Golden Success in Bavaria for Army Cadets
19 November 2025
DofE
19 November 2025
Twenty-one Army Cadets and three Adult Volunteers from across the United Kingdom had the incredible opportunity to travel to Bavaria in Germany to complete their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition.
Their journeys began in the beautiful Allgäu region of Bavaria, situated in southern Germany and parts of Austria. After an acclimatisation day, where the teams climbed the spectacular Riedberghorn mountain, the four teams settled down to plan their routes for the expedition based on their interests and what they wanted to get out of the week. As well as exploring the beautiful countryside, mountain and wilderness that Bavaria has to offer, they also chose to take in aspects of the local culture. A highlight for many of them was the opportunity to walk across a national border!
During the expedition, groups had the chance to walk through the spectacular Breitachklamm gorge. They climbed up to the viewpoint for the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, and used a cable car to explore some of the higher routes, including passing the incredibly remote Bad Kissinger mountain hut. They remained self-sufficient throughout, having spent a couple of hours in the local Aldi store beforehand, picking out some local delicacies to enjoy on route!
Despite the challenging heat conditions, the teams demonstrated determination and resilience to complete their journeys by adapting their timings to avoid the hottest parts of the day.
Throughout the week, participants developed their communication, leadership and teamwork skills. They had to quickly grasp a whole new style of map, as well as come to terms with how the heat and challenging terrain would affect their speed of movement. The teamwork, navigation and social skills they were able to develop throughout the week were all crucial to enabling a successful outcome.
On the final day of the expedition, they returned to the lodge for a celebratory barbecue. This inspired moments of reflection on what was truly a life-changing experience for them. All 24 of the participants had completed their Gold DofE Expedition and were rightly proud of their achievement.
Cadet Sergeant Manson of 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF said, “My favourite part of the expedition was getting up the hills, seeing the scenery. It’s just brilliant!”
Cadet Muiruri of Queen’s and Aldenham CCF in London added:
“I really enjoyed travelling into Austria and looking at the traditions and culture of the local area.”
SI Smyth of Cumbria ACF commented… “I enjoyed getting up into the mountains, seeing all the different scenery, and hearing the cows and cow bells. It’s a really lovely noise when you’re walking along.”
This expedition would not have been possible without the hard work, determination and teamwork displayed by the team of 10 Adult Volunteers who led and supported the venture. Whether supervising or assessing a team, driving vehicles, looking after kit and minibuses, or dealing with whatever problems came their way, their input was critical to the venture’s success.
SSI Gareth McKelvey of 1st Northern Ireland Battalion ACF, one of the team assessors and drivers, said,
“I would certainly recommend to other adults to come along and help out. It’s great coming together and working with other adults from across the UK, and meeting cadets from all corners of the UK as well. It’s certainly a good experience for everyone involved.”
Expedition Lead, Lt Col Robert Lockhart, DofE Advisor for HQ Scotland, reflected:
“Activities like this are the pinnacle of a cadet’s career, and will remain in their memories throughout their life. Bringing cadets to an area like Bavaria gives them a unique perspective on a country and culture they may otherwise not have an opportunity to experience, and hopefully inspires in them a thirst for adventure, travel and enjoying the outdoors. This is the second year we’ve delivered this activity. I hope it’s something we’ll be able to continue for many more years.”
Delivering exciting and impactful activities such as this wouldn’t be possible without financial support from ACCT UK and the Ulysses Trust. Their invaluable support has enabled cadets and CFAVs from across the UK to come together, develop skills and share in a truly memorable experience.