The 48th annaul Poddle sponsored walk has been given the green light and organisers have been working hard to ensure safety guidelines are met, from registration to lunch and refreshments provided along the route.
The event is open to both members and non-members (and well-behaved dogs) and is one of the charity’s most important fundraisers of the year, with proceeds going towards pushing ahead with future restoration projects and current towpath maintenance.
This year’s route will take in the scenic West Sussex countryside and canal. The 12-mile walk around Loxwood and Plaistow will begin from the North Hall, Loxwood, and take walkers along the canal as far as Brewhurst Lock and then through countryside and woodland to Winterton Hall in Plaistow. The afternoon route follows paths north of Plaistow and back to the canal at Bonfire Hanger, returning to North Hall, Loxwood. Walkers can do either morning or afternoon sessions, or both.
Lunch, which includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, will be provided in takeaway boxes, to be eaten outside where tables and chairs will be arranged. In case of rain, seating will be arranged inside to allow for social distancing. Drinks are provided, but walkers are asked to bring their own drinks bottles where possible.
To take part, just register online here and download a sponsor form. If you enter as a team and raise more than £200 sponsorship (minimum £20 each) funds can be split equally with another charity or organisation of your choosing. For those who haven't registered online, it can be done socially distanced at North Hall in Loxwood between 9 and 10:30am.
If walking isn’t for you, you can also support the Wey & Arun Canal Trust by making a donation online or helping on the day as a marshal or on a refreshment point.
