Rules

Hike Rules

  • In all matters, the decision of the hike organisers is final.
  • All team members must be between the ages of 11 and 15 for the duration of the hike. The total age of the team members must not exceed 56.
  • The Youth Leader of each group must certify that each member of the team is capable of competing in a two-day hike with the full kit and that no member has an illness that could be detrimental to the safety of the team.
  • A team shall consist of four members. If the membership of any team falls below four members, it shall be withdrawn immediately.
  • Teams must visit all checkpoints in the stated order. Teams missing a checkpoint cannot be placed in the final hike standings.
  • A competitor must only retire at a checkpoint except in the case of an emergency. (See emergency procedures below).
  • If any marshal deems a competitor unfit to compete in or to continue the hike, that marshal has the right to withdraw that competitor from the hike.
  • Any competitor giving or receiving assistance from any other team or outside quarters will be disqualified. Teams are not allowed to link up except in emergencies.
  • Leaders, parents and friends are requested not to visit checkpoints or follow teams whilst they are taking part in the hike.
  • The organisers are not liable for any injury to, or loss of life of, a competitor sustained during the event as a result, directly or indirectly, of any physical or mental incapacity, handicap or defect of that competitor. (See rule 3). The organisers advise all competitors to take out an appropriate insurance cover before competing in the hike or check that the cover they already have is sufficient.
  • Team leaders are responsible for the team and their behaviour at all times during the hike.
  • Teams must leave the campsite tidy and free from litter. Failure to do so will result in a loss of points.
  • Teams must provide and cook their own meals for the duration of the event. A hot snack will be provided on completion of the hike.
  • Some checkpoints on the hike will have “chop times”. These are noted in the list of checkpoints in this booklet. Teams arriving at a checkpoint outside the stated chop time will be directed not to continue the hike. This rule will be strictly enforced for the safety of all competitors. Please consider the chop times in your training for the hike.
  • All competitors must adhere to the country code and to public rights of way at all times.

Emergency Procedures

  1. Walk at the speed of the slowest member of your Take a rest if anyone feels tired. If the tiredness persists, treat the competitor as a casualty who cannot be moved. (See 3B)
  2. Always keep warm, dry and well-fed.
  3. Do not exceed your capabilities. In the event of an accident, immobilise the casualty:
    1. Administer First Aid
    2. Try to get the casualty to a sheltered place or pitch a tent. Caution: Do not move if a back injury is suspected. Keep the casualty warm using sleeping bags, survival bag and spare clothing.
    3. Two team members should go for help to the nearest checkpoint, while the other stays with the casualty. The members going for help must carry written details of the casualty’s name, age, position and condition.
  4. If necessary, signal to attract attention by flashing a torch or blowing a whistle once every 10 seconds for a minute then rest a minute.
  5. If you think you are lost, try to work out your position using a map and compass and get off the high ground as soon as possible.

Kit List

Clothing – all items to be either worn or carried by each competitor:

  • Thermal base layer top
  • Mid layer top
  • Warm outer layer top (fleece or similar)
  • Waterproof coat with hood and taped seams
  • Suitable quick-drying walking trousers (not Jeans). Shorts will be allowed except in cases of extremely bad weather. If wearing shorts, competitors must carry long trousers in addition.
  • Wool or wool-mix hiking socks
  • Hiking boots. Fell-running boots, shoes or trainers are not acceptable.
  • Hi-viz/reflective item (eg. vest, armband) – which needs to be visible.
  • Warm headgear suitable to protect head and ears
  • Gloves

Personal Equipment – all items to be carried by each competitor in a suitable rucksack:

  • 1 sleeping bag and insulated sleeping mat
  • 1 survival bag 6’x 2’6”
  • 1 spare pair of suitable quick-drying walking trousers. Shorts are acceptable in addition but spare long trousers must be carried.
  • 1 spare thermal base layer
  • 1 spare mid-layer top
  • 1 spare outer layer top (fleece or similar)
  • 1 spare set of underwear and socks
  • Eating utensils and mug
  • Torch with batteries/ wind up torch
  • Whistle
  • Emergency rations in a sealed bag or box
  • Full water bottle(s) with a capacity of 1 litre

Team Equipment – divided between the team’s rucksacks:

  • Lightweight tent(s) with sewn-in groundsheet and flysheet capable of sleeping the whole team
  • 2 OS Explorer OL 21 1:25000 scale maps, with published checkpoints marked on
  • 2 map cases (not required if laminated maps are used)
  • 1 pencil or fine-point permanent marker suitable for marking your maps
  • 2 compasses
  • 1 mobile phone, fully charged, and with Hike Control number programmed in (07725011762)
  • Lighter or matches
  • Notepaper
  • 2 watches (or other devices which tell the correct time)
  • Suitable cooking stove(s) for a team of four, including windshield
  • Billies / Dixies
  • Suitable fuel for your stove – enough for the duration of the hike
  • Food suitable for a hike camp
  • Small first aid kit including anti-bacterial hand gel

Competitors will also need to bring their uniforms to be worn at the presentation at the end of the hike. These should be packed separately as uniforms can be left at St Paul’s for the duration of the event.

Although drinks will be provided at some checkpoints, competitors are required to carry their own supply. Competitors should also bring with them a supply of suitable high energy snacks to eat while walking.

We do not allow mixed-sex teams to share tents at the campsite. However, we do support these by offering to transport an extra tent to the campsite to provide separate accommodation for male and female team members. Teams taking advantage of this must however still carry with them a tent (or tents) large enough to accommodate all four team members.

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