Skip to main content

Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means
Supported by GO Outdoors

Hikes Away Staged Activity Badge

Hikes Away Staged Activity Badge

Hikes Away badge

Meet the requirements relevant to your section.

Complete 15 hikes or journeys to earn this badge:

  1. Squirrels

    Each hike or journey must involve at least one hour of activity and a purpose, which you will agree with your leader. The sorts of activity that count as a hike away include:

    • taking a walk around your local area and discovering what’s around you 
    • going on a nature walk to look for plants and animals
    • exploring somewhere new on a hike  
  2. Beavers

    Each hike or journey must involve at least two hours of activity and a purpose, which you will agree with your leader. The sorts of activity that count as a hike away include:

    • exploring a country park or nature reserve on foot
    • going on a family ramble
    • taking part in a woodland walk. You could look out for wildlife or do a tree safari.
  3. Cubs

    Each hike or journey must involve at least three hours of activity and a purpose, which you will agree with your Leader. The sorts of activity that count as a hike away include:

    • following a towpath trail and discovering how locks work on a local canal
    • exploring a local town or village while you’re on camp or a Pack holiday
    • walking up a hill and enjoying the view.
  4. Scouts

    Each hike or journey must involve at least four hours of activity and a purpose, which you will agree with your leader. The sorts of activity that count as a hike away include:

    • taking part in a dusk to dawn hike
    • exploring a bridleway on horseback
    • an overnight expedition by foot
    • a trip down a river in an open canoe
    • a cycle ride
    • any other similar activity.
  5. Explorers

    Each hike or journey must involve at least five hours of activity and a purpose, which you will agree with your leader. The sorts of activity that count as a hike away include:

    • hill walking
    • mountain biking
    • canoe touring
    • pony trekking
    • ski touring
    • backpacking.

    You can do your hike away during the day or night and it’s fine to take part in other similar activities.

Tips

  • Hikes or journeys you've taken part in for previous stages of the badge can be counted towards your total as you move through the sections.
  • Find out more about the support offered by GO Outdoors.

  • Find out about easy access routes in National Parks. The Outdoor Guide has information about wheelchair friendly walks.

March 2024.

Requirements can be adapted to suit each young persons abilities. See our guidance on flexibility.

Looking for activities for this badge