Dear All,

As I am sure you can all imagine, we have been watching the Corona Virus pandemic unfold and wondering what impact this will have on the Downsman Hike this year.
The committee have recently held 2 virtual meetings and it is with great disappointment that we have sadly agreed to cancel this years Downsman Hike. There are just too many unknowns and the difficulties with complying to social distancing guidance for hikers, service crew, checkpoint staff and recovery of injured teams seem insurmountable at this stage. We feel that we cannot predict the changes that there may be between now and October that would impact on the ability for teams to prepare and train for the hike, let alone walking it on the day. The Dowsman Hike requires a huge amount of organisation and unfortunately we have now passed the date whereby we would have normally have started to significantly ramp up our preparations.
To help keep the Downsman alive, we are intending to organise an alternative event on the same date, Saturday 3rd October. This may take the form of Groups walking virtual hikes at home or in their local area, depending on whether government guidance allows. We will let everyone know what we propose once we have firmed up our ideas. Until then, we wish you all well and hope you all stay safe in these difficult times.

Many thanks

Chris Searle

Downsman Committee Chairman