We are pleased to announce that we are planning a (COVID SECURE) 2020 Downsman Hike to take place on Saturday 3rd October. It will be very different to the traditional event. Please keep checking our blog posts for updates…

The Sussex Downsman Hike is held annually on the first Saturday in October on the South Downs.

The hike is principally for the Scout and Guide Associations of East and West Sussex, with an open invitation to Scout and Guide Groups throughout Great Britain.

Each team must comply fully with all the rules at all times during the event.

CLASSES

There are several different Classes of entry walking different distances depending on the age and ability of the competitors. There are sections tailored for Scouts, Explorer Scouts, Scout Network and Leaders, and also a non-competitive class which is open to all. It should be noted that there are no minimum age limits on any class (just a minimum combined age for the team).

Please see the following page for more information.

EQUIPMENT

A list of essential clothing and equipment can be found here.

SERVICE CREW

Each team in the competitive classes must have a support vehicle with Service Crew, whose task it is to transport their team to and from the event and provide their team with necessary food, drink and resting arrangements. Service Crew in the Open Class is optional. In some of the competitive classes, they will also transport the non-walking team member to the next Service Area. In addition, Service Crews should carry a comprehensive first aid kit.  More information for service crew can be found here with a specific set of rules here.

ENTRY FEE

This year’s entry fee is £7 per team member, and will include a medal for each team member of each team that completes the hike. Once an entry is received, the entry fee is non-refundable except in what the organisers consider to be exceptional circumstances. Conversely, no start time will be confirmed until the entry fee has been paid in full.

COMBINED ENTRIES

If you are unable to raise a complete team, but are keen to enter, please let us know (info@downsman.com) and we will endeavour to put you in touch with others in the same situation. Alternatively, please use your own links to create combined teams with other groups.

Combined teams do not have to be from the same group / district / county.

HIKE HEADQUARTERS

The event is based at Plumpton College. Overnight accommodation is available here on Friday and Saturday nights at no additional cost but must be pre-booked. Anyone making use of this accommodation will be responsible for their own nights away notifications and catering arrangements.

PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES

The presentation of trophies and medals will take place on Sunday at 11.00 hours at Plumpton College. If you are unable to be there, you will need to make arrangements to collect medals from the Organiser at a later date.

RESULTS

Results will be published on this web site.

ANY QUERIES?

If you have any queries, try the Frequently Asked Questions page initially. If you still can’t find the answer, please contact the Organisers. Contact details are on the information and entry form, which can be downloaded from the link in the top box in the left margin of most pages of this website or near the top of the home page.