Entrants invited for walking challenge
Attracting walkers and runners from across the country, the Tour des Marches is a must on the long-distance circuit.
Formally known as the Wistanstow Challenge Walk, competitors can complete 12, 18 or 26 miles.
Organised by the Marches Group of the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA), and now in its 12th year, the event is due to take place on September 8.
Starting from Wistanstow Village Hall the route makes its way west to Clun, before heading north to Bishop’s Castle and then east on the homeward journey back to Wistanstow. Entrants will experience make their way through hills, river valleys and woodland. For much of the day walkers and runners will be in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
As well as using paths that are well known, including parts of The Shropshire Way, entrants will be introduced to more secretive parts of the rights of way network.
There is an entry fee of £10 for LDWA members and £15 for all other entries. The fee includes a detailed route description including a colour outline map of the route, breakfast, food and drink at checkpoints, plus a meal at the finish and possibly some beer.
Those who decide to do the 12 or 18 mile options will be transported back to the finish and everyone will receive a certificate for the distance achieved. Completions by men in under six hours and 30minutes and by ladies under seven hours and 30minutes, will result in a gold certificate.
The event is advertised nationally and is already a third full with more than 50 places being snapped up.
Each year the event raises funds for a local good cause. Previous recipients have been the primary school and the under 5’s group and the village hall committee. A donation is also given to The Firefighters Charity.
Online entry available at sientries.co.uk/index.php. A paper entry form also available from wistanstowwalk.blogspot.com
Alternatively entry forms are available from The Spar Shop, Route 49 Fish and Chips, The Discovery Centre, all Craven Arms; The Plough Inn and The Smithy Shop, Wistanstow; The Outdoor Depot, Church Stretton and The Ragleth Inn, Little Stretton.
