Started off

Can I say,

Last Sunday was a different and fine day. The scouts went camping near the forest. They woke up early / earlier and started off hiking the hill.

(b) Last Friday, the weather of that day was very sunny.

(c) They started off hiking from the the top of the hill until they reached the campsite.

(d) They started off at the foot of the hill.

(e) They started off to climb / climb the hill and reached the top.