Rock Climbing, 'Northern Emulous', France - Ardeche, Aug 2011, ID 1157

Tayforth UOTC

Northern Emulous was a multi activity expedition, conducted in the Ardeche region of Southern France, for thirty six Officer Cadets, six instructors and six administrative staff. The aim of the exercise was to increase the skills of those undertaking the exercise, in order to build self confidence, team work, develop physical robustness in an area of outstanding beauty. All of these aims were achieved

The outward journey was a torturous 2 day trip in minibus from Dundee to Folkestone, then the whole length of France, to the town of Vallon Pont D’Arc, which is as far south in France as you can go, without speaking Spanish. The camp site at Domain De Mazes, proved an ideal base for the activities: Rock Climbing, Hiking and Kayaking. After an admin and recce day, the teams split into groups and for the next ten days undertook three 3 day rotations and a challenge pursuit day, which proved to be massively successful.

Situated 5 miles from the camp site, the area of Salavas Fontgornide proved an excellent rock climbing area. All the rocks were pre bolted, due to the heavy use the area encounters. Fortunately given the sunny weather the crag was west facing and in shade all day. The site had trees on top, which acted as anchors for undertaking abseiling; however, there were a lot of loose rock which could cause problems to those below. The traverse to the top of the crag was a bit of a scramble, but more than achievable. The instructors ensured that the training was progressive, the first day being an introduction and basic rope work, the next day progressing to more challenging climbs and the final day the majority of the groups were able to undertake very difficult ascents and abseils. From the feedback of the students, this phase pushed those who had previous experience, whilst introducing novice climbers to the activity, so much so that by the end of each rotation, every individual increased their skill level, developed as people, and some are on the way to becoming instructors themselves.

The river passing the camp site proved to be an ideal location for kayaking. Again this was conducted over three days with the first day concentrating on skills and drills, confidence building and a short paddle of some 7km. Day two was more intense, with the distance and expectations of the instructors increasing markedly. These days were a build up to the monster third day, where the teams paddled 37 km through the wonderful Ardeche Gorges. Again this was an extremely successful part of the expedition, with everyone commenting on the quality instruction and fantastic scenery in which they were training.

The final activity was hill walking, and disappointingly due to logistical reasons, the team could not deploy to the area where the hills would have been more challenging. However, the instructors worked on map reading, team work and oral skills, in order to develop the cadet’s leadership potential. Day one was a relatively small walk, concentrating on getting the basics right. The next day was a fabulous trek through the Ardeche, conducting two river crossings and enjoying lunch at a fantastic swimming spot, ideal in the blazing sun, before finishing the day with a heart pounding ascent to the mini buses. Day three was a very good eight hour circular route from the camp site, to the hills overlooking the whole area and back again.

The final activity was a challenge pursuit day, held at the local ‘Indy’ park, which involved a confidence course built into a local wood, consisting of zip wires, cargo nets, Burma rope bridges and swings, all of which tested even the most confident of individuals.

The Adventure training over, we packed the camp site and vehicles and began the reverse trip from Vallon to Calais, then Folkestone and the long drive to Dundee and the end of the exercise.

Northern Emulous was an amazing exercise, expertly organised and proved to be challenging, educational, enjoyable and conducted in a fantastically beautiful region of France.

The expedition was organised by SSgt Johnny Graham, RAMC, and supported by a mixture of regular and territorial Mountain Leaders, Kayakers and Rock Climbing instructors. It would not have been possible to conduct without the continuing fantastic support of the Ulysses Trust, Highland RFCA and G7 at HQ 2 Division.

For further information please contact Major Kev O’Neill (mercury1517@yahoo.co.uk)

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