Calling all fearless News Shopper readers; strap on your boots, get fit and train up to trek through the night this summer in aid of local children’s adventure charity Wide Horizons.
Budding walkers can sign up to raise vital funds by trekking in darkness from south-east London to the Kent countryside on June 20 - this year’s longest day.
Last June, more than 100 people walked from Avery Hill in Eltham to Chislehurst Common, Sidcup, Joyden’s Wood and Dartford before arriving in the North Downs in Kent.
The ‘Nightline’ walk, supported by News Shopper raised £21,000 to help young children across London experience life-changing adventures with Wide Horizons.
This year, walkers will gather in Eltham before heading out across country footpaths to Horton Kirby, near Dartford, and then following The River Darent towards the North Downs.
Regular rest stops and a hot soup and rolls will be available at the halfway point to keep trekkers energised throughout the night.
A beautiful sunrise and a hot, hearty breakfast will greet walkers as they cross the finish line in Wrotham, Kent.
Along the route hikers can enjoy stunning local landmarks they may not even realise are right on their doorstep from Five Arches Bridge, Eynsford Castle ruins and Lullingstone Castle.
The entire route will be lit up with illuminated arrows and walking marshals will be on hand to help with any problems.
Ramblers can choose to walk the full 50km or complete a half-distance 25km.
Anyone choosing to take on the half-distance hike can start from Eltham or the halfway point at Horton Kirby.
Booking is available for a shuttle bus to drive walkers back to the starting point in Eltham as they rest their weary legs.
With activities from mountain climbing to pond-dipping, Wide Horizons aims to inspire children with the outdoors, build their confidence and show them the future’s bright.
Teachers and parents from five local schools, including Sherington Primary School in Greenwich braved the outdoors last June.
Assistant headteacher, Jamie Olney, who took part, said his pupils have really benefitted from spending time at Wide Horizons’ Adventure Centres.
He said: "New friendships are formed; children are visibly more confident and have higher self- esteem.
"There is no doubt that adventure education develops children whilst strengthening their learning in a fun way."
Wide Horizons’ chief executive Alex Brooks-Johnson hopes to double the number of people taking part in this year’s hike.
Mr Brooks-Johnson said: "It’s fantastic we are already seeing the benefits of the funds raised through Nightline for children and young people."
The charity aims to give every child the opportunity to experience adventures through their education and development.
From two-year-olds building forest shelters at Eltham’s Wide Horizons centre or 11-year-olds flying down the zip wire at Wrotham’s Margaret McMillan House; the charity aims to help children develop their social skills and bring the curriculum to life.
Wide Horizons operates eight outdoor centres offering daytime and residential courses.
Fundraisers taking part in the Nightline walk will get to see three of the adventure centres where children enjoy activities including climbing, high ropes and bushcraft.
To register for Nightline, just go to widehorizons.org.uk/nightline or, for more information, contact the Wide Horizons Events Team on 020 8294 8160 or email events@widehorizons.org.uk
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