Downsman Hike 2023

This year, we entered 2 teams into the annual Downsman Hike Competition.

Both teams completed Class E and managed to finish in record times for our unit. A big congratulations to you all and hopefully it doesn’t take too long for them to fully recover!

Some details are below:

Total Route Distance38 miles. With the rest sections, each person will hike less than the total distance
RouteSteyning Bowl to Eastbourne
Start timesBetween 07:30 & 08:30
Time allowedUp to 18 hours to complete the hike
Age restrictionsMinimum combined team age of 48 years and a maximum combined team age of 62, only whole years are added together. Each individuals must be under 18 years old.
Team composition4 people to a team, with only 3 hiking at any one time – the fourth will be rested and transported to the next designated Service Area with the Team’s Service Crew. When at a designated Service Area, the rested person will re-join their team, swapping places with a teammate whose turn it is to rest next
AwardsThe ‘Chief Scout’s’ trophy is presented to the team that completes the route in the fastest time. A Downsman medal is awarded to everyone who completes the hike

Safeguarding and Safety in Scouting

If there is an immediate risk of harm call 999 or 112. Tell us you have done this.

Reporting safety incidents, illness and emergencies

Email safety@scouts.org.uk / Report it using our online reporting form

Reporting safeguarding concerns

Report it using our online safeguarding reporting form / Call +44 (0)20 8433 7164 (9am – 5pm weekdays) / Email safeguarding@scouts.org.uk / Follow the Yellow Card