Well done to the three Explorer Teams who took part in the Downsman this weekend.
2nd Ifield / Drake Explorers came second in the Class S, a great effort for their first time on the hike.
Class S is ideal for Scouts with the skills, fitness and experience required to complete a long distance hike in a team without an adult.
| Total Route Distance | 25 miles. Each person in the team will hike approximately three quarters of the total distance. |
| Route | Plumpton College to Eastbourne |
| Start times | Between 08:00 and 09:00 |
| Time allowed | Up to 16 hours to complete the total distance |
| Age restrictions | Minimum combined age of 48 years, when only whole years are added together. Each individual must be less than 14 years and a half years of age. |
| Team composition | 4 people to a team, with only 3 hiking at any one time – the fourth will be rested and transported to the next designated Service Area with the Team’s Service Crew. When at a designated Service Area, the rested person will re-join their team, swapping places with a teammate whose turn it is to rest next |
| Awards | The ‘Long Man’ trophy is presented to the team that completes the route in the fastest time. The ‘Pegasus Plate’ is awarded to the team that completes the route in the fastest time without running, ie walking only. A Downsman medal is awarded to everyone who completes the hike |
Shackleton ESU entered 2 B Class Teams – one completed coming 4th however the other had to withdraw after completing about 45 miles at Alfriston as they didn’t have enough time left in the 20 hours to get to the end.
Class B is targeted at older Explorer teams with good hiking skills, experience, fitness and endurance.
| Total Route Distance | 55 miles. With the rest sections, each person will hike less than the total distance |
| Route | Bignor Hill to Eastbourne |
| Start times | Between 0600 and 0630 |
| Time allowed | Up to 20 hours to complete the hike |
| Age restrictions | Minimum combined team age of 48, only whole years are added together. All individuals must be under 18 years old |
| Team composition | 4 people to a team, with only 3 hiking at any one time – the fourth will be rested and transported to the next designated Service Area with the Team’s Service Crew. When at a designated Service Area, the rested person will re-join their team, swapping places with a teammate whose turn it is to rest next. |
| Awards | The “Boot” trophy will be presented to the fastest team to complete the hike. A Downsman medal is awarded to everyone who completes the hike |