A GROUP of guiding supporters in Okehampton recently completed the Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for their older Guides and Rangers to go on an inter-railing adventure across Europe.

Guide leader Nicki Furness acted as driver for the group on their challenge over the last weekend in September to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdonia.

This epic challenge to scale the highest peaks in Scotland, Wales and England is frequently undertaken as a charity endeavour over 24 hours.

“They didn’t make the 24 hours but did achieve their goal in 28 hours and in true Girlguiding style they did support two people who were struggling and an injured lady was walked off the mountain and taken home,” said Nicki.

“None of the walkers were Girlguiding members which were friends and family of members who wanted to help raise some funds for girls to participate in an inter-railing experience next year. The leaders from the Guides and Rangers are so proud of everyone’s achievements! They’re all superstars.”

Nicki is used to organising events as a guide leader, but admitted that this particular trip was her most logistically challenging yet!

“I was driving the minibus and we’d prepare the food on the car park and put it in flasks for them to take up the mountains, so there was literally no stopping!” she said.

“There were a couple of leaders, two of the leaders’ husbands and a few friends who were keen to do it. I was the driver, I had two of my other leaders to support me and they kept me fed and watered and kept me awake. On one day we drove 1,200 miles. It was almost 12 hours to Scotland in a minibus.

She added: “It was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. The walkers were absolutely amazing, they just kept going. The challenge itself is to do the mountains in 24 hours but we did it in 28. Everyone had a phenomenal time and I’m just so proud,, added Nicki, saying: “They now want me to organise another one!”

“We have some other fundraisers coming up, although not quite so dramatic. We have got some Christmas workshops which are going to be lots of fun.”

The next is on Saturday, November 7 at the parish hall in Okehampton’s Market Street, where there will be marshmallows on offer.

The Okehampton Girlguiding group is raising funds for its inter-railing trip next summer for all their girls aged 14 plus, in either Guides or the older Rangers.

Nicki said: “It takes place in August 2027, we are doing seven centres in 12 days so that is a challenge in itself – we don’t go for anything simple!”

The Guides and Rangers meet weekly at the parish hall and are always keen to welcome new members and leaders. To find out more, email [email protected].