SCOUTS and volunteers across Somerset have been praised for completing the Southern 50 30KM and 50KM 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 event – a test of orienteering skills and teamwork – is one of the longest-running events of its type in the UK.

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 Fields praised the two teams’ unwavering determination and teamwork as they tackled the impressive distance.

“The two teams from Gurt Wyrm Explorers in Somerset showed real determination to finish the 30KM and 50KM courses,” he said.

Gurt Wyrm Explorers with Chief Scout Dwayne Fields Picture: scouts.org.uk

“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 learnt new skills along the way.”

16-year-old explorer Scout Alistair, who took part in the 50KM challenge, said: “The Southern 50 hike was muddy wet, cold, and hard work, but we got through it by working as a team, using the skills we learnt in the Scouts, and by smiling.”

Explorer Astra, who took on the 30KM challenge said: “The Southern 50 has been a real test of my map reading and navigation skills.

“It’s great to test my skills at such a big event. It’s been really fun even if it was very, very wet!”