Mountains… Woodlands… Valleys… Lakes… This is what The Cambrian Mountains mean to most people, but for 13 Cadets from across Warwickshire & Birmingham it means an arduous and demanding 50 mile expeditionary trek across the toughest terrain Wales has to offer, so they can achieve the prestigious award that is the Gold Duke of Edinburgh.

With support staff from the Air Training Corps and Royal Air Force the 13 Cadets successfully navigated around some of Wales' most magnificent reservoirs, hills and woodlands covering over 50 miles in the most toughest challenge of their young lives.

Cadet Warrant Officer Charlotte Newman, 19 of 1289 (Stratford Upon Avon) Squadron who, is currently training as an outdoor instructor, commented on the remoteness of the area and the navigational challenges encountered.

Charlotte along with many others have now completed their last stage of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, which means that soon shall be receiving an invite to attend an award ceremony at St James Palace, in recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Warrant Officer Keir Hart of Sutton Coldfield squadron, who organised and assessed the event, explains ‘This has been another successful year at the training facility at Elan valley. The centre has allowed the cadets to achieve the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, by undertaking expeditions in some of the remotest and mentally challenging parts of Wales and I strongly encourage everyone to ‘ venture adventure' at Elan Valley.'