The Calderdale Hike has been run by 24th St Paul’s Scout Group since 1979 when it was the brainchild of Peter White, the Scoutmaster at the time. The first 3 events were based upon a circuit of the Calderdale Way (50 miles) with HQ being at Brooksbank School in Elland. After the third hike, it was decided to scale down the length of the route as the manning of such a large event was proving to be increasingly difficult. Peter White devised 2 routes, one of 36 miles and one of 25 miles, for runners and walkers alike. Using his vast knowledge of the Pennine countryside he was able to devise new interesting routes that would appeal to all.

With the hike now becoming a day event the number of personnel needed to run it had been substantially reduced thus bringing it inside the Group’s control. The new routes enabled us to base the hike at different venues throughout Calderdale thus allowing the hike to visit all parts of the area. The first was at Mytholmroyd Community Centre, then Greetland Community Centre, and since 1995 at Sowerby St Peters Cricket Club. The route is changed, usually every 3 years, thereby bringing in different parts of Calderdale and the Pennine countryside, into the day event which is appreciated by all the competitors. With the 2 routes, there are different trophies available to be won for the Runners and Walkers events. All the trophies have been made with love and care by our own Rodney Oldfield.

A few years ago the event became part of the Ultra Running Series and it now attracts entries from some of the top fell runners in the country who try to achieve a personal goal throughout the season on some of the toughest running challenges throughout the country. This has increased the entry levels in the runner’s category thus boosting the income from the hike. The hike has therefore grown from strength to strength over recent years, so much so, that we are now in a position to give a donation to charitable causes. We started with Breast Cancer Care and recently have been supporting the Calder Valley Search and Rescue (thankfully we have never needed them, but you never know although they are akin to our work). We shall continue to support CVSR.

The proceeds from the hike do supply a substantial income for Group funds which enables us to be one of the best financed Groups in the District. We still require helpers throughout the day and parents of members of the Group are invited to assist in what you will find to be a most enjoyable and satisfying day.

Please visit the hike website for further details.