A seven-day, 10,000km walking challenge will start in Wensleydale this week with the aim of raising £10,000 for two children’s charities.
The challenge is being organised by Lady Valerie Bolton on the Bolton Estate near Wensley.
Participants are being invited to walk on a circular 1km track, with the aim of all those taking part walking 10,000km over a week.
The challenge will start on Thursday and run until Wednesday, October 6.
Participants can walk around the track anytime from 7.30am in the morning until 7pm in the evening.
There is a £10 entry fee, with all money raised going to charity.
The challenge will support two charities — mental health charity YoungMinds and the Hope and Homes for Children, which helps place children around the world in loving homes to keep them out of orphanages.
People are also being to encouraged to obtain sponsorship.
A number of local businesses have also made donations to the challenge, including Campbells of Leyburn and Simon Winstanley Ltd.
The donations mean the challenge has already raised £10,000 for charity.
Lady Bolton said she was inspired to launch the Every Step You Take challenge by a similar scheme she took part in while living in Monaco for six years.
“I particularly wanted this walk to be for all because I know from a lifetime’s experience that exercise helps mental health so much.
“Even if someone just does 1km, well that’s fantastic.”
A 1km track has been cut in the field for the walk, which is overlooked by local landmark, Polly Peachum’s Tower.
Lady Bolton said she hoped the challenge could be expanded in future years.
“I am hoping it can be held elsewhere in the country on the same dates each year.
“It could be a huge fundraiser for YoungMinds and Hope and Homes for Children.”
The 1km track is on the old deer park at The Fothering House, near Wensley, Leyburn, DL8 4HZ.
Children and dogs are welcome, and parking and refreshments will be available.
Participants need to register for the walk in advance by clicking here.
