On the 8th to 9th October, 25 Explorers and Network members from the County attended a unique event organised and run by Chingford District Network Scouts.

Walk on Water 2005 (WoW 2005), involved teams of three walking from Canary Wharf in London, to Danemead Campsite, Broxbourne, on the Sunday, then from Danemead to Gilwell Park on the Sunday, a total distance of 35 miles. Four districts took part in the event, namely Chingford, Ilford North West, Romford and Barking and Dagenham.

The event started at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Canary Wharf Underground Station, with 25 apprehensive-looking Explorers and Network Scouts. At 10 minute intervals, the teams were sent off into the wide world that is Central London, to find the Lea Valley Walk. As my team went last, and waited in London, for a spot of breakfast, we did not think we would catch up to any teams soon, we were surprised to find two teams after the first mile and half! The walk was long, and very tedious in terms of there wad only had each other in the team for company. We trudged along, and came to a checkpoint in Hackney, and found a nice little watering hole, to rest and get a drink that was not water from a Platypus. One of the teams was having some trouble with walking the distance so being kind and responsible my team walked with them to help spur them on. However, due to the inexperience of some of our newly acquired team, the walking speed was not as expected- we were seriously loosing time, and daylight.

By the time we were 10 miles into the hike, we had hit Enfield, and a toilet stop at the Navigation, (a very nice establishment) was in order. We swiftly got back on the trail, the heavens opened. There was a mad attempt to try and get waterproof coats on, and still keep the pace that we had managed to now set. Between Enfield and Waltham Abbey the rain kept on pouring, and the nightfall kept on falling. In Waltham Abbey, we met the support team for the event, and decided that we could not carry on, due to poor light. We jumped on the train at Waltham Cross, and went the two stops to Broxbourne. From there we walked in the general direction of Danemead. Apart from then getting lost, and having to be picked up, we successfully made it back to the campsite.

We were greeted at by the warmth of Uncle Tom’s Cabin at Danemead, and by the best two-course meal ever, spaghetti bolognaise followed by spotted dick and custard. After eating everyone was very tired, and it was not long before all had been assigned rooms, they were full of sleeping bodies.

After what seemed like a few hours, we were all up again, for breakfast. A traditional Chingford breakfast: sausages, bacon, eggs, beans and bread. The hut was cleared, and armed with our packed lunches, we all prepared for the ‘leisurely stroll’ down to Gilwell Park. This seemed a lot more direct than the hike up to Danemead. After stopping for a bacon sandwich at the Old English Gentleman, in Waltham Abbey, we were off and raring to go. So we did, and walked the next 5 miles non-stop until reaching Gilwell.

From what we could tell, the majority of people had a good time on the hike, and despite all the pain and anguish of some participants, they all made it on Saturday night and were walking on Sunday.

Can I take this opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the WoW 2005 Participants, the staff in the Old English Gentleman Pub, for being the ‘office’ of the support team who were Chris, Sam, Abigail and Emily Harrison, and Monica Archibald and Mark Finnis. They put a lot of hard work into the catering, the shopping, the driving, and the pick-up of casualties and general ‘dogs bodying’.

Also, can I thank the districts of Chingford, Ilford North West, Romford and Barking and Dagenham, for taking part. With a few changes, WoW will be back next year, bigger and better than ever!!

James Reid | WoW 2005 Organiser