The annual Southern 50 is a prestigious challenge hike, one of the longest running events of its type in Scouting. A navigation event in the Chiltern Hills every year since 1980, through the counties of Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire, organised by Greater London North Scout County.

There are three routes, 50mile and 50km open to all and a 30km route exclusively for Explorer Scouts. The event is a test of good orienteering skills as well as physical ability and teamwork and unlike other well-known hikes the routes are different each year and so local knowledge will not be of help as the route will not be disclosed until the day of the event. All teams therefore start with exactly the same chance of winning a trophy.

Like any other long-distance challenge, the effort required to last the full course is an achievement.

Many like to return to have another crack at the trophy or just to improve on their time. Whatever the reason, you will enjoy our challenge and, we are sure, find the event really rewarding.

Eligibility

The event is only open to members of The Scout Association or Girlguiding UK. Each participant must be at least fourteen years old on the day of the event for the 50mile and 50km events. Participants for the 30km event must be thirteen and a half years or over but have not reached their eighteenth birthday on the day of the event.

If you are a member but only of Scout age, you can take part in our other event, Chiltern 20 which takes place in October.