Well hiking boots actually!
We took the Scouts hiking for the first time this weekend. This was the first time they’d been on a serious hike and they also had to carry all their kit with them. Because this was the case, we split them up into two groups. The under 12s did a slightly shorter route of around 3 miles and the 12s and over did about 4.5 miles. Not a great distance you may think, but quite a haul when you’ve no previous experience! As well as walking, the Scouts were using their recently learnt mapping skills with a little prompt here and there from us Leaders!
We were very impressed how well all the Scouts did and none of them were physical wrecks by the time we reached our destination! We, of course, did this correctly as when starting out on any physical activity you start gently and work your way up.
We arrived at the Scout Hut of one of our local Groups who are just on the edge of the countryside and set up the tents and had lunch. After lunch we were able to use their indoor climbing wall and do some indoor archery. We have been there before to do climbing and it’s an excellent resource for all Groups in the area. In fact the Group who owns the hut and wall are very generous as they will let any Group use their facilities and not expect any money back! As we brought along a climbing instructor (non of our or their Leaders are certified yet), we invited their Scouts to do some climbing while we were there and we gave them a donation for the use of the facilities.
Me helping out with the climbing
Tea was cooked on Trangias by the older Scouts and on the fire by the younger ones and the Leaders. After tea the Scouts worked out the route plans for the next days walk home and then did some bouldering on the climbing wall and then it was bed time.
Saturday evening’s sunset (a great photo even though I say so myself!)
Next morning we packed up and walked back to where we started.
A good weekend out for the Scouts, and for me personally, one that proved that I can still do hiking! I was a bit concerned about my current fitness as it’s a while since I’ve done any serious walking and I know that I will need to get somewhat fitter to do some of the more strenuous walks I’ve done in the past. But at least everything still works! One minor problem was that my boots rubbed me a bit and I got a blister on my heel (thank goodness for blister plasters), so it’s off to get some new, properly fitted boots next week!