The four local teams were taking part alongside 500 young people from across the UK

Enfield Scouts — One of the successful Enfield scouts teams

Scouts and volunteers from Enfield have been praised for completing a gruelling hiking challenge.

Four teams from Enfield took part in the recent ‘Southern 50’ challenge hike event. The event has three distances that hikers can take on, of 30 kilometres, 50 kilometres or 50 miles, with the routes passing through the Home Counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire.

The annual Southern 50 Event is a prestigious challenge hike, one of the longest running events of its type in the UK. The event is a test of good orienteering skills as well as teamwork – the route is not disclosed until the day of the event so all teams entering have the same chance of winning a trophy.

The four local teams were taking part alongside 500 young people from across the UK.

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields praised the hikers’ unwavering determination and teamwork and said. “The teams from Enfield showed real determination to finish the 30km course, I was delighted to meet them at the finish to hear about the skills they had learnt and challenges they had overcome.

“All the young people and volunteers involved in the event are a great example of what’s brilliant about Scouts. They worked as a team, had fun and learnt new skills along the way.”

Taking part in the event was Alex, aged 16, who said: ‘’Every scout should take the opportunity to take part in the Southern 50. It wet and muddy but huge fun, I feel really proud to have taken on the challenge.”

Violetta, aged 14, added: ‘’The Southern 50 has been super, I think every scout should have a go at it. You bond as a team with your friends and learn so much about yourself.”

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