Have a look at our past events!
The Squirrel and Beaver Birthday Bash
4th – 5th July 2026
Squirrels | Beavers
Wallaboree 2026
8th – 10th May 2026
Squirrels | Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorers
Cubs Balsawood Derby 2026
26th April 2026
Cubs
Border Hike 2025
19th – 21st September 2025
Scouts | Explorers
September brought both an incredibly wet weekend and the 43rd Border Hike at Gradbach Scout Camp. Friday night saw Scouts and Explorers from across the country descended on the site to compete in both the Border Hike (Scouts) and John Brabury Trophy (Explorers). As soon as Saturday dawned, kit check opened and the Explorers disappeared into the mist to undertake their orienteering course. The Scouts, meanwhile, were plotting their route and beginning to start their journey. Over five incidents – and challenging weather conditions – the teams showed great teamwork and perseverance and were a credit to their groups. To end the day, the Gradbach Cinema presented ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’. Sunday’s Scout’s Own and Awards ceremony brought the weekend to a close before saying farewell to all the participants.
It was great to see many familiar faces from across the High Peak, with teams from 1st Buxton, 1st Chinley, 1st Taxal, 3rd Buxton, Cracken ESU, Solomon’s ESU, and Taxal ESU also competing in this event.
A huge well done goes to 1st Buxton Scouts who won the Johanna Knowles Trophy for being the highest placed High Peak team.
Congratulations to the winners of the Border Hike and John Bradbury Trophy!
Border Hike Winners: 109th Leicester (Countesthorpe) Scouts
John Bradbury Trophy Winners: Archers Explorer Scouts
Finally, a massive thank you goes to all the fantastic volunteers who make this event happen and we can’t wait to welcome you back next year!
Barry The Beaver’s Grand Day Out
14th June 2025
Squirrels | Beavers
Bowden Buffalo and High Peak Hex 2025
7th – 8th June 2025
Cubs
Sixty cubs from five packs – 3rd Buxton (Harpur Hill), 14th Buxton (Burbage), 1st Chapel (Kinder and Bowden), and 1st Chinley – joined the 52nd Bowden Buffalo and the 2nd High Peak Hex.
The Bowden Buffalo saw 10 teams of six Cubs tackle classic Scouting challenges: fire lighting, tent pitching, backwoods cooking, pioneering, first aid, quizzes, and campfire entertainment. Congratulations to 1st Chinley Team 2 who took home with trophy with a strong all-round performance!
In the High Peak Hex, teams worked through 12 hands-on team-building challenges, earning marbles for success in activities such as crate stacking, swamp crossing, and puzzles. In a rare result, both 1st Chinley Teams 1 and 2 tied for first place and chose to share the trophy – a “double win” for the group!
After a full day of activities, the Cubs enjoyed a well-deserved BBQ with burger, hot dogs, fries, and ice cream, followed by a soggy but enjoyable campfire led by Harry. On Sunday morning, they packed up camp and some even managed a walk before heading home – damp, but still smiling.
Rain couldn’t dampen the spirit, as the leaders and judges praised the energy, skill, and determination shown by every participant. The event highlighted everything that makes Scouting special – from learning practical skills to building resilience, teamwork, and lifelong memories.
Thank you to the dedicated Pack leader who prepared the young people, and to all the volunteers who made the event possible from the district and Gradbach Scout Camp.
Bring on 2027!
Taylor Trophy and Otter Trophy 2025
6th – 8th June 2025
Scouts
30 Scouts from five troops – 1st Chapel, 1st Chinley, 17th Buxton, 1st Buxton, and 3rd Buxton – arrived on Friday evening to set up their patrol camps. They pitched tents, built pioneering gateways and fire pits, and cooked over open fires, all while being assessed on traditional camping skills. With minimal input from the judges, the Scouts were largely self – sufficient.
This was the first Taylor Trophy competition since 2018, and for many Scouts, their first experience camping in patrols. The judges were impressed by their skills and eagerness to learn.
On Sunday, the Scouts competed in the Otter Trophy – a trek cart race through slaloms and obstacles, all whilst balancing buckets of water. This was a true test of coordination and teamwork.
Though the weekend was competitive, it was really all about practising and developing Scouting skills. All team represented their troops with pride, and there is a strong hope the competition will become a regular biennial event. Both the Taylor Trophy and Otter Trophy were closely contested, with 3rd Buxton Scouts emerging as the winners. Congratulations!
A huge thank you to all the district and Gradbach Scout Camp volunteers for making the weekend possible.
