It’s one of the toughest summits to reach in the Pyrenees. At a mighty 2784m above sea level, combined with a 20m final sharp ascent, stunning views and a test of nerve, few mountains can rival the excitement of the Pic du Canigou in southern France. After 15 months of planning and fundraising, a team of nine cadets and staff from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron have succeeded in their mountaineering challenge to climb the Canigou – and it only took 9 and a half hours!

The expedition, partly supported by The Ulysses Trust and the Cadet Forces Trust, gave the youngsters the chance to enjoy French culture, mountain etiquette, and gain life skills.

The team undertook a 12km walk on the first day in Carnaca Gorge and enjoyed visiting Ville Franche, Fort Liberia and market day in Prade and Perpignan before making their way to the base of the Canigou.

Cadet George Ferguson, 15, of Forest Hall, said, “It was the best time of my life! The gorge walking was great fun and taught us to be responsible and safe when out in the mountains. Visiting the towns was good fun as we got to explore Catalonian culture before heading to a mountain hut at the base of the Canigou. We spent the night there before heading up to the summit – it was pitch-black and amazing”.

For 16-year old Nathan Horner, from Longbenton, it was his first visit overseas venture. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Climbing the Canigou was just incredible. I never thought I’d have the chance to do something like that and I enjoyed every second of it. The last 20m is a very steep climb and it’s called ‘The Chimney’ because you have to scramble up the side of the mountain on all fours. When you get to the top you feel an immense sense of achievement. It was tough but I learnt that if I persevere and work hard then I can achieve”.

The ambitious team began their ascent at 7:25am for what was thought to be a 12 hour round expedition. However, so great was their teamwork, resilience and vigour, they completed the journey in 9 and a half hours! International Mountain leader, Flight Lieutenant Will Close-Ash said, “I was very, very impressed with the group. Their attitude, work ethic and humour were unquestionable and they were one of the best groups I’ve ever worked with – they’re certainly the quickest cadet group I’ve led in the Pyrenees!”

After their Canigou climb, the next day they climbed another mountain - Rock Colom at 2500m. They took a route to the Spanish border and followed the footsteps of many downed WW2 airmen who made good their escape into neutral Spain.

Cadet Thomas Bell, 15, of Killingworth said, “The overall experience was something else! We learnt so much about history, the outdoors, mountaineering and how to be self-sufficient. It was a great confidence boost. We even cooked and cleaned for ourselves. We had to buy breakfast from a local Patisserie too which was quite nerve-wracking having to go into a small French shop but it was a good feeling when you managed to buy what you went in for”.

OC, Flt Lt Gary Richardson said; “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing first-hand the progress the young people made and how much they gained from the experience at such a young age".

A short film of the mountaineering experience can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwK34aSuRso.