Priory Art Society Spring Exhibition Expedition Challenge

By Ian Yarker

The Cleveland Hike is a locally organised hiking challenge for young and old which began life in Marske nearly 60 years ago.

The idea for the Cleveland Hike started in 1963, with the Officers and boys of the 1st Marske Boys’ Brigade Company based at Marske Methodist Church. They decided to go with the local Scout group to the Yorkshire Dales and enter a competition called the “Dalesman Hike”. They came 8th out of 100 teams and won the Trophy for the highest placed team that was not from the Scouts. They were delighted with this sort of competition and decided to see if they could devise something similar for the Boys’ Brigade.

The first Cleveland Hike took place in 1964 with 10 local teams as well as teams from Gateshead and South Shields taking part. The Hike started and finished at Hob Hole and overnight camp was at Furnace Farm near Lealholm. Apart from cancellations for Foot and Mouth in 2001 and Covid in 2020 the Cleveland Hike has taken place every year in June. Entries come from all over the country and from many different groups and organisations including Boys’ Brigade, Scouts, Guides, Army Cadets, Regular Army and groups of friends or family who relish the challenge.

Entries are open for the 2023 Cleveland Hike which takes place on the weekend of 24/25 June 2023. This year’s hike starts at Marske United Football Club and will finishin the beautiful village of Danby with the presentation of prizes and certificates taking place on the Village Green. Teams can either enter for 1 day or take on the full 2 day challenge which involves camping overnight. The Saturday route is 17-20 miles and the Sunday route 10-12 miles. Teams need to navigate to a series of checkpoints to successfully complete the route which is designed to be a test of teamwork, fitness and skills with a map and compass. At each checkpoint there is an “Incident” or challenge which will test teamwork and initiative. The last Incident on Sunday always involves water. There are different categories of team entries:

• Standard Team– 3 or 4 person team aged 12 years to 19 years

• Expedition Team – 4 or more person team, OR youngsters led by and experienced adult

• Senior Team – 3 or 4 person team with 1 or more members aged 20 or above

Costs vary depending on team category and number of days entered, but typically range from £20 to £40 per team. Entry fees cover campsite fees, meal on Sunday at the finish and certificates. There is also a free Friday overnight campsite available for competitors and supporters. Entries can be made through the website – www.theclevelandhike. com

Follow the hike on social media Facebook – TheClevelandhike Twitter - @ClevelandHike Instagram - @clevelandhike