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On a gloriously sunny Sunday, 11 May, the members of the Staffordshire and Shropshire Provincial Priors Body Guard set out on their latest challenge. They had committed themselves to walking along the Tissington Trail from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and back, a total of 27.5 miles.
They successfully completed their walk in a time of 8 hours and 15 minutes with a step count of 57,000 paces. In the process they have raised £1500.00 which will be divided between the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital and the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) UK Patient Support Group, a charity very dear to the Prov.Prior, himself an MDS Patient.
The selection of the Tissington Trail was ideal as it allowed for walkers of various abilities to join in the challenge and offered the opportunity for frequent stops with suitable amenities.
No challenge can be completed without support and the designated support team were diligent in ensuring the walkers were assisted throughout the challenge. They provided a safe and mobile service and met with the walkers at various stages of the trek, with drinks and helpings of homemade sustenance.
The trail was once an industrial railway line connecting two canals on either side of the Pennines, as it was cheaper to build the railway rather than to extend the canal system over the hilly terrain. Consequently, the path was mainly level and good underfoot with some areas having been tarmacked and other areas were made up of compacted gravel.
The trail has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as well as some areas being in shade, from the trees growing adjacent to the track. This was gratefully appreciated as the walkers neared the end of the challenge.
The scenery was stunning especially in such perfect walking conditions.
Content Credits: Ralph Ritchey