Roffey scouts win hike competition

The competition is open to Scouts over 12 years old and Explorer Scouts up to 18 years old.

A team of four have to walk for 25 miles anywhere in the South Downs.

The hike is a high-standard initiative test in Scouting and General Knowledge, together with a test of hiking, fitness and navigational ability.

The competition has been running since 1968. The hike is now open to any Scout Troops or Explorer.

West Sussex has not won the event for a few years, breaking the East Sussex hold on the trophy that they work so hard to regain every year. This is the first time in 25 years of entering the competition that 1st Roffey has won so this is the biggest win ever in our Scout group history.

It was also the first time in the Overland 46-year history an all girl team has won the competition, we are so proud of the team of four girls, Heather Lindfield, India Belfield, Alice Rhodes, and Kirsty Silvester.

Peter Scofield, district commissioner, said: “All the Scouts and Explorer Scouts that took part in this year’s Overland Hike gave themselves a really hard test of their Scouting skills - and they all did extremely well.

“We are particularly proud of the 1st Roffey A Team and Pegasus/Europa teams who achieved 1st and 3rd place in their respective competitions.

“It is especially satisfying to see how the personal and team development that takes place through the Scout’s balanced programme gives our members the confidence and determination to face up to adventurous challenges such as the Overland Hike.”

Report contributed by Owen Duda, 1st Roffey Scouts