On a clear sunny weekend in April 438 Scouts and Guides from across Cheshire and Scouts from West Wirral took part in the 53rd Annual Cheshire Hike.
With almost perfect daytime conditions, hundreds of parents and leaders made the early start on a Saturday morning to deliver Scouts to the start points, and set up checkpoints, challenge bases and campsites for this well organised and fabulous annual event.
The Cheshire Hike Challenge
Teams of 2 enter in one of the four age groups, 11 – 17. During the weekend points are awarded for map reading, check point challenges and camp skills.
Distances:
- Juniors, aged 11 – 12.5 years – Distance approx. 30km (approx. 19 miles)
- Intermediate, aged 12.5 – 14 years – Distance approx. 40km (approx. 25 miles)
- Senior, aged 14 – 16 years – Distance approx. 48km (approx. 30 miles)
- Senior, Plus aged 16-18 – Distance approx. 53km (approx. 33 miles)
This year we entered three teams, 2 senior and 1 junior. With no rain for nearly a week the going was firm and relatively mud free, however, although the clear sunny skies meant fabulous spring days, it also meant for a frosty night.
Day two, after the teams shook the ice from the fly sheets, they set off on the final leg of the competition which ended at Bishop Heber School in Malpas. A huge thank you must go to the volunteers and parents of Cheshire Scouts for organising and delivering this fabulous event.
All our team members enjoyed the experience and will receive the coveted Expedition Challenge badge which goes toward their Chief Scout’s Gold Award. We look forward to some new members taking on the Cheshire Hike Challenge next year.
Well done to Henry, Thomas, James, Max, Susie and Imogen.
876 Scouts & Guides at the finish in Malpas
