979 – ‘UK Coast to Coast’ – East Coast to West Coast

Newbury Air Cadets walk from Coast to Coast – 192 miles covered in an epic 8 day feat of endurance Cadets from 211 (Newbury) Squadron, Air Training Corps recently took part in an expedition of great stamina and fortitude; walking from St Bee’s Head to Robin Hoods Bay along Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path. Whilst an accomplishment in itself, the group of 7 Air Cadets, aged 14-18, decided to attempt the challenging route in only 8 days.

Cadets from 211 (Newbury) Squadron, Air Training Corps recently took part in an expedition of great stamina and fortitude; walking from St Bee’s Head to Robin Hoods Bay along Wainwright’s Coast to Coast path. Whilst an accomplishment in itself, the group of 7 Air Cadets, aged 14-18, decided to attempt the challenging route in only 8 days.

The Cadets, lead by Warrant Officer Ian Lowe and Civilian Instructor Jon Fitt, both qualified Mountain Leaders, walked for between 9 and 13 hours per day over the demanding course which traversed three National Parks – the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors – and crossed some of England’s finest scenery. Averaging 24 miles per day over the expedition was taxing for all concerned – both physically and mentally.

Of the team of 8 cadets that took part, three of the cadets Sgt Hozan Amin, Sgt Ben Brown and Cpl Adam Campbell (of 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron), as well as Civilian Instructor Josh Spencer, used the experience to support their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Sgt Hozan Amin said “doing the Coast to Coast expedition for our Gold expedition was a truly unique – if very challenging – experience and really pushed us to our boundaries”.

The remaining cadets recorded their experiences in the form of a Twitter Blog which was updated as and when mobile phone coverage permitted! The Twitter Blog also kept members of the RAF informed of the progress who diverted a couple of training sorties to show their support for the expedition – including over flights by RAF Puma’s from RAF Benson, as well as RAF Harriers, Tornados and Typhoons – all of which helped raise morale considerably! The Ulysses Trust also provided much needed support in the form of a grant to help purchase kit and pay the large food bill.

The Commanding Officer of Newbury Air Cadets, Flying Officer Alex Pye, who led the expeditions support team, said “I am immensely proud of the Cadets and Staff which came together to make the expedition happen. Despite physical and mental fatigue, they were always buoyant and upbeat and overcame all the elements nature could throw at them. Their show of endurance, commitment and camaraderie was second to none and lived up to the Air Cadet maxim of ‘Venture Adventure'”.

Quotes from Twitter throughout the expedition :

It takes 17 A4 sized maps to go from the left hand side of England to the right hand side. It was a laminatorathon!!!Day 2- Grasmere to Shap. 35km. On already sore feet and stiff legs. Forecast? Rain and pain. Fun times!Blister attrition remains high. All but 1 are suffering now – even the staff. And we’re all walking like old men. Complete with groans!Don’t want to tempt fate, but this weathers pretty good! Makes up for the last 170km! Thanks to working in partnership with