Expedition - Gold supplementary practice, 11-13 Jul 2024

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July saw a small group 1368 Squadron expedition to N. Wales. It was minimum Gold practice (2n/2d) focused on giving senior and able cadets who've already experienced unescorted 3 day expeditions at Silver level, experience of wild country navigation/mountain terrain plus a bit of history/ideas for expedition purpose for an actual. Excellent nav. skills and fitness shown. 2 mountains in 2 days.





In the UK, a mountain is generally defined as a height above 2,000 ft, or more latterly 610 m, is considered necessary to be classified as a mountain – as opposed to a hill – in the British Isles.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_mountains_and_hills_in_the_British_Isles.

A ‘Quality Mountain Day’ for the Mountain Leader should take place in mountainous terrain in the UK or Ireland.

All the following criteria should be fulfilled for a QMD for Mountain Leader (Summer) qualification hence they all did QMD days as defined by the Mountain Training qualification organisation:
  • The individual takes part in the planning and leadership.
  • An unfamiliar locality is explored.
  • A mountain is ascended.
  • Navigation skills are required.
  • Knowledge is increased and relevant skills practised.
  • Judgement and decision making is required.
  • At least Five hours or more journey time.
The quality element lies in such things as the conditions experienced both overhead and underfoot, the exploration of new areas, the terrain covered, the skills deployed and the physical and mental challenge. The experience of a quality day should contribute to knowledge, personal development and associated skill acquisition.

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