FOLLOWING the success of the Shropshire Way 80K mass participation walk last year, the team at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre are hosting the event again in April 2019 with three new routes added to make the event more accessible.

The “Shropshire Way 80K” takes in some of the finest parts of the Shropshire hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the route is 80km (50 miles) in length with the aim being to complete the circuit in less than 24 hours.

This route follows almost exclusively the Shropshire Way on either the Main Route or its subsidiary paths and the event is one of the centre’s biggest fundraisers of the year.

Starting and finishing at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, the home of Grow Cook Learn, this walk will take people through the very best of Shropshire’s amazing, undiscovered landscape and some of its hidden market towns.

Along the way, participants will pass through the check points, walkers will be able to sample some of the wonderful local produce that this area has to offer.

Participants will be treated to breakfast upon their return to the centre.

Joining the Mighty 80K in April is the 42K “Mammathon”, Tusker’s 10K and a 5K Fun Run so there is something for all abilities to get involved and enjoy the stunning Shropshire Hills.

“All of the routes have been very popular already and it has been lovely to see locals booking on to the routes and supporting our fundraiser,” said Jade Marriott-Lodge, marketing manager at the centre.

“The event has a great atmosphere, from beginning to end and at the checkpoints along the route; everyone is cheering the participants on and willing them to do well.

“It is great to see so many people complete their personal challenges and we look forward to seeing this on a wider scale this year as people challenge themselves to do the individual routes. No matter what your walking experience, we have something for everyone.”

The Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been established as a major location in the UK for walkers and an annual Walking Festival is held every year in Church Stretton.

Walking tourism makes a significant contribution to the economy of the area.

Bookings for the event, which will be held over Saturday and Sunday, April 6 and 7 is 2019, are now open.

Participants should contact the centre to book, spaces are limited.