The Kilbryde Hike

25/08/2026

A nice tribute from the Cleveland Hike, whose veterans will remember Willie fondly, too…

The Right Hike respectfully remembers …. ( Willie is on the Right)
A message from our chairman Robert:
The Cleveland Hike send all prayers and thoughts to the Family of Willie Brownlee, who sadly passed away on Sunday.
Willie was one of the founders of the Kilbryde Hike.  After seeing what we were doing here on the North Yorkshire Moors, he took the idea back to Scotland.  Setting the event near his BB company in East Kilbryde.
For many years Willie brought generations of young men to the Cleveland Hike, and taking trophies home. 
As well as bring the lads down for some of the other events that took place on the NY Moors.  Willie like the Moors so much he came for holidays for many years, as well as the BB Lads for their camps at Whitby, after the Hike.
The Kilbryde Hike only stopped a few years ago, and even on the last event he was out on the moors, at his check point running his nature incident; matching the bird pictures with their calls.  Very much encouraging all with a big smile and strong words of support.
 
Willie will be very fondly remembered by many.  Especially those whose lives he helped shape and guide he created the love of the outdoors and gave them all that BB friendship & fellowship can bring.
 
The picture shows Willie with former Hike Chairman – Tom Parkin near the bridge at Castleton.

Rest easy Willie at the final checkpoint.

24/08/2026

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Willie Brownlie.

Willie was an incredible man who many will have fond memories of. He founded the Kilbryde Hike in 1969 and was heavily involved in the planning and organisation of it for over 50 years. He was well known and respected by all and it was often referred to as ‘his hike’.

He is pictured here in 2019 with now First Minister John Swinney when we presented Willie with the original Kilbryde Hike trophy and replaced it with the ‘Willie Brownlie Trophy’ in his honour.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.

03/06/2026

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Roy.

Alan was a great supporter of the Kilbryde Hike for many years and brought teams to compete in it most years. He was always great at encouraging more Scout groups to come and take part in what was often seen as a ‘Boys’ Brigade’ event.

His encouragement and support not just on hike weekends themselves, but in the background before and after events was greatly appreciated.

His passing will be a sad loss to the Scout movement and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.

Gone Home - Alan Roy

It is with great sadness that we have to inform you that our very active Explorer Scout Leader Alan Roy, passed away peacefully at Crosshouse in the early hours of this morning.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Trudy, Abbey and Katie at this really tough time.

Alan was an inspiration to so many that knew him and his legacy lives on in his family and his active and engaging approach to Scouting.

Gone Home