Held over the Summer Solstice weekend, 120 enthusiastic walkers tackled a variety of the 10 stages of the iconic 81-mile Essex Way walk, starting at Epping at 5.00am on the 19th June and finishing at Harwich Old Lighthouse early evening on 20th June.
Although heavy rain in the days leading up to the event made the ground very wet under foot, walking conditions over the weekend, in the main, were perfect. A pleasant warm breeze and occasional sunshine was most welcome, as was walking through some stunning Essex countryside, notably the Dedham Vale, Constable country and the Stour Estuary. For some The Castle Inn, Ramsay and the Fish ‘n’ Chips shop in Harwich were also very pleasant sights!
Pip and Lorraine George were ever-present meeting and greeting all our walkers at every stage, handing out well deserved refreshments, ensuring that spirits and energy levels remained high.
The 120 walkers were made up of individuals, families, the Last Leggers and some well known Essex businesses, namely Strutt & Parker, Ellisons, Healthcare Homes, and Birkett Long. Essex Chambers of Commerce provided very welcome and generous sponsorship.
Pip commented “It’s wonderful to get back to staging a physical live event and start fundraising again – £11,964 is a stunning amount of money and we’d like to thank our supporters who have given most generously. It’s been a very tough year and our heartfelt thanks go out to all the walkers, pacesetters and helpers that made this event the great success that it was.”
