Route Guide
This information is prepared as a guide only. Nothing beats good preparation. You should know how to read a map, how to navigate, what to wear and what to carry with you.
Classic Start / Scout Start
Classic Event hikers are kit-checked at 79th Reading HQ in Tilehurst and then ferried to their start location in Purley-on-Thames. Scout Event hikers are kit-checked in central Pangbourne and then begin their journey.
Both routes merge and head across Whitchurch Toll Bridge for the first leg of the event which is fairly gentle to start with, a warm-up for later on.
Streatley Hill
Streatley Hill is the first major challenging obstacle on the event. It's quite a steep initial climb up, and down, followed by another up and down. In the middle of this yo-yo is the little village of Stitchens Green and checkpoint number 2.
Teams need to be able to reach this checkpoint with a good deal of confidence as the route approaching it can be confusing for the unfamiliar. It helps if you can read a map and know which way north is!
Join the Ridgeway
After descending the footpath across Streatley Golf Course, the Classic and Scout event routes finally pick up The Ridgeway. At first it's a surfaced road. At the end of the surfaced stretch is checkpoint 3, located at Warren Farm.
Commitment
Teams need to commit at this point to entering the Ridgeway proper as vehicle access can be limited. Navigation is crucial. There are many side tracks off the path; take the wrong one and you effectively have got lost.
A fantastic view
After Fairmile has come into view you will be able to see the track from here. If the weather is clear, Didcot Power Station is clearly visible to your North.
Explorer Starts & Junior Ends
For Scout hikers, it's nearing the end; For Classic hikers it's about one-third of the whole event. For Explorer hikers it's just the beginning. Explorers, having been kit-checked at 79th Reading, will have been ferried out to Blewbury for their start, following the same track from there on as the Classic event. Both Classic and Explorers will need to decide the best route to East Hendred. There are a few shortcuts but these can be just as slow. For Scouts, selecting the right footpath after the old railway bridge at Churn Farm will mean a speedy finish into East Ilsley.
Classic and Explorers, together
By the time most of the Classic and Explorer hikers have arrived at East Ilsley, there will be many Scout hikers ready to catch the bus back to Tilehurst. East Ilsley is also so comfortable that many of the weariest hikers, once sat down, don't get up again and choose to retire here. IMPORTANT NOTICE: The clock does not stop for Hikers at checkpoints. Every minute waiting at a checkpoint is a minute on to your own final time. (Allowances are given in certain circumstances at the Hike director's exclusive discretion).
Meandering Paths
Once hikers depart East Ilsley there is usually a good feeling; their general direction is back towards the finishing point. Efficient navigation through the Hampstead Norreys area brings its own rewards. Daylight is limited and it can be important to make as much progress during the hours before dusk. In 2008 the sunset time is around 1945BST.
A stretch of road
Navigating through Ashampstead Woods in the dark is an experience. The forest tracks are often extremely muddy, so it's important to know exactly where you are. Once you've imerged on the other side, there is what feels like quite a long stretch of fairly boring road. Reflective clothing is MANDATORY on the highyway. Please walk on the right-hand side and use a torch to make yourselves seen. Eventually you will arrive at Pangbourne College.
The final climb home
The final leg can be the toughest. Muscle fatigue has set in; you have cramps, stitch and diziness. You're tired and ache and have blisters. You smell of sweat, your boots are wet... but you're determined to finish. The cruel final climb up through Sulham Woods needs to be done. Once at the top, a quick visit to the Water Tower and you're on the final leg home where St. John staff will pamper your feet, the hot showers will warm you and clean you, and chef's hot dinners will fill you up.... and then it's off to bed.
