Bathed in glorious autumn sunshine, over 460 walkers took on the Circuit of Bath Walk on Sunday 25th September, raising vital funds for local charity Julian House.
The sponsored walk, now in its 21st year, has become a much-loved fixture on the calendar and saw friends, families and colleagues traversing 20 miles of Bath’s challenging but spectacular countryside. Experienced walkers (the ones with thermal socks, hiking boots and trekking poles) were joined by newcomers of all ages, aiming to help homeless, at-risk and vulnerable people across the South West.
It was an especially stunning day to enjoy views from Little Solsbury Hill and Lansdown, as well as Millennium Viewpoint in South Stoke. Over in Bathampton and Limpley Stoke, the George Inn and the Angelfish café provided a chance for walkers to get some sustenance. For a much-needed sugar rush, residents in Woolley laid on a dazzling array of cakes to keep morale high.
Among the many local teams taking part was one from The Bath & Wiltshire Parent, which was taking on the challenge for the first time. “It was a hugely enjoyable event made even more fun by taking it on as a team,” said editor Ian Waller. “The volunteers and marshals along the way helped to make the event run so smoothly and it’s great to appreciate that it was all for such an important cause.”
“We’ve had such fantastic support from families, friends and groups of local businesses such as Baskervilles Gym, Midford Manor, Curious Universe – all of whom raised nearly £2k each,” said event organiser Gavin Orborn. “People of all ages took part – I met an 8yr-old and an 88-year-old, who both completed the full 20 miles! It’s an incredible achievement and we’re hugely grateful to everyone whether they walked it all or just a few miles. It’s the taking part that matters. Seeing the smiles on so many faces today has made it all worth it.”
On Julian House’s aims, Gavin added, “Over 75% of people completed the route and we’re on target to raise £30k, every penny of which will keep our life-saving services running. The money raised will all go towards supporting vulnerable people and children, many of whom are experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic abuse. Our services not only save lives but are designed to change lives. This is why we put a huge emphasis on training, skills workshops, and growth development to help people within our care to gain confidence and re-build their lives. Something that’ll prove incredibly vital in the difficult times ahead.”
Julian House would like to thank everyone who made the event possible including; the 70 tireless volunteers, South West UK Virtual Lions Club, St Gregory’s School, Kingswood School, Bathscape, Cotswold National Landscape (whose volunteers helped sign post the route), Wessex 4×4 Responders, Curiously You for their bath salts, and the wonderful volunteers at Wooley and Oldfield School who hosted their own refreshment stalls.”
Hema Kariyappa, a walker who completed the full distance, added, “It’s a route that makes one proud of Bath and I can’t wait for it to become a national event that’ll see many tourists flock to participate. I’ve done Kilimanjaro, Machu Picchu and National Three Peaks… but Circuit of Bath Walk is unique because there’s so much drama along the route. Thanks for a brilliant day”
To find out more about the Circuit of Bath Walk and to join the waiting list for next year, head to www.circuitofbathwalk.co.uk
And there’s still time to sponsor The Bath & Wiltshire Parent team by clicking here.