Canfordians conquer the Cairngorms!

Canford CCF includes Army, Navy and Marines divisions and is a very popular option within our co-curricular programme. During the half term break, 11 current CCF Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) headed up to the Cairngorms on an expedition to the Scottish Highlands. This trip was designed as a challenging but rewarding expedition for the Lower Sixth.

There were several big mountain days, including summitting several Munros, with the high point of Creag Meagaidh at 1130m high. This was a nine-hour hike day with over 1000m of ascent which was even harder than spelling and pronouncing the name of the mountain! The instructors were impressed with the Canford group, commenting that such a day would be beyond the capabilities of the vast majority of groups that they work with:

The best group I’ve had all season, they listen, learn and get on with it so brilliantly, while really supporting each other.

The Cairngorms are a popular hiking area, and other members of the public also on the hills at the time mentioned what a great group the Canfordians were, well equipped and cheerful.

It was a great experience with all aims achieved and more in the face of multiple challenges, not least the variable Scottish winter weather, learning new mountain skills and keeping each other going on long days. There were lots of fun moments off the mountain as well. From beyond wholehearted participation in a game of spoons to eating some great meals together and making life work in the Youth Hostel, with the possible exception of a less than successful meringue making attempt!

Pupils provided some thoughtful and quality feedback on the trip, in terms of reflecting on their experience and how it has impacted them.

“It's definitely made me more confident, both in my skills on the mountain and in my ability to help out and organise things that were needed for the expedition. In the future it will definitely make me more willing to step out of my comfort zone and try things I might not have much or any experience in. It will also allow me to trust that I can get on with different combinations of people even if I don't know them very well before.”

“It made me realise I’m more capable than I thought. I thought I would spend my time at the back of the group struggling to keep up with everyone else but in reality I was completely fine, it taught me that I am capable and able to do difficult things and that I should have a more confident outlook in the future.”

Rob Hoey, Head of Outdoor Challenges at Canford, commented:

This was a very successful CCF expedition on so many fronts. I was impressed with the conduct of all our pupils and their courageous attitude and positive approach to the not-insignificant challenges involved in summitting the mountains in sub zero temperatures. We are very grateful to the support by the Ulysses Trust and HQ RC Cadet Adventure Training who made this fantastic experience possible, alongside the Canford staff and parents who gave their time and energy to give our Sixth Formers this life changing experience.