Over a hundred Lewisham and Lambeth Scouts put their best foot forward on Saturday 19 September for the New Cross Urban Hike Challenge, with every section from Squirrels to Explorers taking part. With 5km, 10km and 15km routes on offer, there was something for everyone.

Three Squirrels at the first checkpoint on the 5km route

Starting and finishing at the 1st New Cross Scout hut, teams walked from checkpoint to checkpoint along their chosen route, picking up snacks and encouragement on the way. Older teams of Scouts and Explorers raced the course, testing their teamwork and navigation and chasing a good time. Visitors from 8th Lambeth set the 10km Scout record, and there’s now a 10km Explorer time for future teams to beat.

A team of four older Scouts and Explorers on a park path

Our younger members in Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs showed real grit and determination. A mixed Squirrel and Cub team from 32nd Deptford smashed the 5km course record, and a team of epic Beavers and Cubs from 1st New Cross took on the 15km route. The youngest walker of the day, a newly enrolled Squirrel from 4th Lewisham, completed the 5km. It was his first Scout event and his longest walk without being carried.

Beavers and Squirrels enjoying snacks at a 5km checkpoint

The organisers would like to thank the many volunteers who made the day possible. They printed maps, staffed checkpoints, handled event communications, hiked with teams and even made homemade Rocky Road for eighty people.

A young Scout staffing the snack table at checkpoint 5 on the 15km route
A team of Cubs walking along a residential street with a leader
An Explorer walking with younger members up a wooded path
A Scout with two adults giving a thumbs up on the route
Cubs and leaders taking a lunch break on the grass

Results

Course records are marked with the section they apply to.

5km

TeamGroupSectionTime
32nd Deptford Squirrels/Cubs32nd DeptfordSquirrels/Cubs1hr 29min · record (Squirrels/Cubs)
The Turquoise Ninjas1st New Cross/8th LambethBeavers2hrs 2min
Thumper’s Bunnies1st New CrossSquirrels/Beavers2hrs 13min
Snowy and the Owlets1st New CrossSquirrels2hrs 16min
Peregrine’s Team for Unusual Squirrels1st New CrossSquirrels2hrs 25min
32nd Deptford Beavers/Cubs32nd DeptfordBeavers/Cubs2hrs 27min
4th Lewisham Squirrels4th LewishamSquirrels2hrs 28min

10km

TeamGroupSectionTime
The Lambeth Leg-ends8th LambethScouts2hrs 23min · record (Scouts)
The LionheartsLionheart ESUExplorers2hrs 29min
32nd Deptford Scoutsplorers32nd Deptford/Lionheart ESUScouts/Explorers2hrs 55min
4th Lewisham Scouts4th LewishamScouts2hrs 57min
The 8th Wonders8th LambethScouts3hrs 13min
The Hike and Mighties1st New CrossBeavers/Cubs3hrs 23min
Akela’s Aces12th Lewisham NorthCubs3hrs 41min
Raksha’s Ramblers12th Lewisham NorthCubs3hrs 50min
Dam Good Walkers1st New CrossBeavers4hrs 11min

15km

TeamGroupSectionTime
The Super Six1st New Cross/4th LewishamScouts3hrs 56min · record (Scouts)
S Cub 61st New Cross/11th Forest HillCubs/Scouts4hrs 17min · record (Cubs)
Legless and Lost3rd Crofton ParkScouts4hrs 49min
The Backstreet Boys1st New CrossBeavers/Cubs5hrs 21min · record (Beavers)
The Iron Maidens1st New CrossCubs/Scouts5hrs 32min

The Urban Hike Challenge returns in 2027, so watch this space. For details and enquiries about next year, contact events@lewishamscouts.org.uk.