Working towards their Chief Scouts Gold Award, 8 Scouts recently undertook their Expedition Challenge. They made an early start setting off from Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary and headed towards Lower Cheesden.
They tried to take a shortcut soon after they left the Leaders but were soon redirected onto the route with strict instructions to follow it.
They met the Leaders at the first checkpoint where they were guided past the next part down to Lower Cheesden.
From there they set off down towards Croston Close then had to take a left towards Ashworth Rd. Along the way they stopped for lunch. The weather was glorious for walking and the Scouts were making good time. Once they got onto Ashworth Rd it was an easy route into camp.
They arrived early on site at around 3pm. They then had to erect their tents for the evening. After they had completed this they then started to cook their dinner. Pasta was boiled and sauces added to create a tasty and warm meal for themselves. They also made sure they got a warm drink inside them.
Having washed their pans and plates, they then decided they wanted to explore the Ashworth Valley Scout campsite. The Leaders agreed a time for the Scouts to be back on base then started a fire to warm them up when they returned. When they returned, they changed for bed and warmed up by the fire roasting marshmallows. After walking all day, they were tired and tucked up in bed by 10pm.
Overnight the weather turned, torrential rain descended on the campsite, and we woke to a very soggy camp. The Leaders struggled to get the Scouts up (it was 7:30am) but eventually they arose from their slumber and started to get breakfast.
After breakfast they packed their very wet tents and equipment away before setting off on their route at 10am. As they headed up Ashworth Rd they hit a problem. An entrance had been blocked for the public footpath, so they had to detour further along the road. Once back on the route they struggled to navigate as the fog was really thick and the rain was still falling.
The Leaders decided to change the route and bring the Scouts up Ashworth Rd out of the fog at least and on to an easier path.
Once there they headed off towards Croston Close again and stopped for lunch near where they had it the previous day. Unfortunately, they misunderstood their instructions and headed off from lunch in the wrong direction. By the time the Leaders had realised what they had done the Scouts had walked a few kilometres already.
Thankfully we managed to get them back to where they should be, and a Leader met them to guide them through.
When the Scouts got back on track, they managed to make it to Nuttal Park in Ramsbottom. They did arrive late but given the weather conditions the Scouts should be proud of themselves.
Despite the weather the Scouts persevered and showed great determination to complete their expedition. Hopefully this has not put them off undertaking any more expeditions.
For more photos view our Facebook Album here.
