This exercise is a repeat of the highly successful event which I have run on a number of occasions whilst station at the Army Training Regiment, Bassingbourn when it was still open. These exercises have been supported by two instructors, Mr Gordon Bruce and Sgt Si Hodge for the last six years. This has helped me massively due to their knowledge and experience not only in climbing but the area that we used.

The area we used again was the Costa Blanca climbing area near Benidorm, Alicante. From the amount of interest I had got from the Officer Cadets I had to select just 6 from a list of 25. These Cadets were a mixed bag which I didn’t mind at all but they had little or no experience in climbing what-so-ever. I would have liked to have done some pre training but due to the extensive exam and study periods this was not possible.

The main aims for this trip were firstly, to gain the Rock Climbing Foundation Award, but there had been a slight problem with this. I had to let the Officer Cadets know that they would not be getting a qualification because a new climbing scheme was coming into effect and the old scheme was obsolete. But on the plus side, they were getting a week’s climbing in the sun and, more importantly, climbing experience in a different country outside the UK, which they didn’t mind. Secondly, to climb the Puig Campana Mountain, which this exercise is named after.

Most of the time I didn’t need to use the guide book but I showed the group how to use it. They picked up the skills pretty quick which helped the other instructors as this made each day run smoother. Of course there are always times when a brain melt happens and somebody forgets the basic skills.

The 13 multi pitch route offered a lot of easy climbing with some slight difficult sections with exposed areas. The day started at 0430 wake up and a 40 minute drive to the walk in. After 45 minutes of walking to the start of the climb the students were keen to start. Once the 13 pitches had been completed and the two students who did it gathered their senses it was time to walk off. They felt more uneasy on the walk off than climbing; hence instead of an hour to get back to the car it took us nearly two. We worked out that the walk in and back to the car took us 14 hours as compared to about 8 other years. What an epic!

After that day we went to a different area and climbed 2 – 4 pitch routes as time was against us and the two of the officer Cadets were not up to the required standard.

Looking at what worked and what did not, I would have to look at the students’ time table and arrange pre climbing on weekends to get all up and beyond the required standard. The area has always worked and I would go back there again but I would do a multi activity week to give more Cadets the opportunity to experience adventure training overseas.

Apart from not giving out an award, I believe the trip was a success with only the second aim achieved. Every member of the party enjoyed themselves and are now hooked into climbing and interested in pursuing other outdoor activities.

I would like to thank the Ulysses Trust for their financial assistance in support of this expedition.

LSgt Nick Humphrey, Cambridge UOTC