course was a great opportunity for the students to increase their experience and knowledge gathering invaluable log book experience.
The marvelous coast line landscape of both the north-west and north-east Scotland provided the back drop for the sea kayakers, who ranged far and wide to develop and hone their skills. Their trip to the Summer Isles afforded not only flat, calm water but the sighting of a pod of dolphins and incredible rock architecture to paddle through. The sea state round Fort George proved a bit lumpier, but when they paddled round the light house off the Tain Range, they had seals for company. Their trip to the Moray coast, putting in at Burghead, provided the adventure of paddling through sea caves. Not only did the kayakers cover all the skills and techniques necessary to complete the Foundation Award, but they had some wonderful experiences in fantastic Scottish scenery.
Mountain Biking Foundation is a new departure for CCAT and the students were issued brand new equipment to augment the shiny new bikes being used for the first time. The bikes’ condition at the end of the week clearly showed the tough and adventurous routes tackled by the students, some of whom were complete novices. They too had to travel far and wide to optimise conditions, but this meant the students experienced many different areas.
Major Kevin Edwards, OC CCAT, put together a team of very experienced instructors, whose willingness to go the extra mile (quite literally!) in searching for the best conditions meant the students got the best out of their week and it is hoped that this experience will further fuel their appetite to participate in Adventurous Training. .
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