Senior Course 123 Walls Walk

On Sunday 15th September, Senior Course 123 took part in the College’s 64th walk around the Aurelian walls of Rome.

Not only is this event an opportunity to see parts of Rome one would not otherwise see, and learn a little more of the fascinating history of the walls and the city, it also provides an opportunity to meet fellow Course Members in a relaxed setting and walk, talk and get to know one another better.

The course set off from Piramide at 0830hrs, in somewhat overcast weather, under the leadership of the Centurion in Charge, Colonel Stuart MacRostie. The anticlockwise circumnavigation of Rome following the Aurelian walls started well, but by 1100hrs the weather took a decidedly British turn and within the hour we were very wet but still smiling. The group, which started as a happy band of 137 people, carried on to the British Embassy where a well-earned BBQ lunch was taken whilst hiding under umbrellas.

Shortly after lunch there was a stop in Piazza del Popolo for a Walls Walk group photograph, where we were joined by a couple of classic Fiat 500s to ensure that the photo had an authentic Italian feel. The group marched on through the day, past the Ara Pacis, past Castel Sant’Angelo, up the Janiculum, through Villa Sciara, back across the Tiber, past Monte Testaccio and arrived back at Piramide at 1620hrs with a total of 89 brave, if a little damp, walkers finishing successfully. Morale remained high throughout despite the ever increasing rain.

Once again, the Walls Walk proved to be a most popular event for the Senior Course and all participants enjoyed a wonderful day.

NDC Public Affairs Office