RESIDENTS of a borough town swapped slippers for sneakers, to take part in an annual October outdoor event.
The Wokingham Walk is designed to get people out and about, and enjoying local green spaces around the town centre.
Strollers of all levels, from youngsters taking a break from screens, to seasoned walkers, all took part in the event.
With three walks to choose from there was something suitable for everyone.
Families with young children were able to follow a five mile stroll, with more challenging 10 and 15 mile routes available for experienced walkers.
All three walks started and finished at wokingham’s Elms Field.
Organised by the Wokingham Lions Club, the event raises money for local charities and good causes.
Participants are also invited to raise sponsorship funds during the walk for their own chosen charitable organisations.
Debbie Slay from Wokingham Lions Club, said: “It went really well, with around 250 walkers, on a chilly but sunny day, perfect for walking.
“The event has raised in excess of £3,000 for charity.”
Wokingham Walk organiser Andy Slay said: “I’ve done all three routes several times, and love them all.
This year the organisers decided to collect data to find out which walk was the most popular.
“My gut instinct led me to think that the five mile option would attract the highest number of people, but I was mistaken.,” said Mr Slay.
This route appealed to 25% of the walkers, as did the 15 mile walk.
The 10 mile walkers made up 50% of participants on the day.
“I started Wokingham Walk in 2016 with Stan Hetherington, and we originally only had two walks of five and 15 miles.
“Some of the mums said afterwards that they had loved it, and that they wanted a bit more of a challenge for them and their children, so we added the 10 mile route the following year.
“It’s a lovely walk, that takes in the river blackwater between Finchampstead and Yately, and in Spring it is lined with bluebells.
“A real highlight of the event for me is always people’s enthusiasm at the finish, when they are telling us how much they have enjoyed it.
“As always, this year people were buzzing.”
For information about the event, visit: www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk
