From the 2nd-8h February NACATC Windermere ran Ex Winter Thistle - a winter expedition in Scotland for 16 CFAV’s. The aim of this expedition was to provide a winter mountain foundation course (WMF), winter climbing foundation (WCF) course and the opportunity to gain further winter mountaineering experience (WME).

The group was accommodated at Inchree lodge, Onich, where, after an initial briefing, they split down into their teams for the week to discuss plans. The following provides a flavour of the areas visited and training undertaken.

Day 1 Consisted of a re-familiarisation to the Scottish winter environment for all groups, in the use of ice axe and crampons, and also what it means to be on the Scottish mountains in winter (90mph winds and rain).

Day 2 The winter Climbing Foundation team headed to the Buachaille Etive Mor on an improving forecast for an ascent of curved ridge and a gentle introduction to the techniques of lead climbing in the winter environment.

Day 3 The WME group undertook a trip through the Mamores from Kinlochleven to Glen Nevis to put into practice winter route choice and poor visibility navigation skills.

Day 4 Expedition time for the WMF group who packed rucksacks and headed around the back of the Grey Corries via the Larig Leacach to stay in a bothy. The following day they returned via the peak of Cruach Innse.

Day 5 A rare good weather day saw the six members of the WME team doing a traverse of Corrie nan Lochan up the east ridge and down the west. This provided opportunities to work on cramponing skills on some steeper ground and look at techniques for navigating in poor visibility near cornices.

The expedition proved successful in introducing Air Cadet Organisation volunteer staff to the techniques required for safe travel in the winter mountains. It also provided a good opportunity to develop a cohort of staff who already had a personal interest in the winter mountain environment towards the Winter Mountain Leader qualification.

We would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for their support with this expedition and the opportunities it provided to develop the knowledge and skills of the ACO staff.