In July 2024, Corporal Lumansingh Limbu from the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion (GARRC) organised an adventure training trip to the island of Gran Canaria on Exercise Spartan. These activities included traversing rugged volcanic and mountainous terrain with the troops hitting an altitude of 1949m (ASL), at the summit of Pico de las Nieves.
This 5-day expedition saw the soldier’s hike along the GR131 trail from Agaete to Maspalomas.
More experienced team members utilised this opportunity to share their knowledge to novice mountaineers. Individuals were tested on their mountaineering knowledge, navigational and route planning skills. All the soldiers achieved their summer mountaineering foundation qualification.
This expedition was an ideal opportunity for members of the Battalion to expose themselves to new cultural experiences whilst promoting an appreciation for diverse cultures through interactions with the local population as well as visiting, and exploring, historical sites.
This strenuous expedition pushed all the participants out of their comfort zones but equally provided a sense of achievement. Hence, boosting the operational effectiveness and moral component of the Battalions fighting power and leaving the soldiers with lasting memories and unforgettable views engrained in their minds.
