Page 33 - QARANC Vol 20 No 2 2022

Capt Louise McIlwrath of 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital in Belfast reports on taking on the Munro Mountains challenge over a week in June.
Having been a keen hill walker for years it was an easy choice to join with 204 (North Irish) Field Hospital on their annual Adventurous Training week to the Munros in Scotland. It was my third year attending, and I had the privilege to be the officer in command of this year’s exercise, from 12-19 June.
This challenge is open to all unit personnel with the aim to challenge individuals to try something different, improve physical and mental robustness, instil team working ethic and develop confidence and resilience, especially at times when the going is particularly arduous.
24 personnel took part in this year’s exercise to the Cairngorm region and returned with aching limbs but with memories of stunning walks and beautiful scenery. Our base was in the village of Ballater close to Balmoral and within easy distance of our chosen Munros. Our accommodation was
View from the summit of Sgor Gaoith to Loch Einich
The Gazette QARANC Association 33
‘Aching limbs, stunning walks and beautiful scenery’
in Victoria Barracks which was first established in 1850 around the time that Queen Victoria acquired Balmoral Castle and it is still primarily used to accommodate the Queen’s Guard.
With three experienced mountain leaders this year we were able to divide the walking groups according to experience and ability. We also had three personnel who recently gained their Summer Mountain Foundation (SMF) qualification and enhanced navigation skills.
The Munro Mountains are so called due to their height of over 3,000ft
(914.4m) as charted originally by Sir Hugh Munro. There are 282 in Scotland with Ben Nevis being the highest.
A typical day during the exercise started with breakfast at 0630hrs and walks at 0800hrs. There was typically an arduous climb, some on well- trodden paths while others involved a scramble over boulders especially close to the summits followed by an equally challenging descent. Each group member was given the opportunity to navigate under the supervision of the group leader.
Feature mountains walked during this year’s exercise included Lochnagar: height 930m, distance- 20km. Braeriach (third Highest Munro) height 1,296m, distance - 26 kms (where the weather at the summit was very poor and gusty winds forced a hasty retreat). Sgor Gaoith: height 1107m, distance 17km, (conditions were very good, and we were rewarded with stunning views at the top) and the Glenshee 6 – Height 1351m distance 26km (a very blustery day but good visibility) among others.
Those who had not previously been part of the Munro Challenge have a newfound appreciation as to what draws us back to the Scottish Munros time after time and those who are long standing attendees will return next year and add more Munros to their list of achievements.
Capt Matchett, QARANC, living on the edge
Navigating the boulders