On Saturday 22nd June, 14 scouts, 3 parents, 3 explorers and 6 leaders met in a remote car park near Abinger Hammer. (There should have been an additional leader and two scouts but unfortunately they didn't read the email and went to the wrong starting location!)
We headed off into the woods shortly before 10pm as the light was fading. Traipsing through mud we followed footpaths to reach the viewpoint on Ranmore Common where we stopped for a well earned rest. Here we were joined by another explorer and the "missing" leader and scouts were "rescued" and joined the group.
After about three hours and five miles hiking we reached the base of Boxhill and (as planned) we said farewell to three of the younger scouts as they were picked up to go home. We then navigated the Stepping Stones before the extremely steep climb (and 275 steps) of Boxhill before stopping at the viewpoint for another break. At this point we watched the rain coming towards us and out came the waterproofs.
We continued walking through the night on footpaths and minor roads in the drizzly rain. Fortunately much of the route was either in or on the edge of woods so we didn't get too wet. Before we knew it daylight started breaking through. By 4.15am we were on Coley Hill and as everyone recognised where we were, a new spurt of energy was found and some scouts even started to run!. We sheltered from more rain on top of Reigate Hill before starting the final leg of the hike.
We reached the Parish Centre about 6am, and a few of the Scouts and Explorers decided to have a kip whilst others played at balancing plastic cups on them! There was also a mystery artist that "tattooed" a few faces (and feet!!).
We then all tucked into a cooked breakfast before going home to begin catching up on sleep.
Well done to all the hikers, especially those that hadn't walked as far or walked overnight before. Everyone kept up and remained in good spirits throughout. We believe that we of only a handful of Scout groups that offer this type of hike.
Thank you to everyone that helped, especially Sue, Leona, Gordon and Claire that got up early to cook the walkers a well deserved breakfast.
