Brethren of the Lodge of St George (5978), together with family members, recently completed the famous Cotswold Way in support of two important charities: Northamptonshire MIND and TLC (Teddies for Loving Care).
Widely regarded as one of England's finest long-distance walking routes, the 104-mile Cotswold Way stretches from Chipping Campden to Bath, showcasing some of the country's most beautiful countryside. Along the route, the team enjoyed spectacular views from the Cotswold escarpment, sweeping panoramas across the Severn Vale, picturesque honey-coloured villages, ancient woodlands, Iron Age hill forts and magnificent parkland estates. Historic landmarks included Broadway Tower, the ruins of Hailes Abbey, the famous cheese-rolling slopes of Cooper's Hill and, fittingly, a finish beneath the grandeur of Bath Abbey.
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The challenge began on Saturday 30 May with an 18-mile walk from Chipping Campden to Winchcombe in glorious sunshine. Spirits were high throughout the day, helped by a well-earned ice cream stop in the bustling village of Broadway. The following day saw the team cover a further 16 miles to Leckhampton Hill, where they were rewarded with their first views of Cheltenham.
At this point, several members of the group returned to Northampton to meet work and family commitments, leaving a smaller contingent to complete the remaining miles. Three demanding days followed, covering 23 miles to Kings Stanley, 25 miles to Horton and a final 22-mile push into Bath on Wednesday evening. Although the walkers narrowly avoided several dramatic thunderstorms enroute to Horton, they were fortunate to enjoy remarkably kind weather throughout the challenge.
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As with any undertaking of this scale, the miles were made easier by the tremendous camaraderie, encouragement and good humour shared among the team. The walkers included WBro Chris Rayner, our very own APGM WBro William Diggins, WBro Reuben Freeman and his family (Gemma and William), WBro Richard Williams, WBro John Darby, WBro Paul Evans and Bro Victor Ferreira.
The fundraising effort has already raised more than £1,700 through JustGiving, with additional private donations still to be added. Every pound raised will help support the valuable work of Northamptonshire MIND and TLC, two charities that make a genuine difference to the lives of people within our local communities.
The JustGiving page remains open for a few more weeks and the team would be delighted to receive any further support. If you have not yet had the opportunity to donate and are able to contribute, however modestly, it would be greatly appreciated.
Please click here for Just Giving page
Thank you to everyone who has already supported this challenge and helped make it such a success.
