Explorer Scouts – Somerset Lord Lieutenant’s Platinum Jubilee Jaunt 23.07.2022

Somerset Lord Lieutenant’s Platinum Jubilee Jaunt

The Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Annie Maw, is planning to complete a 70 mile staged tour through Somerset on her Tramper mobility scooter in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Annie Maw was a very keen horsewomen until she had an accident which has meant she has been in a wheelchair for the past 20 years. Despite this tragedy it has not dampened her sense of adventure and her enthusiasm to promote the wonders of Somerset and encourage young people to enjoy the amazing countryside of our county.

To emphasise both the DofE Scheme and Somerset her intention is to complete each section with a different group of young people involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award’s scheme. The first 10 miles were completed last weekend and she is now looking forward to the rest of the countryside tour.

For the final leg of the expedition (Saturday 23 July) she wants to explore Exmoor, and as this is the most adventurous stretch, we, the Explorer Scouts, have been asked to accompany her. As you can imagine there are many aspects to consider when planning a route to be used by a “disabled walker”. The route needs to be not too taxing or involve too steep a hill or too much rough ground. The agreed route is from Simonsbath up onto the moor, topping out on Dunkery Beacon, and then onto Wooten Courtney, a distance of approximately 19km, but this can be shortened if needed.

To assist and to add interest, the Exmoor National Park is intending to have a Ranger accompany us who will have full of knowledge of the terrain. As it will be the last segment of the tour, with topping out on the highest point in Somerset, interest by locals and others will also be high and we can expect the press to welcome us at Dunkery Beacon.

Please pass the information on to your Explorers, particularly the ones enrolled in DofE, to ask them to volunteer to accompany Annie on her great adventure. Please let me know numbers by end of April (30 April) and then I can start to look at logistics ie minibuses etc. If you wish to assist (walk, be part of the support team) please let me know as we need some adult help aswell, both on the day and for the planning.

Two final points: all young people involved will receive a T-Shirt and some amazing memories!