Mindstep trekkers - Offa's dyke challenge

Today's the day. The final few miles of our desired goals and ambitions. And today we would be conquering some of the toughest conditions that we have had to face. From start to the very bitter end we marched on climbing hill after hill, rising up and sliding down some of the steepest slopes we have had to face so far. these challenges were enhanced by the horrid weather and the state of our bodies having walked for the past 5 days. With the rain hammering down and not letting up, we trudged across from millington and our journey ended up in the quite village of Newcastle-on-clun. having reached over 100 total miles traveled over the past week and with feet and shoes soaked through we retired from this stretch of the challenge, and the end of our extreme endeavour. Through the mist and rain we stumbled on till we reached halfway along the trek where we found shelter form the sky's above at the entrance of a nearby church. We huckered down, had some snacks then set off again aft

Today's walk would be the start of the second most challenging segment of our 112 mile journey. Our trek would start us just on the outskirts of Welshpool and we would arrive in at a beautiful manor house along side the pathway in Mellington. The hardest part of today's Trek was ultimately the start of the journey. Facing yet another vertical climb up the steep hillsides, we clampered up the slope and proceeded to make our way along the brows of the following hills, rolling up and down the trail, determined to make a great distances and reduce the challenge of tomorrow's final stretch. We were all thankful for the prior day's walk as it allowed us to ease in the new recruits and help rest our sore feet. With the shallow rises and falls of the following hills and the light wading through the fields, the only real excitement we seemed to find was on our great assent upward and having to save a sheep from a fence However that being said, we still kept our spirits high, nev

Day 4 started out as most great days should. A full English breakfast and a moral boosting interview which reminds us of what we're doing what we have set out to do. And from that we were off too the races. Today's walk was set to be one of the easiest which would be a blessing for those who have walked the whole way and an easing in for the new trekkers. The day started off brilliantly, sun was shining through the clouds, and the hardest part of the walk would be the start. A steep uphill climb of a height 400 meters followed by a few rolling hills down to a hight of 50m. From there the walk was long and flat there after. What made today special was the incredible views. Disspite the occasional shower, we stayed in high spirits, however the assent and rolling hills had taken it's toll. If it wasn't for the support of our 2 new Trekkers Divan and Rob the last few miles would have been unbearable but their support and guidance really pulled us together and showed us the

Day 3 woke us in the comfortable confines of Ruthin castle, where a quick breakfast bap and a bus ride later we were on our way to our last end point. With the wonderful weather on our side we made great haste as we set off from Llandegla towards our 20 mile end goal of Craignant.  After a start just like most others, a steady incline to the brows of the nearby hills, we were faced with a fairly flat climb, which was a blessing for the longest time, allowing our torn tattered feet to recover and not suffer much more injury. Walking along a slabbed path through with the crisp cool air flowing through our lungs we marched on towards world's end, crossing the ford and facing the first real challenge of the day. A 6.5 mile non stop trek to Trefor, our half way point and eating place for lunch. Walking along a slim goat path along the beautiful slate mountains, sharp stone chippings under our feet delt se more damage. After a quick pitstop to heal the wounds we were off again then follo

It was a brilliant day today. Beautiful weather, high spirits and after a great nights rest the night before, full of energy. After a quick stop at the local Morrisons to pick up breakfast sandwiches and meal deals for lunch we set off from Bodfari once more, this time heading in the opposite direction towards Llandegla. Nothing could have prepared us for the challenges ahead. We started our travel at 7:40 AM where we engage our first ascent, traveling upwards of 1500 feet over the first peak. That was only the initial first 4 miles of the trip.  The trail took us back down to the valley only to then send us up again another 1000+ feet. We followed along the brows of the nearby hills where we came across a bronze age dig site 2 miles later which was followed up by a straight decline all the way back down the other side. Then the biggest challenge came to face. A 1818 foot climb up the steepest portion of our journey and a continuous 4 mile climb to the Jubilee tower. We made great pace

Today, July 25th, was the start of our incredible journey across the beautiful country of Wales, in which we set out to conquer this incredible feat of fitness and exploration. We started our all the way down in Agincourt square, Monmouth. Celebrating the start of a great week ahead with the main man Charles Royce before boarding the bus across country to the quaint town of Bodfari where 6 became 7 and the challenge officially began. We trekked up to Prestatyn along high hills all the way down to the calm coasts; we all remained in high spirits with great tunes and treats along the way and are all pumped up ready for what lies ahead. A solid 12+miles dominated and just under 100 more to go along the rest of the week. Hope your enjoy some of the pics from our travels and we'd like to thank you again for all the support so far. Gonna go enjoy a nice meal in Rhyl now and will keep you all posted on our progress tomorrow Hwyl - Trekkers Support us here

Hello everyone,  From the 25th to the 30th July 2021, eight determined Trekkers will begin the pilgrimage along the 177 miles of Offa’s Dyke, starting in Prestatyn and walking to Chepstow.  The group hope to raise significant funds for the Mindstep Foundation which provides support, help and research for mental health initiatives.   The particular focus for this challenge will be to help fund a school wellbeing centre as the group trek the 109 miles from Prestatyn to Hay on Wye.  Offa’s Dyke crosses the mountainous Welsh Marches and was built in 790BC by king Offa of Mercia to keep the Welsh in Wales. It is the longest man made earthwork in the UK by some distance. Bring it on!! Thank you for your wonderful support and donations and for those wishing to donate to help support this incredible cause, please find the just giving campaign below and help give the children the support they need. Support us here