3rd May 2024 - 7th May 2024 - All Day
Registrations are now closed for Annual Walk 2024
History
The annual walks (or Lesley’s Walks as they are affectionately known) were organised by our beloved Lesley Dodd for 20 years, starting in 1996, when over one hundred people took part in our inaugural Hadrian’s Wall walk. Since then, our walkers have covered thousands of miles on long-distance footpaths in all parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, including the West Highland Way, The Cleveland Way and the 2021 Lesley Dodd Memorial Walk along the Coleridge Way. Along the way they have raised well over a million pounds to support the work of St Luke’s Hospice and forged many lasting friendships.
Some of our supporters enjoy the walking, the countryside and the company of their fellow participants so much that they return to walk and raise funds year after year, but there is also always a friendly welcome for newcomers. Accommodation and local transport are organised for you; all you have to do is choose your distance, turn up and walk.
St Luke’s Hospice Annual Walk 2024
The Shropshire Hills Challenge
Join our annual long distance walking event from Friday 3 to Tuesday 7 May 2024 for a wonderful walking trip along several long distance trails in Shropshire. Over 5 days you can enjoy some of the finest landscapes the UK has to offer while fundraising for St Luke’s Hospice. You will be staying in Church Stretton at HF Holidays’ Longmynd House which was once the headquarters of St Dunstan’s, a charity for blinded ex-service personnel, and after WWII supported men and women to learn new manufacturing skills in the hope of finding employment. A blue plaque commemorating this historic period can be seen at the entrance of Longmynd House. Some of the guest rooms have balconies overlooking the wooded surroundings and beautiful views across the Stretton Valley.
Steeped in history, the area has a number of long distance trails, some in honour of eccentric individuals, namely, ‘Mad’ Jack Mytton way, The ‘Wild’ Edric’s Way, ‘Wild’ Humphrey Kynaston Way, Shropshire Way, Offa’s Dyke, Cross Britain Way, etc. The 2024 walk, The Shropshire Hills Challenge, links some of these iconic long distance trails between Much Wenlock in the Shropshire Hills, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, to Ludlow.
The walk includes a wide variety of terrain and scenery to enjoy from e.g. hills, moorland, woods and riverside paths to attractive villages, ancient bridges, etc. traversing through Bridges, Bishop’s Castle, Clun, and Craven Arms.
Choose your walk
Each day there will be a choice of walking distances to suit your ability:
- 7-11 miles daily, total distance 41 miles (standard distance),
- 9-17 miles daily, total distance 62 miles (long distance)
- 9-17 miles daily, total distance 68 miles (ultra-long distance)
You will be free to walk at your own pace or join some of our experienced walkers, all of whom are friendly and welcoming.
Accommodation – (please note all costs include travel and coach transfers)
Your 4-night walking challenge includes and starts from £495:
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
The accommodation :
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Information evening – find out more
Join us at the information evening on Friday March 15 from 7pm at St Luke’s Hospice, Kenton where you can find out more about the walk, meet your fellow walkers (they’re a friendly bunch!) and chat to the events team at the hospice.
St Luke’s Walking Club
Our Walking Club is a great way to train for your challenge, stay fit and meet a group of like-minded individuals. Each walk is led by a friendly volunteer who will guide you on walks covering different terrains and distances. For more information, contact events@stlukes-hospice.org, or visit the St Luke’s Walking Club page for more details: www.stlukes-hospice.org/walking-club
Contact Find out more about our 2024 walk in Shropshire by contacting the St Luke’s Hospice fundraising team: events@stlukes-hospice.org or 020 8382 8000.
