A CENTURY after the movement was founded, 78 Girl Guides from Downton and Salisbury villages held on to their hats and headed off to the New Forest for a day of adventure.

Groups of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers kicked off the Big Brownie Birthday at Beaulieu, orienteering at the 31-acre Ferny Croft.

The girls also abseiled, climbed the vertical wall, raced go-karts and held their nerves as they took to the zipwire, many of them wearing blindfolds.

Brownie Abigail Wood, eight, said: “It was epic. I really want to have another go and try it blindfolded.”

District commissioner Chris Ellis said: “The girls worked to support each other throughout the day in the many challenging activities and rounded the adventure off with cake and candles at the end.”