Patron: HRH The Prince of Wales

Ulysses Trust - Expedition Reports

Home About Us Grant Application Fund Raising Expedition reports Contact Us

Ulysses Trust Expedition - Pyrenean Eagle

Trekking, 'Pyrenean Eagle', France, Pyrenees, May 2011, ID 1111

West Mercian Wing, ATC

West Mercian Wing Air Cadets have successfully completed an overseas expedition to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Air Cadet organisation. The challenging trek saw all members of the group ascend Pic Du Canigou, the highest peak in the eastern Pyrenees, France.

The expedition was organised to provide a challenging physical journey that would fulfil the Corps motto ‘Venture Adventure’. An overseas trek promised to bring new experiences to the cadet participants through culture, language and most importantly the mountain environment that would surpass anything they had previously experienced. Five cadets and two staff travelled from West Mercian Wing headquarters at RAF Cosford, with the remaining three cadets and two staff travelling from Durham and Northumberland Wing. Everyone met up for the first time at the accommodation in Sahorre, France, after travelling by air and road via Spain.

The main objective of the expedition was to reach the summit of Pic Du Canigou in the Pyrenees-Orientales, a two day mountain journey featuring an overnight stay in an alpine mountain refuge. This would be the highlight of the week-long expedition, during which the team also undertook acclimatisation walks and visits to local cultural attractions. On the morning of Tuesday 31st May, the team undertook final preparations for their ascent of the peak, with last minute adjustments to pack for a changeable weather forecast that threatened to bring a cold chill to the mountain.

A short car journey took the team to the nearby Col de Jou from where everyone would toil uphill through thick forest for the whole of the afternoon in warm and humid conditions. As the forest thinned, the welcoming sight of the Refuge de Marialles (1700m) appeared in a clearing, marking the end of the first day. The simple rustic accommodation was a new and exciting experience for all of the cadets, made all the more special by the effort expended in getting there. Following a hearty meal everyone witnessed a stunning mountain sunset before retiring to bed for the evening.

Waking with the early morning light, the team took a traditional breakfast and packed belongings before departing the warmth of the refuge into the cold morning air. Ascending a steady path the group met the first major obstacle of the day, but crossed the river as a team without incident. Reaching the Plas de Cady everyone was treated to their first real view of the mountain, with the iron cross surmounting the summit clearly visible in the distance.

As the team gained altitude along the ridge leading to the summit, the weather worsened with steadily rising winds and darkening clouds that threatened to curtail the expedition. Taking advantage of a lull in conditions the team worked quickly to complete the route and ascended ‘the chimney’ which led directly to the top. A rewarding vista of the surrounding area greeted the group and a series of summit photographs were taken. Cadet Ollie Hobbs expressed the feelings of the whole of the group ‘Reaching the summit is such a fantastic experience, and one which I personally wouldn’t have imagined completing a year ago’The long descent retraced the route back to the Col de Jou, beating snow flurries along the way as the temperature continued to fall, with the party reaching the cars by early evening. A celebratory meal completed the two day venture as everyone began to relax and reflect on the experience.

Prior to undertaking Pic Du Canigou, the group had undertaken a long acclimatisation walk to the summit of Roc Colom (2500m) on the France/Spain border. This was completed in hot and sunny conditions that unfortunately didn’t last the week. A ‘cool down’ walk to the summit of Tres Estelle (2099m) was completed the day after the ascent of the Pic, finishing in the little mountain village of Mantet for traditional hot chocolate and crepes.

Between the strenuous activities of mountain walking and trekking, the group visited the walled town of Villefranche and Fort Liberia revealed the struggle for control of the area over the centuries, both of which command a prominent position in the defence of the valleys. The bustling street market in the local town of Vernet-les-Bains with stall holders and local produce demonstrated an alternative way of shopping to the supermarkets. The final day was a visit to Perpignan before returning to the accommodation for a barbeque and farewell party.

Cpl Amy Hartill, 16, (West Mercian Wing) said: ‘When I first heard about the Exercise Pyrenean Eagle I imagined it to be an amazing opportunity for all those involved; however it evolved into something so much more than that. It truly was an experience never to forget, this was due to the wonderful surroundings, staff and the strong relationships created amongst the cadets.’

Squadron Leader Bill Hoe who organised the expedition commented ‘We are very grateful to the Ulysses Trust and the RAF Chritable Trust for their generous grant which helped the cadets achieve a huge amount from this expedition, none of whom had been trekking overseas before. The experience has clearly made a big impact with all of them since all five of the participants from West Mercian Wing have volunteered for our next venture to the Himalaya in 2012’.

Thanks to
working in partnership with
 
[ Contacts ]   Registered Charity Number: 1012346.  Copyright © Ulysses Trust 2003 - 2011   Last updated 30/08/2011   

Pyrenean Eagle/Admiring the view from Roc Colom Pyrenean Eagle/Ascending the chimney Pyrenean Eagle/Checking the route on Tres Estelle Pyrenean Eagle/Summit of Pic Du Canigou