3rd November Stotfold explorers unit had a night hike and a sleep over at the scout hut.

Views of Owen Williams and Russell West

The start of the camp spirits were high, everyone was hopeful of a gentle night strole. However during the 12 mile hike we began to slow as none of us had a clue where we were. After sweating blood we eventually reached our check point, after an hour of walking, when it should of only taken us 15 minutes.

At this point one person from the group recognised where we were and knew exactly where we were going, as he had previously walked this route on the challenge hike the weekend before. non stop walking for another hour, we walked roughly 3 and a half miles. our route lead to Shefford as walked along a river and crossed it mid way over a footbridge. We then walked along side the river until we met a main road, from then on everyone knew where they were going, as our goal was only a few miles away. With in a few minutes we had turned off the road and we were walking around a field. when we reached the end of the field we could see Henlow church.

We all knew that boyd field was near. Suddenly Owen and Edward had a sudden burst of energy and sped off into the darkness. Later the group rejoined them as they had, had a long rest. Meeting the the Arlesey to Stotfold bypass and walked carefully along side it. Turning left, we took a foot path leading to Astwick, which would take us away from the main road. Time was roughly 12 o'clock and people were starting to tire. We took many different foot paths eventually reaching a Stotfold back road. Everyone cheered up as we picked up the speed, making our way towards the centre of Stotfold.

Gradually houses were getting closer and we sensed we were nearly there. Taking a back lane we reached the scout to everyone's delight. Taking our wet muddy socks and boots we walked into the hut and stuffed our faces with food and drink. One vital lesson we have learnt from this hike was to always, use, the, COMPASS!!