Three Peaks in a Week

Three Peaks in a Week – Exercise Salamanca Challenger

Story and photo supplied by Major Paul Sainsbury, Area Commander, Somerset Army Cadet Force

What started out as a conversation about putting Salamanca Company, Somerset Army Cadet Force on the map, and doing something different which was challenging, rewarding and fun, turned in to a week of awesome achievement.

The idea was to take a selected group of cadets from across the company, raise funds for charity and complete a demanding adventure training week. Adventure training officer, Staff Sergeant Tony Finnis suggested the National Three Peaks Challenge, from that seed grew a week of adventure for fourteen cadets and four Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).

Because of the nature of the challenge, we embarked on a selection weekend, a chance not only to put cadets through their paces to assess fitness, determination and teamwork, but also to complete some cadet syllabus training. A fittingly brutal 20km stretch of the Purbeck Coast was selected with some very steep sections to see how the cadets would cope.

From the twenty or so cadets that attended selection, we choose the final fourteen and a few reserves, then followed a cadet and parent briefing evening to make sure everyone was made aware of the expectations of the event, this included kit requirements, behaviour expectations and importantly an agreement to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship for our chosen charities, the Army Cadet Charitable Trust and Cancer Research UK.

With all of the required paperwork in place and the logistics finalised, we set off from Ilminster Detachment at 7:30am on 10 August 2026 for the journey to Scotland. We arrived at Arrochar Cadet Centre (many thanks to Argyll and Southern Highlanders Battalion, Army Cadet Force), and went for a well-deserved meal at a local restaurant.

With everyone fed and watered we finalised equipment for the ascent of Ben Nevis.

The following morning, we set out with the majority of the group summiting at around 12:30pm, the remainder at about 1:45pm, after watching mountain rescue in action which had delayed them as they had to remain below the casualty site whilst the helicopter winched the casualty from the mountain.

All made it down for a chip supper from the local chippy near the cadet centre. No injuries and in good spirits, all had an early night ready for the move to the lakes the following morning.

On arrival in Keswick the cadets were set the challenge of purchasing ingredients for communal tent dinners on a limited budget. The summit attempt on Scafell was re-engineered due to the high temperatures, it was decided we would walk in in the evening and wild camp at Great End, before an early start for the summit the following morning.

The cadets ate their purchased food before we set off, arriving at Great End at dusk. This was for the majority of the group, their first proper wild camp and an added dimension to the challenge.

The following morning we summited Scafell at 7:30am, there was only one other person at the summit when we arrived, unlike Ben Nevis which was exceptionally busy. We had seen the sunset, the sunrise and our second cloud free summit, would our luck hold for all three?

We were back at our base campsite by lunchtime, and after showers and lunch, went back into Keswick for ice creams and a look around. Unfortunately, one member of the group didn’t complete the Scafell attempt.

On the morning of 14 August 2026, we set off for Wales and the camp at Capel Curig. On arrival, we had the camp to ourselves, and after drying tents and re organising kit, everyone spent a relaxing evening contemplating the final summit.

After breakfast the following morning we used the park and ride system to get us to Pen-y-Pass and set out along the Pyg track to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) with the whole party making it to the summit. After a bit of polite queuing, and after the obligatory summit photos, we descended the Miner’s track to Llyn Llydaw where we stopped for a leisurely lunch.

We then carried on to the pass to return to our transport and another night in Capel Curig camp. We had completed what we had set out to do but the adventure would not end there.

On the final day of the expedition we headed to the National White Water Centre and everyone took part in some White Water Rafting, after which, tired but with smiles all round, we headed for home, arriving back in Ilminster at around 7:30pm to be greeted by proud parents at the end of a magnificent week.

Cadet Sergeant Major Joseph Coe remarked on the expedition:

“Three Peaks in a Week was one of the most physically demanding but exciting experiences I’ve had within the Army Cadet Force, which has shaped me to become more resilient and determined. I was able to climb the UK’s three highest peaks, visit new places I’ve never been to, meet new people and make more friends. And I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a challenge.”

Cadet Corporal Ed Finnis said:

“I found the walking quite easy fitness-wise and was usually near the front on the hills. The best part was being with the team. We were all trying to achieve the same thing, and I liked helping people and encouraging them to keep going. It was good to do something different and see new places. Spending a whole week together meant we got to know each other really well and had a good laugh. It made me realise that getting to the top yourself isn’t the only thing that matters, it feels better when everyone makes it. The rafting was brilliant fun and a great way to finish the week. We had a great team, and I’d definitely do something like it again.”

When parents were asked what they thought was the most valuable aspect of the Three Peaks in a Week experience for their teenagers, they were just as enthusiastic.

A few of the responses included:

“Getting the boys out to train and working together towards something constructive in the holidays.”

“Proving to Angus that he can do it, a huge confidence and ability boost.”

“Emilie has become more confident and has taken the challenge of doing an activity that is out of her comfort zone. She is now looking for more activities and challenges to undertake. I was also really impressed with how she set up her own Just Giving page and raised so much money for charity. I’m very proud of her.”

“James literally had the best week of his life and it confirmed all his goals and dreams of a long term military career.”

The Three Peaks in a Week expedition has been by far the most complex expedition we have planned and executed to date in Salamanca Company.

The week in numbers, fourteen Cadets, four CFAVs, 1,250+ miles of road travel, forty five+ km on foot, 3,126m of ascent, hundreds of smiles and infinite memories.

Three of the four CFAVs taking part were British Army veterans.

SSgt Antony Finnis said:

“The cadets showed determination, maturity, and a real willingness to support one another throughout the week. The event embodied the true spirit of the Army Cadet Force. It combined adventure, challenge, self-sufficiency, confidence, friendship, community spirit, and, most importantly, a great deal of fun.”

We have had a very successful charity campaign which is still live and stands at just over £8,650, a fantastic effort by all involved. This is split between ACCT UK and Cancer Research UK.

We would very much like to pass our sincere thanks to the Ulysses Trust for grant funding which helped make the challenge affordable for all participants.

If you’re considering becoming a cadet, visit Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets: Strengthening Future Leaders

To become an adult volunteer, visit Become an Adult Volunteer with Wessex Reserve Forces

To learn about the benefits of being an adult volunteer, visit Inspiring the Next Generation – Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association

To get involved in the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge in 2027, visit Welsh Three Peaks Challenge 2027