11:15
£15
All ages
The ever-popular Big Walk takes in the ancient Ridgeway Trail, famous for being 'Britain's oldest road' and used since prehistoric times by herdsmen, soldiers and travellers.
Walkers will enjoy a fully-organised day in the hills with open views across rolling chalk downland and many sites of historic and archaeological interest along the way.
The camaraderie on the day is always uplifting, with so many hikers getting outdoors and showing their support for Pace's very own superheroes, all rounded off with a warm welcome and a hot drink on your return to base.
This event is part of The Big Walk and Superhero Mile.
There's a choice a three routes depending on your ability or goals. Here is the day's timetable:
Princes Risborough to Wendover
Chinnor to Wendover
Watlington to Wendover
Everyone is welcome to join in! Solo hikers, fun-runners, pairs, families and teams of friends or colleagues. Hikers tackling the longer distances are especially encouraged to do some training beforehand. Going out walking in the boots you'll be wearing on the big day is highly recommended. Hill-walking is the ideal training however if you don't have access to hills nearby, your staircase at home or in the office is fine too.
Wendover Memorial Hall -
Wharf Road
Wendover
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP22 6HF
UK
There's plenty of free parking at John Colet School.
Registration takes place at the Wendover Memorial Hall next door to the school.
The famous fine beech woodlands of the Chilterns are dominant in this area and offer a rich, green setting for the challenge walk.
The terrain is fairly undulating with several climbs in and out of valleys and is the most strenuous part of The Ridgeway, however it’s not that tough in comparison to many hilly areas of the UK. The route takes in parts of the Icknield Way and several nature reserves managed by the Woodland Trust and the National Trust.
From Princes Risborough the terrain becomes more undulating as the trail climbs in and out of valleys before finally descending to the small attractive town of Wendover.
It's a trail with plenty of variety and interest from sheltered slopes amongst beech trees to expansive chalk grassland with wild flowers galore plus stunning views across the Vale of Aylesbury. The route also takes in several nature reserves managed by the Wildlife Trust and the National Trust with fields of crops and also sheep, cattle and horses grazing.
The woodlands make you feel like you're away from the hustle and bustle of life, even though several settlements sit close to the trail.
For many of the children at Pace just achieving independent mobility is a huge achievement and takes years of practice. Whether it’s taking one step or learning to use a motorised wheelchair the challenges they overcome to be independent are ginormous.
YOU can help them achieve their goals and transform the lives of children with a neurodisability like cerebral palsy by putting on your own walking shoes and joining The Big Walk.
It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside
I am so pleased to be taking part in the Pace Big Walk again this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside in the company of friends and strangers who soon become new friends.
You meet some wonderful people
Not only is this a walk to raise funds for the brilliant charity Pace, the route passes through glorious Buckinghamshire countryside, is well planned and ‘paced’ and you meet some wonderful people. It’s become a regular in my Spring calendar.
The welcome back is always lovely with cheering participants, music, tea and cake
We are really excited to be taking part in the Pace Big Walk again this year. I have participated in this event a couple of times and always found the event to be run really well, from communication before the event, to the event itself. The route is well planned with appropriately placed stops along the way. The welcome back is always lovely with cheering participants, music, tea and cake, it’s always an emotional end. The participants are always friendly and encouraging, it’s a really enjoyable day out raising funds for an amazing charity.
Everyone was so kind, friendly and supportive
I first took part in The Big Walk two years ago and it was a fantastic experience. I was a little concerned that I may struggle to complete the distance and keep up with other walkers or just get completely lost! I need not have worried though as the route was very well planned and the entire event was expertly organised. Everyone was so kind, friendly and supportive making my first Big Walk an absolute joy to complete. It gave me a fantastic sense of achievement completing the walk and raising funds for a wonderful charity that does remarkable work with incredible children.
I highly recommend participating in this event
Taking part in the Pace Big Walk was such a rewarding experience. Not only was I able to contribute to a wonderful charity, but the scenery along the 18-mile route in Buckinghamshire was simply breathtaking. The camaraderie among fellow walkers was fantastic, and the sense of accomplishment upon completing the walk was second to none. I highly recommend participating in this event to anyone who wants to challenge themselves while supporting a great cause. Thank you, Pace, for facilitating such an incredible experience.
