Torquay scouts conquer gruelling 30k challenge

Scouts from Torquay have been praised from on high for successfully completing a gruelling challenge.

The scouts and volunteers were saluted by Chief Scout Dwayne Fields for completing the Southern 50 30k challenge hike event.

This year’s event celebrates 45 years since the first Southern 50, with scouts taking on routes passing through the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.

The annual Southern 50 Event is a prestigious challenge hike, one of the longest running events of its type in the UK.

It is a test of good orienteering skills as well as teamwork. The route is not disclosed until the day of the event so all teams entering have the same chance of winning a trophy.

Chief Scout Dwayne praised the team’s unwavering determination and teamwork, as they tackled the impressive distance.

He said: “The teams from Torquay showed real determination to finish the 30km course, I was delighted to meet them at the finish to hear about the skills they had learnt and challenges they had overcome.

"All the young people and volunteers involved in the event are a great example of what’s brilliant about Scouts.

"They worked as a team, had fun and learned new skills along the way.” 

Ben, aged 13 said: “We took on the Southern 50 as a team and our team spirit has been really important. I’ve really enjoyed the event, pushing on together through the mud using our map reading and navigation skills.”

Aidan, aged 17, added: "It’s great to be able to explore a different part of the country and see lots of red kites while we were walking.”