Church Stretton walk returns to support school
A walk that helped buy a new school minibus will be returning in the coming weeks.
Pupils, parents and staff at Church Stretton School school are hoping walkers will pound the areas lesser known paths and lanes for a second year running, to help raise funds to keep a recently purchased minibus going.
The minibus was bought with the help of Church Stretton School parent teacher association, who organised the first ever Mynd Drover Challenge Walk last year.
Now the walk, which follows ancient "drovers paths", which farmers used to take livestock on foot from one place to another, in the region, will return for a second fundraising outing on June 24.
Helen Howes, walk co-ordinator and a member of Church Stretton School PTA, said: "Following the success of last year’s inaugural Mynd Drover Challenge Walk, the challenge is back and it’s bigger.
"Church Stretton School PTA is proud to have supported the recent purchase of a much needed and appreciated new school minibus.
"Through a series of events over the past year including the annual craft fayre, raffles and National Theatre evenings the target was met.
"June 24 will see the return of last summer’s highly successful Mynd Drover Challenge as part of the Church Stretton Walking Festival week.
"The majority of walkers and runners, from Shropshire and beyond, have so far opted to take on the arduous 26-mile spectacularly scenic route across the Long Mynd range, along some of the lesser used sunken lanes and ancient drover’s paths.
"In addition to the 26 and 13-mile routes, new for this year due to demand, is an 18-mile intermediate option. Walkers can expect sumptuous refreshments served before, during and even after the walk, water provided by Wenlock Water and for those in need, post walk massages by Bodylogic.
"We are delighted with the uptake of places so far and are looking forward to another fun packed, community day for walkers of all abilities.
"This year the challenge is on to raise sufficient funds to support the ongoing costs of the recently purchased minibus," she said.
Entries are open at www.churchstrettonwalkingfestival.co.uk.
