
Pushing Limits and Building Bonds: Royal Marines Plymouth Band Adventure Training in the Bannau Brycheiniog
When the Royal Marines Plymouth Band joined us for their latest Adventure Training, we knew we were working with a team that understands discipline, precision, and camaraderie. Our goal? To challenge them in a new environment, foster deeper team bonds, and offer some much-needed adventure in the wilds of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
We designed a bespoke two-day residential programme, delivered over two half days and a full day, combining physical adventure with purposeful team development.
Day 1 – Breathing Deep in the Bannau
After a long drive from Plymouth, the team arrived at our base in South Wales on Wednesday afternoon. Rather than settling into rooms straight away, we laced up our boots and headed for the hills. The mountain walk was the perfect opener – a chance to shake off the journey, breathe in the fresh upland air, and reconnect with each other in a relaxed, informal setting.
With panoramic views stretching across the Swansea Valley and deeper into the National Park, the walk set the tone for the days ahead – full immersion in nature, shared experiences, and time away from the usual routine.
Day 2 – Behind Enemy Lines: Testing Teamwork and Leadership
Thursday was the heart of the programme – a full day of development designed to test and grow the group’s communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.
The challenge? Behind Enemy Lines – our immersive, scenario-based team development activity that blends physical exertion with strategic thinking. Set in the rugged terrain of the Bannau Brycheiniog, the exercise simulates a high-stakes mission where teams must navigate the landscape, gather intelligence, and complete tasks while staying ‘off radar’.
Each stage required effective delegation, trust, and adaptability. While the Royal Marines Band are no strangers to working as a unit, this was a chance to step away from their usual roles and test their mettle in unfamiliar terrain. It was brilliant to see them support each other, reassess plans on the fly, and develop a deeper appreciation of the different leadership styles within the group.
The debrief highlighted not just how they performed, but how they communicated, listened, and adapted – all crucial elements of effective teamwork in any context.
Day 3 – Canyoning: Immersion in Every Sense
On Friday, it was time to let loose – and there’s no better way to do that than canyoning.
If you’ve never tried it, canyoning is possibly the most exhilarating way to experience the wild beauty of the National Park. Clambering over rocks, leaping into plunge pools, sliding down waterfalls, and navigating river gorges – it’s the perfect blend of adrenaline and awe.
It was a brilliant way to close the programme: light-hearted, high-energy, and packed with laughter. It also served as a reminder that stepping out of comfort zones doesn’t always have to be serious – sometimes it’s just about having fun, together.
A Shared Experience to Remember
It was a pleasure to work with the Royal Marines Plymouth Band and to see them fully engage with each aspect of the programme – from reflective team development to pure adventure. Whether strengthening communication skills or simply standing at the top of a waterfall with grins on their faces, they embraced every challenge with good humour and determination.
These shared experiences in nature – away from routine and rehearsal rooms – play a powerful role in strengthening bonds, boosting morale, and reigniting purpose.
Looking for a bespoke adventure training programme for your team?
Get in touch to find out how we can tailor a development experience to meet your team’s goals in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog.