Despite lockdown, we’ve kept on Scouting using Zoom meetings, which is amazing (that’s the 21st Century for you!). Now that we’ve stopped for the summer holidays we want to set you a challenge to get out and about in August!
Your challenge is to go on a walk through the countryside around North Leigh, and we’ve given you instructions for directions and questions to answer along the way. You’ll have to use your orienteering skills to navigate the route and make your way round! You have the whole of August to do the challenge, so you can choose when to do it.
There are two routes – we think the shorter route will be best for Beavers and Cubs, and the longer route for Scouts and Explorers. Of course, if your Beaver/Cub is feeling adventurous feel free to do the longer route!
Shorter route: 8km, roughly 4-5 hours (including breaks)
Longer route: 12km, roughly 5-6 hours (including breaks)
The routes are circular, and start and end at the Turner Hall car park, which is free to park in. It is nearly opposite St. Mary’s Church, at the bottom of Church Road, North Leigh, and has the postcode of OX29 6TX. Please note that there are no toilets on this route!
Both routes are mainly on footpaths, which are either flat or have gentle inclines. They mainly go through fields or wooded areas, but also have a few concrete paths.
All of the information you will need can be found in the PDFs below, which would be useful for you to print out and take with you, including a kit list, how to read grid references, the directions and questions, a blank map, and a map with the route marked out (which you can use if you get really really lost, but don’t cheat!)
Summer Orienteering – Long Route
Summer Orienteering – Short Route
Also, Oxfordshire Scouting have put together three virtual events that you can take part in throughout August in addition to our orienteering challenge – for more information see their website
Please read all of the instructions before you set off on your adventure!
Please note that all young people must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian and that 1st North Leigh Scout Group takes no responsibility for participants as the activities are to be completed independently.
Here are the answers – check to see how many of the questions you got correct when you get back from your walk!
Summer Orienteering – Answers