Trekking through the forest to boost charities

GET SIGNED UP FOR CHALLENGE

For me, it’s the chance to escape everyday life for three days in the great outdoors

Mark Ellis, pictured

WALKERS of all levels of fitness and experience are being invited to pull on their hiking boots and set themselves the challenge of walking the National Forest Way.

Registration is now open for the National Forest Trek, an annual walking challenge which weaves through the woodlands, rugged countryside and industrial heritage of the National Forest, Britain’s largest broadleaf forest.

The trek was created by three charities - the National Forest Company, the National Memorial Arboretum and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Benevolent Fund.

The event takes place from September 9 to 11, and the full trek stretches along the National Forest Way from Beacon Hill, in Leicestershire, to the finish line at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The route will take you past Bradgate Park, Thornton Reservoir, Sence Valley Forest Park and Ashby de la Zouch before crossing into Derbyshire.

Entrants can choose from one, two or three-day treks.

Seasoned trekkers looking for more of a challenge can sign up for the full three-day, 75-mile trek.

Those with less time to spare can join for either the two-day or oneday 20-mile hike.

In the evening, trekkers can either head home or set up a tent in the campsite. There’s no need to carry big backpacks either, as tents and camping equipment will be transported from stop to stop. Ashby’s Mark Ellis, who is interim lead at the National Memorial Arboretum, completed the full 75-mile National Forest Trek last year.

Explaining why he will be signing up again this year, he said: “For me, it’s the chance to escape everyday life for three days in the great outdoors, where I can reconnect with nature, with myself and with my fellow trekkers.

“During the day, everyone is walking at their own pace and you could walk alongside many different people for a few miles at a time.

“At night back at the campsite, I always look forward to catching up with those I have met along the way for a bite to eat or a restorative drink.

“So many people have been putting off adventures for so long now, why not try the one right on our doorstep?”

As well as an entry fee, trekkers are asked to fund-raise a minimum donation so, step by step, they are supporting the work of the three charities which organise the event.

Alternatively, trekkers can opt for the self-funded option and fundraise for a charity of their choice.

■ To find out more and to register a place for individuals or teams, visit the website.