Exercise Corsican Tiger was a 17-day adventurous training expedition to the Mediterranean island of Corsica, undertaken by 23 members of Bristol University Officers Training Corps (BUOTC). The aim of the expedition was to push BUOTC Officer Cadets to their physical limits in an arduous mountain environment, to develop their physical robustness, improve their leadership abilities and foster teamwork. After a long journey through France, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy we spent 9 days walking the northern half of the GR (Grande Randonnée) 20 route – reputedly one of Europe’s toughest and most impressive high-level mountain treks.
With bergens packed, feet powdered and sun cream applied, the walk started from the tiny village – little more than a train station and a café – of Vizzavonna in the mountains of central Corsica. In an afternoon of unexpected rain, we stopped quickly to set up camp in a woodland clearing. The next morning, however, we were pleasantly awoken by the warm Corsican sun, and set off with high morale. That afternoon, however, the weather unexpectedly turned – visibility was poor, the rain was heavy and enduring, and the wind was strong. With a total altitude change of over 2100 metres and total walking time nearing 10 hours this was a long and testing day for all. Exhausted and sapped of morale the group worked together quickly to erect tents and eat warming food, before settling in for some well-earned sleep.
The next day started with some bad news. Two members of the group were unable to continue with the expedition, so the decision was made by the group leaders to walk a short escape route to meet up with support staff, and not continue along the GR20 as planned. That evening we enjoyed a group dinner in a local restaurant, before rejoining the GR20 route the next day, first climbing up steeply through shaded, but humid woodland, before breaking out to find magnificent views over the Corsican coast. We stopped for the day at a small refuge beside a river, in which we cooled off after a long and hot day of walking.
The next day provided a new experience for all – 1000 metres of ascent, 1000 metres of descent and two sections of via ferrata, navigating fixed chains and ladders for the steepest ascents and descents so far. With heavy rucksacks and the fear of heights, this day proved to be immensely challenging for some, but we made it together, helping each other. After two shorter days of walking on rugged paths, with basic via ferrata and wire bridges we stopped for our last night on the mountains, and rested in preparation for the final day.
The last day of our expedition would be the longest day yet. 13 kilometres of walking with a total altitude change of over 2200 metres. On the ascent down to our end point we saw spectacular views of the coastal towns and beaches of Northern Corsica, looking forward to finishing our expedition. We spent the next two days relaxing on beaches, recuperating and reflecting on the expedition.
Corsican Tiger was challenging for everyone involved, whether that be due to coping with injuries, maintaining morale in very poor weather conditions, instructors dealing with unhappy group members or simply getting up everyday, only to be faced by another long ascent in hot weather! It was however a very valuable experience, and the individual’s confidence, mental and physical endurance and leadership have all grown as a result. Our thanks go to the Ulysses Trust for their generous grant to offset the cost of the trip, without which this trip would not have been viable for many of its participants.