Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the more popular questions we receive...
What is the Three Towers Hike ?
Which hike section should I enter ?
What's the name mean ?
When is the hike ?
Who can take part ?
I'm not a member of the Scout Association. Can I still take part ?
How do you know where the hikers are ?
How do I enter ?
What happens if the weather is really bad ?
Are there any discounts available ?
Do I need a signature from my DC ?
I don't have anyone to walk with. What should I do ?
Can I enter as a team of 4 ?
What do I need ?
How much will it cost ?
What happens if I win ?
What happens if I drop out ?
Do you provide food ?
I don't eat meat. Can you still feed me ?
Will the hike ever fall over Easter weekend?
I have a question that's not in this FAQ list !!
What is the Three Towers Hike ?
The Three Towers Hike is a downland competition hike. That means you walk it and are competing against other hikers across open country - although many people do it just for fun or for the challenge.
The hike covers footpaths in West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire, straddling the Ridgeway and Thames. There are a number of different events, each with different route lengths for different age ranges.
Which hike section should I enter ?
The hike is about 25 km.
The Scout event is open to anyone of Scout age (10, 11, 12, 13 or 14-year olds only).
This is exclusively for members of a Scout Troop operating within Berkshire
No team may have more than one 10 year old nor more than one 14 year old.
The Scout event previously was known as the Junior event.
The hike is about 45 km.
The Explorer event is open to 13½, 14, 15, 16 and 17 year olds.
It is also open to persons 18 years and over who have never walked any of the hikes before (Novices).
This is ideal for all Explorer Scouts, Venture Scouts and Ranger Guides.
It is also ideal for cadet units and other recognised youth training organisations.
The hike is about 70km - depending on which footpaths you take.
The Classic hike is open to just about absolutely anyone 15½ years and older.
This is ideal for older Explorer Scouts, Venture Scouts and Ranger Guides.
It is also idea for cadet units, sports clubs etc.
Entrants from Adult members of the general public are positively welcomed (non-Scouting folk will need to complete an waiver form).
It is well suited to anyone who has walked the hike before. This event is the 'open event' and is considered the "main" hike.
The Classic event is popular with members of the Long Distance Walking Association and Ramblers Association.
The Classic event previously was known as the Senior event.
| Status | Scout event | Explorer event | Classic event |
| Home location | Berkshire based | no restrictions | no restrictions |
| Age group | 10 - 14 | 13½ to 17 | 15½ and over |
| Scout membership required | Yes - and restricted to Scout section only | No - although primarily restricted to Explorer section, other youth training organisations may participate by invitation. | No - open event. |
| Length & Duration | about 25km - between 4 and 8 hours walking | about 45km - between 8 and 16 hours walking | about 70km - between 12 and 24 hours walking |
| First teams start time [check-in time] | 0830 [0800] | 1100 [0930] | 0730 [0650] |
What's the name mean ?
The name dates back from the early days 25 years ago when the hike visited 3 large water towers.
Only the water tower at Tilehurst remains on the route today.
When is the hike ?
It is usually the third Saturday in March, but in some years the it is held in April.
In 2008, the hike will take place on Saturday 5th April.
In 2009, the hike will most likely take place on Saturday 21st March 2009.
Who can take part ?
The Scout section is only open to active Scouts who are a member of a Scout Troop operating in Berkshire. Note: Scouts working towards their Explorer Scout membership are strongly recommended to enter the Explorer Hike.
The Explorer sections is primarily open to Explorer Scouts and Ranger Guides, although subject to certain conditions anyone of the appropriate age range may be able to enter. Please talk to us to find out more.
The Classic section is open to anyone based on the appropriate age ranges.
Adults can also take part.
Entrants need not be local, in fact, the hike welcomes applications from distant groups too.
The hike does not discriminate. Provided you are fit enough to walk, you can enter. We hope you can make at least half the course.
I'm not a member of the Scout Association. Can I still take part ?
The hike is also open to other recognised groups.
This includes such organisations as Army Cadets, St John Ambulance Cadets and other groups which provide their members with accident liability insurance.
All non members are required to complete a Scout Association accident liability waiver.
We would happy to tell you what you need to know. If in doubt, please ask us.
How do you know where the hikers are ?
Every checkpoint marshal has a skilled radio operator who will relay by wireless the arrival times of every hiker arriving at the checkpoint.
Back at base, we have computers which process this information and can predict the whereabouts of every hiker on the course.
How do I enter ?
The easiest way to enter the hike is to register directly online. More. Alternatively you can complete a paper-based form.
Paper forms will normally be available from the end of November the previous year.
Within Berkshire Scouts, you can collect one from your Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) or ADC (Explorer Scouts). A similar distribution will take place within the Guide Movement.
You can collect one from Bob Spokes (Reading Central District Scouts).
You can collect one from Peter Swynford (Taceham Hundred District Scouts).
You can download one from the Website.
You can fill one in on the Website and then print it off.
Application forms will also be available at our sponsor's outlets.
If all else fails, ring one of the numbers on the contacts page and ask for one.
The last date for postal entries to the 2008 hike is 21st March 2008..
Spaces are limited to:
Classic event - 40 teams
Explorer event - 30 teams
Scout event - 30 team
Maximum number of walkers is therefore 300 people.
What happens if the weather is really bad ?
Bad means whiteouts caused by blizzards, exceptionally windy conditions, or dangerous flood levels.
In such circumstances the hike director reserves to amend the route to avoid the worst spots. A shorter route with fewer checkpoints may be substituted. Some of the younger hikers may not be permitted to start.
Are there any discounts available ?
Yes !!
If you are submitting more than four teams, let us know..
Do I need a signature from my DC ?
Members of the Scout Association under the age of 18 years require the acknowledgement of their District Commissioner. If you register online, we will inform your DC on your behalf. If you apply by post, it is your leader's responsibility to ensure your DC is aware of your participation.
I don't have anyone to walk with. What should I do ?
That's not a problem. Register your interest now.
We will match you up with someone of similar experience to form a team.
The sooner you register the sooner we can find a match.
Can I enter as a team of 4 ?
Simple answer: NO.
It is a competition event and teams must comprise exactly three hikers. It would be unfair to let a team start with 4 hikers as they may have an advantage over other teams.
That said, we do the reserve to join teams together if a hiker retires.
What do I need ?
The rules specify a certain amount of kit to be carried.
You will need to wear on your feet some solid walking shoes , not trainers , together with comfortable socks.
You will need lightweight clothing appropriate for walking on the Berkshire Downs plus certain changes of clothes.
You will also need a rucksack and some basic safety equipment. Check the RULES page for more information
How much will it cost ?
Prices correct at time of publication - subject to change.
These fees are per hiker - remember a team comprises 3 people.
| Scout section Event Hiker | £8.00 |
| Explorer/Classic Hiker under 18 | £15.00 |
| Classic Hiker adult+ | £20.00 |
Overnight supporters fee (for food and lodgings for addition people not listed in team) - £4.00
If your troop, unit, or company wish to enter 4 or more teams, please contact is to arrange a special discount.
What happens if I win ?
You get a trophy if you win. There are lots of trophies for different classes within each section, for example the fast all ladies team.
Everyone gets a certificate to show their achievement.
Even if you don't finish, you will get a certificate to show how far you got.
There are some prizes too - wait and see - watch this space.
What happens if I drop out ?
We prefer you drop out at a checkpoint. However, we do have 4-wheel drive vehicles and a dedicated team of First Aiders.
The hike will run minibuses between checkpoints to collect retiring hikers.
Do you provide food ?
We sure do - some of the best food in West Berkshire (so they say).
Sandwiches, crisps, fruits, chocolates for lunch and a full roast dinner with sticky pudding in the evening.
All checkpoints have either hot or cold drinks available.
I don't eat meat. Can you still feed me ?
Kosher, Islamic or just Veggie. Let us know what you require. If you have any food allergies, please tell us and we will do our best to provide an alternative.
Will the hike ever fall over Easter weekend?
Easter is a variable feast, the date of which in modern times has not been based on calculations on the first full moons after the spring equinox, but has been based on the weekend of The Three Towers Hike. We usually try to avoid the Easter weekend and the weekends either side.
I have a question that's not in this FAQ list !!
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