The CCF’s annual Pennines expedition proved to be what some had remembered, others feared, but, by the end, something we all loved.

We were a jumble of year groups, from optimistic year 10s to seasoned yr13s - including Warrant Officer Mineyko.

Six days of hiking through England’s greatest hits in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Mountains accented with dense fog or bliss sunshine. Ascents across jagged boulders. Days accented by the roar of local RAF jets or terrible, weeklong jokes. Highlights included England’s highest (and coldest) waterfall, and the chain of modest pubs and tea houses ribboning across Yorkshire.

The finale, a 10km foot race up the infamous Tan Hill, lay in wait. The steep, snaking road which we’d become first-name-basis familiar with last year stood as a final, dreaded hurdle, haloed only by the blessed finish line - the pub at the summit. For the third year running, Alex Gordon claimed victory, equaling the all time cadet record.

Thanks to all the officers and cadets who gave up their holiday to make Pennines such a fun camp. Already looking forward to next year!

Lance Corporal of Horse Miller