About SJMH

Honouring a legacy through community and hiking

About the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike

The Skip Johnson Memorial Hike is more than just a hike - its a shared journey of remembrance, friendship and community spirit, built around a friendly and meaningful challenge.

The hike was created in memory of Skip Johnson, whose life was inseparable from 1st Mortimer Scout Group. Skip was a member of 1st Mortimer for an extraordinary 84 years, remaining connected to the Group until his passing in 2019. Few people can claim such lifelong commitment, and fewer still leave behind such a lasting legacy.

Organised by 1st Mortimer Scout Group, the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike is run as a competition hike, offering teams the opportunity to challenge themselves, work together, and complete the route in the right spirit. The competitive element reflects Skip's belief in personal effort, teamwork, and learning through experience, rather than winning at any cost.

Teams of all ages and abilities take part, each approaching the hike in their own way - whether focusing on endurance, navigation, cooperation, or simply seeing the challenge through together. While the event includes a competitive element, the emphasis remains on participation, respect for others, and shared achievement.

Above all, the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike is about connection. It is a chance to walk together, to remember a remarkable lifelong commitment to Scouting, and to ensure that Skip's name continues to be associated with kindness, perseverance, and community.

The Event

Each year, Scout teams take part in the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike by choosing from three route options - 5, 10, or 20 miles. This allows Sections and Groups to select a distance that matches their experience, fitness, and confidence, while still offering a genuine challenge for all participants.

The hike is set across open countryside, giving teams the opportunity to put core Scouting skills into practice. Route choice, teamwork, resilience, and self-reliance all play a part, as teams navigate together and support one another throughout the day. The environment provides both challenge and enjoyment, with time to appreciate the landscape and the shared experience of being out on the trail.

Run as a Scout competition hike, the event encourages young people to work as a team, take responsibility, and demonstrate the values at the heart of Scouting. While there is a competitive element, the emphasis is firmly on participation, good Scouting spirit, and completing the challenge together.

2026 Event Details

Date: Saturday 18th April 2026

Routes: 5 mile, 10 mile, and 20 mile options

Location: Details will be provided upon registration

Kit List

All items listed below must be carried by every team on the day of the event. Kit checks may be carried out at the start and at checkpoints. Teams that do not have the required kit will not be permitted to start, or may be withdrawn from the event.

See the full kit list page for details.

Team Kit

  • Map (OS Explorer 159) and compass - Waterproof (Active Map) or Paper Map + Map case
  • Route Plan and Emergency Contact Information
  • Paper & Pencil
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Emergency Whistle - For emergency signaling
  • Survival Bag

Personal Kit

  • Comfortable hiking shoes or walking boots - Well-fitted and broken in
  • Walking Trousers (no jeans or tracksuit/jogging bottoms)
  • Base layer/t-shirt
  • Jumper/Fleece
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof over trousers
  • Hat and gloves
  • Torch - with spare batteries
  • Snacks or energy bars - High-energy foods for sustained activity
  • Water bottle (refills available at checkpoints)
  • Rucksack to carry own and team kit
  • Check Point Card

Reflective Material

Team members are required to show high vis/reflective material on the front of their clothing as well as on their rucksack.

Additional Recommended Items

  • Sun protection - Hat, sunscreen (SPF 30+), and sunglasses
  • Mobile phone - Fully charged for emergencies
  • Spare clothing - Dry top and socks
  • Head torch
  • Blister plasters and foot care items
  • Personal identification and emergency contact details

What NOT to Bring

  • Cotton clothing as base layer (takes long to dry)
  • New, unworn footwear (risk of blisters)
  • Heavy or unnecessary items that add weight
  • Valuables that could be lost or damaged

Weather Considerations: The British weather can be unpredictable. Always prepare for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, even if the forecast looks good. Layers are essential as you can adjust your clothing as conditions and your activity level change.

Safety First

The safety of all participants is a key priority throughout the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike. Routes are clearly defined, and event volunteers are based at designated checkpoints to provide support and monitor progress. First aid provision is available for the duration of the event.

All teams are expected to take responsibility for their own wellbeing, to look out for one another, and to act in accordance with the values of Scouting. Leaders should ensure that young people are suitably prepared, appropriately equipped, and supervised for their chosen route.

Participants are encouraged to select a distance that is suitable for their fitness, experience, and the conditions on the day, and to approach the hike with a sensible and responsible attitude at all times.

Get Involved

Whether you're participating in the hike or volunteering to help with the event, we welcome your involvement. Registration is open, check the registration page to register.

Contact Us

For more information about the Skip Johnson Memorial Hike, please contact us at lindsey@1st-mortimer.org.uk.