FIVE VALLEYS CHARITY WALK

Put Your Best Foot Forward for Meningitis Now

It’s hard to believe that another summer is on the wane, but before we welcome in Autumn in our pretty Painswick Valley we’ve got one more big event to look forward to.

There’s still plenty of time to plan your visit to our beautiful part of the world to take part in this year’s Five Valleys Walk, which takes place on Sunday, 29 September.

This will be the 37^th time this great sponsored walk is going to be held, and since one of the checkpoints is just about on our doorstep here at the Edgemoor Inn (at Pitchombe House to be precise) it’s an important event on our annual calendar.

Every year the turnout for this wonderful walk, which is organised by and held in aid of the Meningitis Now charity, gets larger. In 2024 more than 1,300 walkers put their best foot forward on the circular route, and we’re expecting this year there will be even more taking on the challenge, and having a fabulous day out to boot.

The Five Valleys Walk Route

Before we explain more about what you’ll be walking for if you sign up for the Five Valleys Walk, you’ll probably want to know more about what to expect.

The great thing about this walk is that it caters for all ages and abilities – so it’s perfect for families (and dogs welcome too).

Although the route is a relatively tough 21.6 miles long (starting and finishing at the Stroud Cricket Club, GL10 2LA), you don’t have to hike the whole length – unless of course you want to!

Most participants pick their favoured part of the route, and the distance they want to cover, according to their fitness level and inclination. It’s just as important to come and appreciate the beautiful local countryside and join in the community spirit which this event always generates. The shortest section to qualify for being part of the sponsored event is 1.5 miles on Minchinhampton Common.

Expect to cover all sorts of terrain, from long climbs and steep descents to straight sections, on the entire route that takes you from the cricket club through to Nailsworth, Minchinhampton Common, Brimscombe, Lypiatt, Slad village, Pitchcombe, and Standish Woods.

You don’t have to worry about where you start or finish up, because there are free buses on hand to fetch and carry you from the eight different checkpoints, running up to 4.45pm on the day of the walk.

How to Sign Up for the Five Valleys Walk

It’s easy to take part. Just visit the Five Valleys Walk website and follow the instructions to choose your checkpoint and sign up by completing a short form. From there on you’ll be kept – quite literally – in the loop ahead of the big day, and be able to access all the information you need. You’ll also be encouraged to donate or raise some sponsorship funds (preferably a minimum of £22) for Meningitis Now – because, after all, that’s the very worthy cause that this walk is all about.

Here’s a bit of background about the Meningitis Now charity, so you’ll know just how important your walk is, and how satisfying it is that you have this opportunity to enjoy this pleasurable event in the great outdoors, while at the same time helping to defeat the scourge of meningitis:

• Meningitis is a potentially fatal disease, caused by viruses and/or bacteria, that cause the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
• Meningitis can occur with septicaemia (blood poisoning) as the result of an infection.
• Meningitis can affect anyone of any age, and some of those who recover can be left with permanent, life-changing physical, neurological or psychological after-effects, like hearing or sight problems and even amputation of fingers, toes or limbs.
• Early symptoms of meningitis include things like fever with cold hands and feet, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain and stomach cramps and ultimately a rash of pinprick marks. It can worsen very quickly. It’s a good idea to be familiar with the signs and symptoms as outlined by Meningitis Now.

The money you raise for Meningitis Now by taking part in the Five Valleys Walk will be used for spreading awareness about the disease, supporting those who have been affected by it, and funding research into it. Every penny goes towards realising the vision and mission of this charity, which is “a future where no-one in the UK loses their life to meningitis and everyone affected gets the support they need to rebuild their lives”.

Visiting The Five Valleys

Although we’d be delighted to have you visit our Five Valleys to take part in this charity walk on September 29th, you don’t need any excuse to come and revel in our beautiful countryside here in the Cotswolds at any time.

Our pub and restaurant in the small village of Edge overlooks the picturesque Painswick Valley, one of the famous Five Golden Valleys that converge at the town of Stroud in Gloucestershire. We’re just a few miles north of Stroud, a way-stop on the Cotswolds Way National Trail, in the heart of some of the UK’s best walking country.

If you’re planning a trip to explore the valleys don’t hesitate to call at the Edgemoor Inn for some liquid refreshment, or a hearty home-cooked meal.