Hope you enjoy your day

Wishing everyone a nice walk out in the countryside today. With recent events, a chance to enjoy nature and if you desire, the company of like-minded individuals. No doubt there will be a certain amount of reflection on the extraordinary dedicated life of service of Queen Elizabeth II - R.I.P.

The forecast suggests lots of cloud, hopefully no rain, with the sun appearing late in the afternoon.

Hi everyone, it's that time of year again!

Entries (online only remember), will open on Sunday 6th March 2022 at 9 a.m.

sientries event page for entries

Happy 11th September

Wishing all those who head to Wistanstow Village Hall later today, the best of walking days.

The current forecast suggests a cloudy start with possible sunny breaks in the cloud later on. Mild temperatures and a light breeze. You may find the breeze a bit more brisk on the higher parts of the route. And in this part of the world, a rain shower is always possible. Be prepared.

Early September view from a donated kissing gate on the route

 

 

 

The green plate reads:

'Gate donated by the Marches Group of the Long Distance Walkers Association from funds raised by The Tour des Marches (Wistanstow) Challenge Walk  2018'

This is one of a number of improvements that have been made along the route over the years. Thank you to all those who have contributed in some way to make the walk a success.

Final Instructions etc

Hi

Just a quick update, you should have now received your final instructions for the event on Saturday. If not, please contact Phil on:

pclarke677@btinternet.com

 

A reminder that all entrants are asked to bring their own reusable mugs/cups, as like other organisers, we try to abandon our use of throw-away plastic cups - amongst other things.

2021 Event is now full

 The entry list for the 2021 walk is now full

We're sorry if you've missed the opportunity to enter the walk but perhaps you'd like to consider volunteering to help on the day? It's very rewarding.

Please contact Phil via email for more details: pclarke677@btinternet.com

Tour des Marches 2021

2021 News

With the progress being made in the fight against Covid 19, in particular, the number of vaccinations and reduction in the number of cases, hospital admissions and deaths, we are very hopeful that this year's TdM will go ahead as planned on:

Saturday 11th September

Keep in touch with the latest news by visiting the following Facebook pages:

Tour des Marches Facebook page

Marches Group LDWA page

2020 Tour des Marches Cancelled

It is with deep regret that we must inform you that The Marches Group has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Tour des Marches. As you will know we were hopeful that with lockdown restrictions easing we would be able to welcome you to Wistanstow in September. Unfortunately, we have recently seen an upturn in the spread of the virus, with localised outbreaks across the country, including at a site at Craven Arms just a mile from Wistanstow Village. The current situation strongly suggests that restrictions will not be lifted sufficiently enough for us to run the event in five weeks time, and even if they were we feel that the safety of our volunteers and our communities must be our priority. Effectively, the decision has been made for us.

The next Tour des Marches will therefore be held on September 11th 2021.

All entrants will receive an email explaining the options, which are:

1. 1. Defer to the 2021 event which will be held on September 11th
2. 2. Receive a refund less the booking fee which is deducted from your entry fee by SiEntries. The booking fee is 5% plus VAT or a minimum of £1.00 plus VAT, so in most cases this will amount to £1.20.

Normally there would also be a fee for making a refund, however, SiEntries has kindly offered to waive their usual refund fee for this event. The Marches Group have also decided that they will not be charging an admin fee.

Details of how to select your option will be contained within the email.

We apologise for the inconvenience our decision causes and we thank everyone for their continued support. Stay Safe, hopefully we will see you in 2021.

Marches Group LDWA

Longmynd Hike 2019

Descending Caer Caradoc on the 2014 Longmynd Hike

Tour des Marches 2019 - in the news

2019 Finishers List now available

The 2019 Finishers Lists have now been added to the 'Finishers Lists' page. There you will also find the lists for every event held, be it under the Wistanstow Challenge name or the current Tour des Marches.

Congratulations one and all. Thanks to all the supporters/volunteers who make the event possible. You help make a lot of people happy and allow us to give donations to a couple of worthwhile causes.

Outdoor Depot in residence

Just a quick reminder that James from the Outdoor Depot shop in Church Stretton, will be in attendance at the start, with a selection of lovely outdoor items.

Saturday Weather

This is the picture according to the BBC Weather for Saturday 14th,
as of this evening

Sunny with a gentle breeze

You may want to make sure you have your sun essentials at the ready!

We look forward to meeting you all tomorrow.

Entry List reminder

We hope you're all in good health and ready for the walk on Saturday 14th September?

Just a reminder that the Entry List is available on the Si Entries website. It defaults to the 26-mile entrants, so please click on the 12 or 18-mile options if you entered the shorter distances.

Electronic Final Instructions should be received shortly.

2019 Tour des Marches is now FULL

The message you will see on the SiEntries website:

Note: No waiting list, no entries on the day (obviously).

Thanks to all those who've signed up for our little walk. For our September event to be full at the end of May is wonderful. It does make a difference on the organising front.

If you've missed the entry window, you may like to consider giving a hand on the day, to help the event run smoothly and experience the joy of helping those taking part. Contact our esteemed leader Phil for further information. No obligation. [Phil enjoys taking part in lots of events himself, so a reply may be delayed at times.]

Extended entry window closing soon

Whilst we're delighted to have hit our 150 entry target, every event has entrants that on the day are, 'no-shows'. Whether due to a family event, injury, or even weather related. Entries are therefore still being accepted in order to cover those who don't turn up on the day. This extended entry window will close soon.

Urgent Entry Update - only 20 places left

Only 20 entries still available as at 10.50, 8th May

Delay much longer and you're in danger of missing out!

Entry Update - 55 entries still available

55 Entries still available

Entry Update - just over a third full

We have 95 entries still available

Entries Open

Entries are now being accepted for the 13th edition of the Tour des Marches Challenge Walk. We use an online entry system via SiEntries.


Event information page on SiEntries website


Entries close on Saturday 7th September, 2019, although it should be noted that the event is usually oversubscribed by the end of July. Please get your entries in early if you don't want to be disappointed.

We will post occasional updates on the number of entries, to warn you of the situation. As of 21.06 on Thur 28th Feb, it currently stands at 24 entries. Our limit is 150.

Good luck on the Longmynd Hike

A brief message for all those taking part in the Longmynd Hike this weekend.

Good luck, enjoy, and look after each other.

One of the original intentions behind the Tour des Marches Challenge Walk, was to provide those entered in the Hike with a suitable training event.

Many of our entrants have gone on to successfully complete the 50-mile Longmynd Hike, ably organised by the 2nd Longmynd Scouts Group, assisted by many others.

For more information, check out the Longmynd Hike website.