Cheshire Scouts and Guides walk 27,000km over two days

Over 700+ Scouts and Guides took part in Cheshire Hike last weekend, 1st – 2nd April.

First held in 1963, Cheshire Hike has grown into one of the premiere annual activities in the Cheshire Scouts calendar. It requires preparation, organisation, teamwork, resilience and personal determination to get to the end. This is an event that truly delivers skills for life.

Cheshire Hike is a challenging yet rewarding, two day expedition completed in teams of 2- 5 people, open to Scouts and Guides. There are three age categories, which walk three progressive route distances of 30kms, 40kms and 50-60kms. In total, the Scouts and Guides took over 40 million steps – one step for every Scout and Guide in the world!

The three routes starting in Congleton, Plumley and Lostock respectively converged at Siddington Village Hall at the end of day one, their home for the night; where Scouts and Guides pitched their tents and enjoyed evening entertainment including a silent disco and open air cinema show under the stars.

Throughout the weekend teams gained points for navigation, time-keeping, teamwork, and demonstrating their camping skills. At the end of day 2 teams arrived at the finish at The King’s School in Macclesfield for a presentation of trophies and certificates, including the sought-after Hats and Headdresses award.

Alice O’Donnell, Elisha Heyes and Henry Weddell won the trophy for the Pathfinder (30km) route, having scored the most points for their observation on-route, their pace and their organisation at the start location and overnight camp.

Mathilda Jans and Tomos Dugard won the trophy for the Pathfinder Plus (40km) route, and for the Explorer (50-60km) route the winners were James Alexander and Murray Turner.

Dave Hopley, County Commissioner (Lead Volunteer) for Cheshire Scouts said: “I am so proud of all the Scouts and Guides who took part this weekend! I’d like to thank the 300+ volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend’s adventure.”

Cheshire Hike will return 6th – 7th April 2024.