INTRODUCTION
The Sussex Downsman Hike is an event held annually on the first Saturday in October on the South Downs. The 2011 event will therefore be held on 1st 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.
Each team must comply fully with all the rules at all times during the event.
CLASSES
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 (just a minimum combined age for the team).
In the competitive classes, teams will generally consist of 4 members (three walking at any one time) for all sections except Classes C and V, which will be for teams of three all walking together at all times. See the specific pages for entry details for each class via the "Classes" page.
EQUIPMENT
A list of essential clothing and equipment will be included within the Handbook which is issued to each team on receipt of their entry. The handbook is also made available before the event via this website. This will stipulate minimum standards that must be adhered to. The provisional list is included on this website, but check the final details carefully in case of any errors or omissions on here.
SERVICE CREW
Each team must have one vehicle with Service Crew, whose task it is to provide their team with necessary food and resting arrangements and to transport the non-walking team member to the next Service Area. 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, radio, text message or internet links.
ENTRY FEE
This year's entry fee is £6 per team member, and will include a medal for each team member of each team that completes the hike.
COMBINED ENTRIES
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.
HIKE HEADQUARTERS
The event is based at the 1st Burgess Hill Scout Headquarters, Station Road, Burgess Hill, where overnight accommodation is available on Friday and Saturday nights at no additional cost, but must be pre-booked. Anyone making use of this accommodation will generally be responsible for their own catering arrangements, but breakfast on Sunday morning can be ordered in advance if required.
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
The presentation of trophies will take place on Sunday at 11.00 hours at 1st Burgess Hill Scout Headquarters.
RESULTS
Results will be published on this web site and posted / emailed to the named contact for each team / group.
ANY QUERIES?
If you have any queries, try the Frequently Asked Questions page initially. If you still can't find the answer, please contact the organisers. Contact details are on the information and entry form, which can be downloaded from the link in the top box in the left margin of most pages of this website or near the top of the home page.