WOKINGHAM residents are being encouraged to put their best foot forward as a new annual event returns next month.
The Wokingham Walk will invite families and ramblers to join in a five-mile or 15-mile route around some of the borough’s most beautiful countryside. And organisers have road tested the paths they are recommended people take part in.
Money raised from the day will go to the Wokingham Borough Mayor’s chosen charity Wokingham, Bracknell and Districts Mencap.
The event takes place from Elms Field in Wokingham’s town centre on Sunday, May 7. It is being sponsored by Richard Worth estate agents.
Event organiser Stan Hetherington said: “It’s going to be a fantastic day out for people to come along and discover some of the most beautiful parts of Wokingham at their own pace. As with last year’s event we have organised a five-mile walk, which is perfect for families, and a longer 15-mile walk which is a great day out where people can take their time and stop for a leisurely lunch or picnic along the way.”
The Shandling family, who took part in last year’s Wokingham Walk, said: “We signed up the whole family and having a younger child in the group really enjoyed the shorter five-mile walk, it was a stunning day made more beautiful wandering through the bluebells.
“The walk was well organised and the signage was easy for everyone to follow, thus allowing us to leave the children to do the navigation.
“Highlights had to be the bacon butties that set us off on the walk and knowing that we were having wonderful time whilst raising money for great local causes.”
This year’s Wokingham Walk will also see some new changes come in to make it even better for walkers taking part.
Mr Hetherington said: “The route has been changed so it takes in more of the local footpaths through countryside and woodlands and includes less walking alongside roads. With the new route in place we’ve also brought the walk forward by a week to May 7 so people should be able to see lots of beautiful bluebells along the walk and make the most of the spring flowers.”
“2017 also sees a new 10-mile route introduced in response to comments from last year’s walkers who wanted something a bit more challenging than the relaxed five-mile route but did not feel they were ready for the full 15 miles.
“When you top this all off with the fact everybody taking part will be helping raise money for such a great local charity as well as getting a free goodie bag when they finish, we really hope people will join us for what will be a great day out.”
Registration is open on the day from 9am until 11am and people can turn up to start at a time which suits them. Entry costs £15 for adults, £5 for ages 12-17 and free for under 11s. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
To register in advance visit www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk or sign up on the day at the start line in Elms Field.
Catering will be provided on site at Elms Field throughout the day.
