From 24 to 29 August 2025, a team of 26 personnel from Gurkha Company (Tavoleto) (GCS), led by Sergeant Mikish Gauchan, deployed on Exercise TAVOLETO ADVENTURE (Ex TA) in the breathtaking yet demanding landscapes of Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. This Adventure Training package combined two days of hiking with two days of mountain biking. Designed to test endurance, resilience, and teamwork in one of the United Kingdom’s most dramatic natural settings.
The first two days were dedicated to the mountains. On day one, the team tackled the rugged Glyderau range, summiting Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. The route was steep and unforgiving, but the reward was standing on jagged ridges with breathtaking, almost lunar landscapes stretching before us. On day two, the team summited Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), the highest peak in Wales. Famous for its panoramic views, the mountain instead greeted us with heavy rain, thick fog, and biting winds. Though visibility was poor, the sense of achievement in battling the elements made the climb unforgettable.
The focus shifted to mountain biking on the third and fourth days at Coed y Brenin, one of the UK’s premier Mountain Bike trail centres. With its network of green, red, and black-graded trails, the terrain demanded skill, courage, and perseverance. For some, it was their first experience on technical tracks; for others, an opportunity to push their abilities further. The thrill of riding through dense forest, navigating sharp bends, and tackling rocky sections brought as much adrenaline as the mountain summits.
Ex TA was not just about reaching peaks or finishing trails, it was about facing challenges head-on, supporting one another, and building confidence in demanding conditions. This adventure proved a timeless lesson, while the landscapes of Snowdonia may fade from memory, the bonds forged, and the spirit of determination will endure long after the exercise.
