Peak of ambition on Jane’s latest Walk for All

WITH landscapes ranging from the windswept plateau of Kinder Scout to the stunning expanse of Ladybower Reservoir, it’s no surprise that the Peak District was one of Jane Tomlinson’s favourite places to hike.

And preparations are now being finalised for the inaugural Peaks Walk for All in her memory, to raise money for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal she established.

The appeal, now in its 10th anniversary year, has so far raised more than £3m for children’s and cancer charities.

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The Peaks Walk for All takes place on Sunday, April 29, to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout – the iconic move by a group of ramblers that paved the way for the right to roam the countryside.

Those taking part in the event can choose from a five-mile walk, a 12-mile walk or a challenging 24-mile route that takes in Kinder Scout itself.

Mr Tomlinson will be joining walkers in the Peak District just a week after he completes his Paris to London challenge with daughter Rebecca, 24.

The pair are running the Paris Marathon on Sunday, April 15 before cycling from the French capital to London in time to run the London marathon on Sunday, April 22.

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Mr Tomlinson said: “Jane loved to walk in the Peak District, it was one of her very favourite parts of the country.

“We always wanted to do something down here and, after the success of the Dales Walk for All last year, thought it was the ideal place to hold an event.

“I hope more people sign up to take part. We’ve had around 700 so far, which is really good for the first year, and the 12-mile route is proving the most popular.”

All three of the walks will start and finish at the Hope showground, near the village of Castleton in the Hope Valley.

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Special train tickets have been donated by Northern Rail for those walkers catching the train at stations along the line from Sheffield to Hope. Those who buy the tickets, costing £10, when they register for the Walk For All will see their train fare donated directly to the appeal.

Starting at 7am, the 24-mile walk is described as a “big challenge.”

A spokesman for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal said: “The near-marathon route incorporates several climbs, including Jacob’s Ladder and Mam Tor, open grassy stretches on Kinder Scout and gravel paths along the Pennine Way.

“The varied terrain will provide a great challenge and includes stunning views over Edale and Hope.”

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Meanwhile, the most-popular 12-mile route is a “challenging distance” which offers a 360 degree panorama from the top of Lose Hill.

The shortest route, at five miles, is a flatter walk on paths and trough fields around Hope and Castleton.

The routes include regular checkpoints and guidance from marshals, while walkers taking on all three challenges will receive a pack including a blanket, whistle and maps.

Pre-walk breakfast sandwiches will be available at Hope College from 8.30am for those taking part in the shorter two walks, and there will also be souvenirs for finishers at the end.

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For further information and details on how to sign up for the walk, visit the website at www.walkforall.com

Other events taking place this year in aid of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal include the Dales Walk for All in August; 10km road races in Leeds, York and Hull and the Swim For All in Wakefield on Sunday, June 17.

Encouraging more fundraisers to sign up to the Peaks Walk for All, Mr Tomlinson said: “It’s just such a great way to spend a day and get outside.

“It’s a lovely way to start the summer and an opportunity for people to spend time out in the Peaks, which is such a wonderful place to visit.”

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