Eight thousand feet of climbing and 24 hours to complete a 50 mile route – these are the big numbers for Church Stretton’s annual endurance event, the Longmynd Hike, which takes place annually on the first weekend of October. Around 500 people take part in this spectacular event which criss-crosses the glorious hills in and around Church Stretton and the Welsh border. It starts on the Saturday afternoon through to the following morning with the majority of walkers looking forward to breakfast at the finish to replace all those calories, although there are some super-human individuals who return well before midnight and complete the route in around eight hours!
If you are feeling fit (very fit!) entries are open until 21 September. But if a gentle stroll is more your thing than walking up all those hills and going through the night, then there are some great pub locations on the route (The Bridges, Ratlinghope and the Mytton Arms, Habberley) where you can cheer on the runners and walkers as they pass by on Saturday afternoon and evening.
You will be inspired by the efforts of the participants, but you are also sure to be inspired by the amazing walking country that can be easily accessed from Church Stretton, whether it’s a short circular walk or a 15-20 mile hike over the hills. And when you need re-fuelling there are some great places to eat and drink in the Strettons and a host of independent shops in the town, as well as some fantastic accommodation options to suit all needs.
The Hike has been going for almost 60 years and is organised by Church Stretton-based 2nd Longmynd Scout group which is where all the proceeds go to.
For more information, take a look at the Visit Church Stretton website.
Photos: James Russell.
