3rd Banstead Scout Group Expedition Challenge 2018

Twenty-four scouts from 3rd Banstead’s Marlborough and Churchill Troops took part in a weekend expedition to earn their Expedition Challenge Badge.

Scouts from both Troops met at Epsom Railway Station early on Saturday morning where they caught the train to Guildford.  After arriving in Guildford, the Scouts made there way along the Wey Navigation to the North Downs Way National Trail, where the Scouts were set off in their four Patrols.  The first section of the hike included a hike up to the top of St Martha’s Hill and a further descent and ascent up to Newlands corner, where they stopped for lunch.

During the afternoon, the scouts made there way to Ranmore Scout Campsite, just above Dorking where they stopped for the night.  Upon arrival the Scouts put up there tents, and prepared their evening meal of pasta using small gas burners.  After the 17km hike during the day, an early night was had by all in preparation for the remainder of the hike the next morning.

After a porridge breakfast, the Scouts struck camp, and continued along the North Downs way, around the Denbies Wine Estate, across the Stepping Stones at the River Mole, followed by a long climb up to Boxhill, where the Scouts were met by the Minibus, to be returned to Banstead.

Despite the damp weather, spirits were high during the entire weekend, with all Scouts completing their challenge.