After an initial briefing, the programme began with a late night stage designed to test teams’ mental agility, logic, observational skills and quick thinking. Teams had to solve various puzzles to earn materials, to construct as big a bridge as possible, which adhered to certain design specifications. With time being of the essence, team members had to work effectively as a team in order to complete the stage. Everyone succeeded in building a bridge though the design and span of the bridges constructed varied widely between teams.

Teams were up early the following morning for a timed run, which was used to determine each individual’s physical ability. Participants set off all together in the dark and returned all spread out just as dawn was breaking. With a delicious cooked breakfast waiting for everyone, there was an added incentive to reach the finish!

In the morning, half the teams took part in a practical session on navigation, route choice, pacing and compass work. This culminated in some timed orienteering activity outside. Meanwhile the other teams took part in a three part stage which saw teams attempt various team challenges, paddling in open-top canoes and mountain biking on single tracks. Teams had to maintain stamina and focus though the emphasis of this stage was placed on learning and safety, rather than competition.

After a short break for lunch, there was a repeat of the activities in the afternoon with the teams swapping over to do whichever stage they had not done in the morning. A chilly wind picked up throughout the afternoon and continued to strengthen into the early evening, giving the teams something else to endure. Before dinner was served, many people took advantage of the opportunity to have a sports massage or to buy some outdoor clothing / equipment that was on display.

The evening brought with it a night navigation exercise designed to push teams after a long day of activity. En route, teams had to make key strategic trade off decisions between time, distance and bonus opportunities. There was no room for slacking off, as a biting wind meant teams kept moving in order to stay warm. Hot drinks and soup were gratefully received by all at the finish.

The last day consisted of a full on themed stage which saw teams visit check points on bikes. There was lots to think about for this quite long stage; with checkpoints open at different times and lots of opportunities for teams to split up. Planning and preparation were key and the weather added to this. A strong northerly wind blew all day and temperatures struggled to rise above zero which meant anyone having to wait for a checkpoint to open or to rendezvous with the rest of their team got cold very quickly.

By mid afternoon teams started to arrive back having completed the stage and survived a quite intensive programme. The happy smiles on people’s faces showed just how much everyone had achieved and enjoyed the previous forty eight hours.