On the weekend of May 22nd / 23rd 2021, twelve Scouts from all three Scout Troops, Purple (4), Grey (3) and Red (5) completed the practical part of their Expedition Challenge Award.
COVID restrictions forced a few modifications, especially being unable to camp overnight but the team still carried much of the kit they would have carried had they had the opportunity to camp. On both days they navigated the route by themselves, meeting up with leaders at check points.
The team got an early start on the Saturday, setting off from St. James the Less Primary school car park and headed uphill towards Cribden. Then across and down into Crawshawbooth, crossing over Burnley Rd and heading up Bonfire Hill. With the aim of reaching the Warren they crossed above Reeds Holme, Constable Lee and Marl Pits before dropping down through Longholme and on to Peel Street.
The weather was kind and the Scouts made good time reaching the Warren just after midday. Here they cooked themselves a meal on Trangia camp stoves, showing off their culinary skills. After washing up and packing away the team went their separate ways for the night.
Sunday morning nice and early the Scouts gathered again at the Warren ready for another day of hiking. It was a steep climb to begin with up to the back of Cowpe Low following the Rossendale Way aiming to meet their Section Leaders on the Rooley Moor Rd. This was where the plan went a little bit wrong with the only navigational error of the weekend. This left the Section Leaders in the rain at the top of Rooley Moor Road while the team had joined the road lower down. A little bit of jogging from the old folks saw everyone reuniting and we all walked through the Glen railway tunnels into Waterfoot and the finish.
We were very pleased how the team quickly gelled together, becoming one team rather than the three they started out as. The Scouts showed the skills they have gained through their time in Scouting and were a credit to their Leaders making every meeting and camp worth the effort. Thank you to all the Scouts that took part for making it an enjoyable event and to leaders for supporting them through it.
