16th May 2007

We walked over 2,000 miles!

Last weekend (Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May) 376 feet, belonging to 182 people and three dogs, covered a combined distance of more than 2,050 miles when they walked the length of the Blackwater Valley Path during ‘Walk the Path 2007’. Despite the rather soggy conditions, this event – now in its third year – proved to be highly successful, attracting more than double the number of people compared to last year.

“It’s brilliant that so many people took part,” said Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer for the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, who organised the event. “Over 200 registered and although many people were experienced walkers and had taken part before, the majority were first-timers.”

‘Walk the Path’ is designed to introduce participants to the many different aspects of the Blackwater Valley, as the walk route follows the 23-mile River Blackwater Path from the river’s source in Rowhill Nature Reserve, Aldershot, to its confluence with the River Whitewater at Swallowfield in Berkshire.

The event is meant to be both challenging and fun and for many of the participants it was the first time they had ever walked such a distance over two consecutive days. Refreshments were provided en route, and to ensure no one got lost, walkers were given a unique identity number and asked to check in at the various refreshment points.  After two days and 23 miles there were some blisters and a few aching limbs, but most of the walkers had enjoyed themselves and appreciated the transport laid on to take them back to the day’s starting point.

“Conditions were just about perfect for walking on Saturday, even though there was some rain,” commented Christine. “Sunday however was much wetter than anyone would have liked, and the marquee and benches at the lunchtime stop were much appreciated. But the conditions didn’t seem to deter any of the walkers and only a few people dropped out.”

Despite the weather, there was a great sense of achievement at the end with “Just brilliant,” and “Very enjoyable,” and “Well organised,” typical of the comments made.

Steve Bailey, Manager of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership remarked: “We would like to thank everyone for taking part and making the event such a success. However, as in previous years, the event has only been possible because of the co-operation and help of all the land owners, businesses and volunteers involved. We would like to thank you all for your support.”

If you couldn’t come this year don’t worry, contact the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership at Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS now to register your interest for next year, or ring 01252 331353.

See more pictures of the event >>>

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For further information contact: Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer
on 01252 331353. Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Ash Lock Cottage, Government Road, Aldershot GU11 2PS.