SUSSEX DOWNSMAN HIKE
3rd OCTOBER 2009
INTRODUCTION
The Sussex Downsman
Hike is an event held annually on the first Saturday in October on the South
Downs. The 2009 event will therefore be held on 3rd October. Please note that as this event takes place on land entirely classified as
Terrain Zero, a hill walking permit is
not required for this hike.
The Hike is organised principally for the Scout and Guide Associations of
East and West Sussex, with an open invitation to Scout and Guide Groups
throughout Great Britain. There are several different Classes of entry
walking different distances depending on the age of the competitors.
There are sections 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 generally no minimum age limits on any class, though.
In the competitive classes, teams will generally consist of 4 members (three walking at any one time) for all
sections except Classes C, V and W, which will be for teams of three all walking together
at all times. Follow the link
and see specific pages for entry details for each class. A list of essential clothing and equipment will be issued prior to the event
by the organisers. This will stipulate minimum standards that must be adhered
to. Each team must have one vehicle with Service Crew, whose task it is to
provide their team with necessary food and resting arrangements. Service Crews
must only make contact with their teams at Service Areas listed elsewhere.
Contact between teams and Service Crews en-route or at Checkpoints will incur a
penalty and possible disqualification. This includes contact by telephone or
radio. This year’s entry fee is £5 per team member, and will include a medal for each
team member of each team that completes the hike. If you are unable to raise a complete team, but are keen to enter, please let
us know and we will endeavour to put you in touch with others in the same
situation. Each team must comply fully with the rules at all times during the event. The event is based at the 1st Burgess Hill Scout Headquarters, Station Road,
Burgess Hill, where overnight
accommodation is provided on Friday and Saturday nights at no additional cost. Food and
drinks may be purchased from 16.00 hours on Saturday, but breakfast (on Sunday
morning) must be ordered in
advance if required. The presentation of trophies will take place on Sunday at 11.00 hours at 1st
Burgess Hill Scout Headquarters. Results will be published on this web site and posted / emailed to the named
contact for each team / group. If you have any queries or for an entry form, please contact
us.
