Based at the Rothiemurchus Hut, the 25 members of the expedition personnel undertook mountain biking, hill walking and clay pigeon shooting. Having just returned from mobilised deployment, the aim was to develop team working, physical fitness, mental toughness and fighting spirit. The weather conditions were ideal to achieve this aim - being wet and very windy for the whole weekend!

The mountain biking was carried out in the relative calm of the Spey valley but this was technically challenging and culminated in a physically and mentally demanding ride. There were numerous spills as individuals tried to defy the laws of physics and gravity but fortunately there were no serious injuries.

The clay pigeon shooting was a relatively sedate part of the weekend it was none the less challenging. It introduced personnel to different shooting techniques from the ones they are used to with the normal weapons used by the Squadron. It was even more challenging for some individuals nursing bruises and aching joints and muscles from mountain biking and hill walking.

The hill walking took place on the Cairngorm Mountain range. Due to the poor weather conditions the hill walking concentrated on route finding, micro navigation and moving across difficult terrain in adverse weather conditions. This was probably the most physically challenging part of the expedition.

Overall, ‘Cairngorm Challenge’ undoubtedly achieved its aim and the personnel who took part certainly came away having been challenged in many different ways. All of them enjoyed the experience and felt that they had developed as individuals and as teams. The exercise could not have taken place without the support of the Ulysses Trust for which the Squadron is very grateful.