Hundreds of young Scouts from across Bucks hiked an endurance walk on Saturday March 5 across the Chilterns, despite challenging weather conditions.

Around 600 Scouts took on the trek through mud, slippery ground and many puddles.

Over 400 Cubs (boys and girls aged eight to ten) took part in the 10km hike, which started at 1st Chesham Scout HQ and finished at Misbourne School in Great Missenden.

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The older groups started and finished in Great Missenden for the 40km hike for Scouts (boys and girls aged 10 to 14), Explorer Scouts (14 to 17) and the adult volunteers (18+).

Bucks Free Press: Older Scouts walked for 40kmOlder Scouts walked for 40km

Clare Clarke, organiser of the event said, “It’s great to see so many people participating. Although the conditions were difficult, every one of the participants have arrived back safely and have positive stories to tell.

“Whether it’s about getting muddy or just completing the course, everyone of them should be proud of their achievements.”

Cub Scout Ben Prescott described the experience as “brilliant, fantastic and amazing” and said he loved being a Cub because of the “food, climbing, everything”.

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One of the adult volunteers, Jen Smith, said she wanted to give children similar opportunities she had growing up as a Cub, Scout and then Explorer Scout.

She said: “Camps, fun with the other volunteers, giving the children different experiences and helping them learn are positive reasons for volunteering.”

Many of the teams set off for their hike at 8am and returned in the dark. 

The hikers passed several checkpoints along the way, providing them with refreshments and a chance to sit down to rest for a few minutes.