2014 Tour des Marches complete

Another year done. Our eighth and once more we were blessed with good walking weather and lots of smiles. The Wistanstow Challenge Walk abacus as morphed into the Tour des Marches abacus and Phil and I have put it to good use once more. For those interested in such things, the Finishers List is now up on the relevant page (see above). Do visit the bottom of the list where you'll find some words from our Commander-in-Chief, Phil; commenting on the Finishers List and the day.

Lots of lovely comments (were and are still being received), often relating to our wonderful helpers. We praise them every year but only because they deserve it. Without them there is no event for around 150 walkers and runners, and no money being donated to our worthy causes. A few more would help the day be a touch less stressful for us organisers.

Words and pictures are expected to be in the local press (South Shropshire Journal and Ludlow Advertiser) in coming weeks.

Anyway, here goes. Our grateful thanks to:

Britpart Ltd, Craven Arms
Outdoor Depot, Church Stretton
Woods Brewery, Wistanstow
Wenlock Water, Wolverton
Hough & Son (Butchers),Church Stretton
Spar, Craven Arms
The Plough Inn, Wistanstow

(If you visit any of the above, a word of thanks would go a long way)

The ladies of the Village Hall Committee who baked such nice cakes, our super volunteers, the landowners on route and the Firefighters at Clun and Bishop’s Castle for their support and assistance.

(My apologies if I've missed anyone out. Do get in touch and I'd be delighted to put it right.)

No entry on day, whilst weather looking fine

Please note that there is NO ENTRY on the day - we're full.

With high pressure dominating our weather at the moment, the forecast for Saturday is currently:

'Remaining fine with variable cloud and sunny spells. Turning chilly under clear spells in western counties overnight.'

So expect a cold start out in the Shropshire countryside but turning warmer as the day progresses.

With sunny spells hopefully set to appear, please make sure you have some protection from the sun and also carry enough water to get you between checkpoints.


(If you'd like to help, then please make yourself known to one of the helpers in the hall. I'm sure Phil would appreciate a helping hand for what ever time you can spare - thanks.)

Tour des Marches 2014 FULL

Many thanks to all those who've entered our walk, and if you have missed out this year and have an hour or two spare, then why not come along and help behind the scenes. Many of our helpers come back year after year; some of them aren't walkers themselves but they still get a lot of enjoyment from helping those who are taking part.

If you've taken part previously, then you will know how much they deserve our praise but their number is small and we could always do with extra help.

Whether taking part or helping, we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday 13th September.


(If entrants have misplaced (shame on you), the Rules and Details of the event, please see the appropriate page on this website.)

Tour entry almost full

A quick update to advise that the Tour des Marches entry list is almost full. If you'd like to take part we suggest you submit your entry as soon as possible. We will not be accepting entries on the day.

Good luck on the Valleys Hundred

A quick good luck wish to those taking part on The Valleys Hundred starting today. The annual one hundred mile walk is put on by a different group of the Long Distance Walkers Association each year, this year being the honour of the South Wales Group.

Entries coming in for Tour des Marches

Having mentioned in the last post that the Rules and Entry Form would be appearing shortly, it's been pointed out that I've failed to add a post to confirm this has happened. It's happened. The 'About' page has also been updated.

There was also a glitch in the code and some people were seeing a media link window - sorry.

Wistanstow Challenge Walk becomes the Tour des Marches

Under cover of the winter months, we’ve had a name change. Having spent a happy seven years under the banner of the Wistanstow Challenge Walk, we’ve promoted a frequently used sub-title. Welcome to the:

2014 Tour des Marches

Although based at the impressive black and white Wistanstow Village Hall, the route takes walkers and runners on a tour of the beautiful and varied countryside west of the village. This frequently fought-over borderland between England and Wales as long been referred to as the ‘Marches/Welsh Marches’ – hence in part the name change

Aside from the usual few tweeks that are part and parcel of an events life; rest assured that the well-loved format, route, and organisation will appear essentially the same. Being oversubscribed for the last three years suggests that we’re doing something right.

The Rules and Entry Form will appear shortly. (LDWA members are reminded that the Standard Entry Form found towards the rear of the Strider magazine, is accepted for this event.

[The site will be updated over the coming weeks.]

Wistanstow Walk Donation Presentation 2013

In the convivial settings of the Plough Inn at Wistanstow, the organisers, along with a few of their dedicated helpers, presented cheques to the designated causes for 2013. A photograph and small article were published in the South Shropshire Journal newspaper.

The Fire Fighter's Charity received £350, and the Shropshire Council Access Team, £800 - organiser Phil explaining, 'The £800 is going to improve public rights of way in the area, to replace stiles with gates and improve access for everybody, that's the idea.'

Our extended thanks to everyone who made this possible.

Pic: Lillian Tomlinson
(Published: South Shropshire Journal, Friday, October 18th, 2013)