Although we were cycling we also had to complete a Training Hike. We thought that the Ten Peaks Challenge held over the 29-30th April was ideal. The Scout Section had run the event for the last three years, but this year the Scouts and the Department of Education joined forces and the Challenge was made open to all Youth Clubs, Schools and other Youth Organisations.

There were seven Scouts in our team and around thirty teams taking part altogether.

The Challenge started on the Saturday morning at the Bungalow, just below the summit of Snaefell, the Island’s only mountain. There was thick mist all around and visibility was down to about 20 metres. Many teams had problems with navigation in the mist and our team decided, after managing one peak, that it was best to sit out the mist under canvas, which we did for two hours.

Andrew and Matthew decided they couldn’t be bothered to just wait around, so they tried for another peak but didn’t get it. Several teams were provided with experienced marshals to help them with their navigation but not us. All the teams managed to find their own campsite for the night. Some arrived a bit on the late side but none of the teams had any major problems. We actually managed to get Snaefell and Benn-y-phott before the end of the day.

The weather on Sunday could not have been more different with bright sunshine and just a light breeze. This was a much better day for the team as we could actually see the peaks we were heading for. Our team finished at about 1.00 o’clock after completing seven out of ten peaks and were then presented with medals by the Chief Minister, Donald Gelling, and the Tourism Minister, David Cretney.