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)

2013 Wistanstow Finishers List now available

The Wistanstow elves have been working overtime and are happy to announce that the Finishers List for 2013 is now available for viewing on the Finishers List page (funnily enough!). Available in PDF or Word format.

Phil and I will be dreaming of numbers, names and times for a few days to come. (Where would we be without highlighter pens?)

Lost and found

The following items were found/left behind during the walk:

• Rucksack
• Pair of glasses
• Hat
• Water bottle

 Contact us with a description if you think they may be yours.

Wistanstow 2013 thanks

As is customary, we have a list of people and businesses to thank.

To the tiny band of helpers who turn out every September to ensure that those taking part get to enjoy their walk – grateful thanks. Feedback from walkers consistently congratulates our helpers on their enthusiasm and support.

Thanks are also due to the landowners along the route, and the Firefighters of Clun and Bishop’s Castle who allow us to share their stations for a day.

A number of local businesses provide help and support in a variety of different ways:

• The Outdoor Depot, Church Stretton (present at the Village Hall)

• Britpart Ltd, Craven Arms

• Hough and Sons Ltd (Butchers), Church Stretton

• John Taylor and Son (Painter & Decorator), Ludlow

• Woods Brewery, Wistanstow

• The Plough Inn, Wistanstow

• Spar Shop, Craven Arms

• Wenlock Water, Wolverton

• Route 49 Fish and Chips, Craven Arms

• Inkspot (Printers), Ludlow

(Links where available are on the right-hand side of this page)

Should you ever find yourself making use of any of them, I’m sure a personal thank you would go a long way.

A quiet time on the blog

Hi

Apologies for the quietness of the blog on the lead-up to the actual walk. I'm afraid the webmaster (that would be me!) got taken ill and other things took preference. I did manage to put in a stint at Plowden on the day and met many happy souls. Well done to all those that took part.

Hopefully I'll now be able to get up to speed again with all things Wistanstow Challenge Walk (Tour des Marches). A Finishers List will appear in due course.

John