A VISIT to the Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset in Devonport’s Royal Navy dockyard, Plymouth, was a highlight of a busy activity weekend for 28 sea scouts and explorer scouts from the 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group, who also spent time on Dartmoor undertaking navigational exercises and hikes across the moorland.

The two sections had arrived at their hired bunkhouse on the moor near Princetown on Friday night where some scouts spent the night in lightweight hike tents.

HMS Somerset welcomed Watchet Sea Scouts and Explorer Scouts.
HMS Somerset welcomed Watchet Sea Scouts and Explorer Scouts. ( )

On Saturday, both sections split into smaller walking groups with instructors and spent time in the mist and rain of the moors practising a variety of hiking and navigation skills, and demonstrating their abilities to be able to follow a route in unfamiliar territory.

As darkness arrived, the groups returned to the bunkhouse for an evening meal and a movie night, before some older explorer scouts and sea scouts, equipped with back-packs, expedition tents, ration packs and stoves, returned to the moor for a night trek before pitching their tents at Nunn’s Cross.

On Sunday morning the overnight expedition broke camp and returned to the bunkhouse before changing into uniform, loading the equipment van, and driving to Devonport Dockyard.

The youngsters practised a variety of hiking and navigation skills in the mist and rain.
The youngsters practised a variety of hiking and navigation skills in the mist and rain. ( )

A tour of HMS Somerset had been arranged by Scout Leader and Royal Navy Sub Lieutenant Jake Ellis, and the scouts were shown around all areas of the submarine-hunter, from engineering to navigation, and weapons and command area including the ship’s bridge.

At the end of the visit two new sea scouts were invested into scouting on board the ship, and made their scout promise in front of the Royal Navy officer of the day and assembled scouts.

A spokesman said: “As Somerset’s only Sea Scout Group and a Royal Navy recognised group, the opportunity to visit the warship named after our county was appreciated.”

Having fun at the Plymouth Ski Centre.
Having fun at the Plymouth Ski Centre. ( )

Leaving the dockyard, sea scouts and explorer scouts enjoyed an afternoon of tobogganing and other activities at the Plymouth Ski Centre.

The 1st Watchet Sea Scout Group offers activities to young people across their four sections, from the age of six to 18.

For further information contact [email protected].