Scaling New Heights: The Impact of Ex-Venturer Snowdon

This summer, Dorset Army Cadet Force swapped the Dolomites for North Wales’ rugged mountains for its annual adventure. Thanks to ACCT UK grant funding, Exercise Venturer Snowdon became an unforgettable week of climbing, scrambling, walking, and coasteering that challenged cadets both physically and mentally.

The expedition began in August with an advance party setting up camp at CCAT’s Capel Curig Training Camp. Instructors carried out careful reconnaissance of climbing and scrambling sites, including Tremadog, Castle Inn Quarry, and Tryfan. An indoor wall was kept as a wet-weather option, but, unusually for Wales, the sun shone throughout the week.

Once cadets arrived, energy was high, and equipment was issued. Groups were split, allowing everyone to rotate through a mix of hill walking, scrambling, and rock climbing, with a special day of coasteering included.

The programme quickly put cadets to the test. The walkers tackled the classic Glyder traverse, taking them across dramatic ridges with sweeping views. Scramblers strung together five technical routes, including the Cneifon Arete and Dolmen Ridge, both renowned three-star scrambles. Climbers scaled multi-pitch rock faces at Tremadog before progressing onto more advanced challenges.

The rotation continued across Snowdon itself, with one group ascending via the Rhyd Ddu and Snowdon Ranger paths. Others scrambled up Tryfan’s rocky summit or practised climbing techniques at Tryfan Fach and London Wall.

One midweek highlight was coasteering on the North Wales coastline. Cadets leapt, swam, and traversed the rocky shoreline, combining adventure with teamwork and trust.

Towards the end of the week, the focus shifted to building technical climbing skills. Some cadets completed multiple-pitch climbs with dramatic abseils, while others refined movement and rope techniques on single-pitch crags. Every cadet achieved new milestones.

By Friday, all groups had experienced the full range of challenges. Instructors praised their determination, resilience, and motivation. The week concluded with a celebratory meal in Betws-y-Coed and a strong sense of achievement.

The real impact of Ex-Venturer Snowdon was best captured in the words of the cadets themselves. One reflected on the personal growth gained from stepping outside their comfort zone…

For another, conquering fear was a turning point:

“During the Wales trip, I really enjoyed my time. I had the greatest fun scrambling and coasteering as well as rock climbing, which I particularly enjoyed. This has helped me overcome my fear of heights and has made me realise I am much more capable than I think I am and that I just have to keep going and pushing myself. I really think this week helped my self-confidence.”

Funding from ACCT UK made it possible for Dorset ACF to access this ambitious programme. The grant ensured that cadets gained more than just outdoor skills. They developed resilience, self-belief, and friendships that will last beyond the expedition.

For many young people, experiences like these can be transformative. Facing challenges in the mountains instils confidence that transfers into cadet life, education, and beyond. As one instructor said, the cadets’ enthusiasm impressed everyone involved.

Exercise Venturer Snowdon stands as a clear example of how ACCT UK support empowers young people to scale new heights… literally and personally.

Read more incredible ACCT UK impact stories about cadets and volunteers.