1st Halton Scouts lead the way at Chiltern Hills endurance events

The Cub Scouts (boys and girls aged 8 to 10) walked the 10k route, whilst the Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 13) took on the 40k challenge.

Explorer Scouts (boys and girls aged 14 to 17) took on a very challenging 60k and some other Explorers and adult volunteers participated in the 80k hike.

The conditions underfoot were very challenging with plenty of mud (which the Cubs seemed to enjoy) and some deep puddles.

The “Typhoon” team from 1st Halton Scouts were the fastest accompanied team in the 40k hike with a finishing time of 8 hours and 55 minutes.

The Cub Scouts set off from Misbourn School, Great Missenden and finished in Chesham whilst all of the others started and finished at Misbourn School. The first teams set off before 8.00am, with the last team leaving the school at just after mid-day.

Some of the teams in the longer hikes had the challenge of walking in the dark. Along the routes there are numerous checkpoints where team members can have a rest and often have a warm drink or something to eat.

Teams from Bedfordshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Lincolnshire and West Mercia participated in the event which is getting bigger, with more teams wanting to take part.

Cub Scouts Thomas Ellis and George Whitty said, “The best bit about the walk was the mud. There were some deep puddles. Finishing the walk gave me a great feeling of doing something that was really hard.

At Cubs we have fun, play games and go on trips. We’ve been canoeing and last year we went to France.”

Lead organiser of the event, Clare Clarke said, “This year was very challenging for all of the participants. They are taken out of their comfort zone and have to do lots of planning, training and they will learn about team work and encouraging others. I’m sure that on the Monday they will all reflect on their brilliant achievement.”

Lead volunteer for Buckinghamshire Scouts, James Palin said, “Scouting provides people with skills for life. Whether it is planning a route, working with others, doing some cooking or knowing about first aid, children and young people will be able to learn these skills in Scouts.”

For further information about Buckinghamshire Scouts, please visit https://bucks-scouts.org.uk/