At Total Active Hub, we believe in the power of physical movement to not only improve health and well-being but also to foster stronger, more connected teams. That’s why, when Arbuthnot Latham asked us to create an in-person event that would bring together and engage employees from across the bank, we knew this was the perfect opportunity to combine their Arbuthnot Active Hub with an unforgettable outdoor challenge.

The result? A weekend away in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, filled with team bonding, personal growth, and an incredible sense of achievement.

Climbing the Brecon Beacons Peaks

The event brought together employees from Arbuthnot Latham, all eager to take on the challenge having completed a qualifying 20km virtual event through their Arbuthnot Active Hub. We set out to tackle one of the most iconic hikes in the UK: the Horseshoe Ridge Walk Circular. The route is famous for its sweeping views and strenuous peaks, including Corn Du, Pen y Fan, Cribyn, and Fan y Big. It’s a route that combines beauty with physical exertion, testing endurance, and teamwork.

Starting on a crisp Saturday morning, we met at Pont ar Daf car park, led by the highly experienced adventurer Nick Hollis and his team of guides from Fitways Adventures. Nick’s leadership brought a sense of reassurance to the group, guiding us through the challenging terrain.

As we embarked on this journey, we climbed a total elevation of 1,049 meters, covered over 20 kilometres, took over 33,000 steps, and spent 7 hours and 40 minutes walking. It was no easy feat, but each step was a reminder of the resilience and determination within each individual. The highlight was reaching Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, followed by the sweeping route that led us through the central Brecon Beacons.

This walk is not for the faint-hearted. Despite the boggy sections and steep inclines, the entire group remained focused, helping and motivating one another. The reward? Unparalleled views of the Welsh landscape, the sense of unity, and the satisfaction of a challenge completed.

My Personal Journey: A Lesson in Inclusivity and Resilience

On a personal note, this experience was particularly poignant. For those who may not know, I live with a heart pacemaker and suffer from a sudden death heart condition, which means physical activity at like this can be challenging. While I was at the back of the group most of the time, with a heart rate of just 95bpm reminding me of my limitations, it also highlighted the importance of inclusivity in such events.

It was a humbling experience, walking slower than most but constantly feeling the support of Arbuthnot team. The beauty of this weekend was that the challenge, while physically demanding, was achievable for everyone. The employees didn’t just conquer peaks—they supported each other, every step of the way, making sure no one was left behind.

This is the ethos Total Active Hub holds close: creating Active Engaged Employees means more than physical movement; it’s about inclusivity, support and togetherness.

Feedback from the Team

The feedback from the Arbuthnot Latham team was incredible. Here’s what some of the participants had to say:

"Thank you all for a really great experience."

"It was an amazing experience with you all – definitely some memories made on the mountains."

"Fantastic weekend, well planned and thought out and appreciated the little touches"

"It was a truly memorable experience"

"The hills were great fun, and it was lovely to spend time with everyone"

These responses encapsulate exactly what we hoped to achieve: bringing employees from different parts of the bank together for an unforgettable shared experience. It wasn’t just about the challenge of the hike but also about creating lasting memories that will resonate long after the event.

Key Learnings: Unity, Team Support, and Making Memories

There were a few key takeaways from this weekend.

Supporting Each Other: It’s easy to think of physical challenges as individual feats, but this event reinforced the importance of teamwork. As one team member struggled, others stepped in to provide encouragement and in many cases a helping hand up.

Making Memories: The memories made on the mountains will stay with the participants forever. When you step outside the usual work environment and challenge yourself physically, the bonds created are different. This type of experience is far more impactful than any boardroom meeting or standard team-building session.

Bringing Divisions Together: One of the main goals of the event was to bring employees from different parts of Arbuthnot Latham together. The event did just that. Whether they worked in different departments or never crossed paths before, by the end of the weekend, these individuals were no longer just colleagues—they were teammates.

The Importance of Active, Engaged Employees

At Total Active Hub, we’re on a mission to create Active Engaged Employees through physical movement. Team building activities, such as this one, offer employees a unique chance to bond outside of the office environment while also improving their physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re looking for team building activities ideas, or seeking out ways to enhance leadership skills through active experiences, the value of physical movement in the workplace cannot be overstated.

In a world where work-life balance is more important than ever, team bonding activities like our Brecon Beacons challenge remind us that the best way to engage employees is through shared, meaningful experiences.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how we can help create a more active, engaged workforce, please drop us an email at: tony@totalactivehub.com