The Southern 50 Challenge

Each team must comprise of between 3 - 5 participants, all of whom must be members of The Scout Association or GirlGuiding UK . Each competitors must be at least fourteen years old on the day of the event for the 50mile and 50km events. Competitors for the 30km event must be thirteen and a half years or over but have not reached their eighteenth birthday on the day of the event.

There are THREE routes, 50 miles and 50km open to all, and a 30km route for Explorer Scouts only. The event is a test of good orienteering skills as well as physical ability and teamwork and unlike other well-known hikes, local knowledge will not be of help as the route will not be disclosed until the day of the event. All teams therefore start with exactly the same chance of winning a trophy.

It is this difference that has made the Southern 50 Challenge a successful and rewarding event in the past and will continue to for many years.

Like any other long distance Challenge, the effort required to last the full course and receive a finishing certificate is an achievement.

More importantly, many like to return to have another crack at the trophy or just to improve on their time. 

Whatever the reason, you will enjoy our challenge and, we are sure, find the event very rewarding.

Go to How to Enter for details of what's provided and the cost.

When . . .

The walk starts at 06:00hrs on the Saturday.

The first two teams depart from the Start at this time, subsequent teams will depart at timed intervals thereafter.

The presentation ceremony for all the events will be held on the Sunday at 09:30hrs. The walkers need to finish sometime between these two times!

In reality, walkers do not walk for more than 24 hours, so the majority should finish before 06:00hrs. We will retire teams who are not likely to finish by this time.

Booking in commences from 21:00hrs on the Friday until ONE HOUR prior to the individual team's allotted start time. Early arrivals can get a night's sleep at the start if they wish.