Ex Dragon Venturer Ecrin was a multi activity expedition to the French Alps with the aim of introducing Sport climbing, Via Ferrata, VVT Mountain Biking, Trekking and WW rafting to the Cadets from Staffordshire and West Midlands, whilst also exposing them to the culture and cuisine of the Southern Alps. The expedition was 31 strong; 6 AT instructors, 2 support staff and 23 Cadets aged between 13 and 17.
In temperature of 25 degrees rising to 34 we made our way from Staffordshire to Guillestre in the Ecrin National Park, establishing a base at “Camping de la Iscles” on the bank of the Durance River.
We awoke on our first morning to an Alpine storm, heavy rain and strong winds. We quickly re-arranged the day’s activities taking advantage of the rising water levels by rafting 20km down the grade 3 Durance River from St Clement to Embrum. The following four days were sunny with light winds which provided ideal conditions for mountain activities.
The Cadets climbing ability developed throughout the expedition with all gaining the skills required to competently act as a second and some lead climbing in a multipitch environment under supervision.
The mountain biking proved very demanding due to the heat and severity of the Alp’s. Despite this everyone battled on to complete the route which took in some of the local sites of interest along the way.
The Via Ferrata and 700m zip line proved very popular as none of the cadets had ever experienced anything like this before. The route started easily and gradually got harder: the Cadets had to overcome vertical ascents, traverses, overhangs and bridges some 200m above the river below in the Durance Gorge.
To finish the expedition on a high, we ascended the Pic De Esceins at 2734m. The assault started at 0800hrs from the Basse Rue Refuge, and the route took us from the valley floor through the pine forests and high mountain pastures onto the bare and rugged limestone ridge. With everyone summiting by midday, the descent started, taking in two more peaks along the way at 2500m. Having spent nearly 11 hours on the mountain, everyone made it back for a well earned evening meal and plenty of sleep.
The expedition has without doubt had an effect on everyone who took part, developing physical ability and mental agility. The Aims of Adventurous Training were surpassed with individual’s courage, discipline, determination and endurance being tested constantly. The Cadets natural leadership skills came to the fore as they worked together as a team supporting each other to complete the activities.
We departed from Staffordshire with 23 young teenagers and returned with 23 responsible and mature people who were a pleasure to be around and work with, as quoted by Lt Col Richard Ayres.
Staffordshire & West Midlands, North Sector, Army Cadet Force wishes to thank the Ulysses and Berlin Trusts for their very generous donations. Your support has had a dramatic impact of the lives of our Cadets - it has opened their eyes to what the world has to offer and what they can achieve.
