A new 75-mile challenge walk, the National Forest Trek, has been launched by a trio of charities: the National Forest Company, National Memorial Arboretum and Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Benevolent Fund.
The National Forest Trek will take place from 18 to 20 September 2020 with participants embarking on a three-day, 75-mile adventure along the National Forest Way, stretching from Beacon Hill in Leicestershire to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Running through the heart of the National Forest, the nation’s first forest-at-scale to be created in England for over 1,000 years, the National Forest Way is a varied and accessible route through three counties and a constantly changing landscape.
John Everitt, Chief Executive of the National Forest Company, said: “The National Forest is the result of an ambitious and imaginative regenerative vision that has transformed a blackened landscape scarred by coal mining and heavy industry into swathes of green, home to a fantastic array of wildlife. We are continually investing alongside our partners to ensure the forest remains a vibrant place of beauty for everyone to enjoy. It’s a fantastic example of how we can all live more sustainably, creating a lasting benefit for generations to come.”
In addition to the £75 entry fee, participants will be expected to raise a minimum of £400 in donations to be split between the three charities. The route will be professionally supported with clear signage and regular refreshment stops. Overnight event villages at Ashby-de-la-Zouch and Rosliston Forestry Centre will offer camping, catering and other services to support participants at the end of each day. The trek will conclude with a celebratory finish at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Registration for three-day challenge is open to everyone over the age of 18 and a 5km, one-day and two-day challenge experiences are also available, with the one-day open to over 14s and the 5km open to participants of all ages.
Details of all trek options can be found at www.nationalforesttrek.co.uk
