Hundreds take part in Longmynd Hike

More than 650 people from across the county took part in this year's Longmynd Hike, a 50-mile trek over the Shropshire Hills.

The annual trek first took place in 1967 and sees hikers aiming to cover rugged hilly countryside around south Shropshire and the Marches in just 24 hours.

The 48th annual hike started on Saturday at Church Stretton School where the walkers registered and had their kit bags checked for essentials. Then, at 1pm, walkers from the across the region set off to tackle the Longmynd Hike.

Last year the quickest competitor, Andy Davies, 49, from Church Stretton, who had won the event eight times previously and holds the record of under eight hours.

But he was pipped this time around by Simon Adney, of Atcham, near Shrewsbury, who completed it in a time of eight hours and 32 minutes.

Andy remained cheerful, however, adding: "It is a brilliant event.

"It has become a traditional event which I enter every year now because I enjoy it so much.

"All abilities can take part – and people are very welcoming for first time entrants. I have competed 12 times now and won nine of them.

"I do a lot of training throughout the year for the event – that is the key to doing well.

"The weather conditions this weekend are ideal. It is one of the highlights of the year due to the beautiful scenery and stunning views."

Another competitor, Aiden Jones from Shrewsbury, said: "It is fantastically organised and has wonderful scenery. We don't tend to do any more events – and this year we are not too worried about the time but just hope to finish the whole walk as it is a real achievement to get to the end."

Adrian Donnelly, of Rea Valley Scouts and kit checker, said: "The atmosphere is brilliant. There have been 650 entries this year – which is more than the previous years as we had to expand the numbers we could have due to popularity.

"It is a fundraising event organised by the scouts for local charities."