https://www.bambisananipartnership.org/

My aim to raise money for the Bambisanani Partnership is to attempt three long walking challenges over the summer months. I’ve designed these to get progressively harder as I go.

In June I have been given the opportunity to visit South Africa and see first hand the work of the Bambisanani Partnership. I will be visiting schools in the remote region of KwaZulu-Natal where there are high levels of poverty. Many students have to walk long distances to get to school without adequate footwear. The money raised will go towards buying children footwear.

1. My first challenge will be a single day walk of the Welcome Way, a 36-mile loop around Baildon, Bingley, Burley-in-Wharfedale and Otley which is usually attempted in two or three days. The route takes in a diverse landscape of farms, moors, woods, rivers, canals, reservoirs and villages.

2. Next up I will try my luck against the mighty Lyke Wake Walk, a 40-mile linear route going west to east across the entire North York Moors National Park, crossing all the highest points of the area. This long, lonely route is intended to be completed in under 24 hours and will be a serious test of mental strength.

3. Finally in August I will attempt a walk I designed myself. Over five days I will attempt to climb 47 different hills in the Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, carrying everything with me as I go. In total I will ascend 28,000 feet, almost the height of Everest from sea level.

This is a serious challenge when you consider rough terrain, navigational issues, unpredictable weather, knife-edge ridges and long stretches of isolation and exposure. It will certainly be my hardest walk to date.