2008

MACMILLAN SPONSORED WALK - The Reivers Way

JUNE 18 to the 30th 2008  -   Details of Walk -  Sponsor Form

Keith Burton and John Linney (both well known people in Penkridge) will be undertaking a 178 mile trail in 12 days across the high Northumberland moors titled the “Reivers Way”.   Begining near Corbridge then into Allendale Town, Hadrian’s Wall, Rothbury, Cheviots, Wooler, Lindisfarn, Bamburgh, ending at Alnmouth.

The Trail is very remote and pathless, with very difficult ground conditions from Hadrian’s Wall to Wooler and is rarely walked. Thankfully our load will not be as heavy as last year as we are not camping this time.

We are grateful for the level of support given on my previous trails and again our journey will be posted on this Website.

Keith Burton.  

18 June - Text just received from Keith and John to say that on Day 1 they have just arrived at Slaley at 4.30pm after "a tranquil walk along the banks of Devils Water with fields of poppies with Forest interludes - a great start".    It was a relatively easy walk today - only 6 miles - another 172 to go!   Tomorrow, they have a 13 mile walk to Allendale.  Tonight they are staying at the Travellers Rest.

19 June - "John and I arrived at Allendale at 5.30pm - today we walked through forest glades, bog and mire.  Miles of long grass and heather.  Gale force wind in our face across exposed moors.  A beautiful descent to Allendale".  Their bed for the night is at the Kings Head Hotel.  Tomorrow - a 14 mile trek to Barden Mill.

20 June - "Arrived near Hadrian's Wall at 5pm - A good day.  Along East Allen River, low and high at Staward Gorge.  Hay meadows in full bloom - across rolling fields and over many stiles, through nature reserves and woodland.  An odd shower".  (photos taken by other walkers along today's route)   Tonight Keith and John will be enjoying a rest and a pint at the Twice Brewed Inn.   Saturday morning they start a 13 mile walk to WARK.

21 June - "We began today with a climb to join Hadrian's Wall to Low Stead - then crossing fields of high tussock grass which was hard going in the rain.  Then lovely meadows to arrive at Wark at 3pm. "   Tonight they stay at Battlesteads Hotel.  Tomorrow an 18 mile walk to Elsdon. 

22 June - "Arrived Elsdon at 5.15pm after a tough day walking 22 miles.  Left pretty Birtley walking for miles through scrub, heather and forest paths.  Walked through neck-high reeds, bog and mire.  Great views of the surrounding countryside".   They stay at The Bird in the Bush tonight before setting off on Day 6 to Thropton which is approx. a 19 mile walk.

23 June - "We arrived at Thropton at 5.30pm via Rothbury.   Another day walking in the woods but not as severe as yesterday.  A steep climb to the top of Simonside Hills from where there were great views of the Cheviots stretching out into the distance.  Warm and sunny.  Tonight we are staying at the Three Wheat Heads."   Keith and John are now roughly half way - tomorrow they head for Uswayford on Day 7 of their 13 day walk.

24 June - "At just gone 2pm we are 3 miles from Uswayford.  Green lanes and Upland meadows as we passed Harbottle.  Then surrounded by the green domes of    the Cheviots as we joined the old drovers' route, Clennel Street".   Tonight we stay at the only accommodation in this remote area, Uswayford Farm.  And tomorrow, we set off to Wooler, about 18 miles.

25 June - "A very long day over the Cheviots, some boggy areas and not arriving at Wooler until 7.15pm.  It rained all day until 5pm.  Forest paths very slow going.  Beautiful rolling country.  A slow descent into Wooler in full sunshine".   Their stay tonight is at the Ryecroft Hotel.   Tomorrow their target is about 12 miles to Fenwick on the east coast and overlooking Holy Island.

26 June - "Arrived Fenwick 3.30pm after a 12 mile stroll over meadows and hard track.  Views of  the Isle of Lindisfarne though showers all the way.  We stopped for a while to visit Cuthberts Cave".  Staying at the Manor House.

27 June - "Walked over the causeway at noon to Lindisfarne.  We had a pleasant time visiting the Priory, the Church and the Castle.   Warm and clear and good views of the Farne Islands in the distance".    Staying at the Manor House again. before tomorrow's walk down the coast to Bamburgh.  Only 3 days of walking left.

28 June - "Arrived Bamburgh at 5pm.  Warm and sunny all day.  A dull start with a 3 mile boggy walk in Kyloe woods.  Stopped at Belford, then continued on the coastal path to Budle Bay (Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve)  and onto Bamburgh Hall where we are staying the night". 

29 June - "Arrived Craster at 5pm.   Great coastal path from Seahouses.  Low Newton-by-the-Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle.   A lovely warm day.   Last night we stay at the Harbour Lights".

30 June - 6 mile walk this morning to Alnmouth and then train journey home to Penkridge.   Another great walk and hopefully raised a lot of money for Macmillan Nurses.

WELCOME HOME KEITH AND JOHN - WELL DONE

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Sponsor Form     Details of Walk

Dear Supporter,     

Thank you so much for  the support and sponsorship given to John and myself, before and during our wilderness walk, which maintained our high spirits during long and sometimes difficult days.

The total raised was £2437.00, also we were able to claim a further £436.52 from gift aid making a grand total of £2873.52, and this is a fantastic amount.

Your money will go directly to help people living with cancer and their families. Your thoughtfulness will help Macmillan Cancer Support working alongside the NHS to provide equal and ready access to the best information, treatment and care for cancer to everyone no matter whom they are or where they live.

Macmillan has a strong presence in Staffordshire. We have 35 Macmillan nurses based throughout the county, some based in hospitals helping people from the moment they are diagnosed, others working in the community, visiting people at home to offer care, support and information to both patients and their families. A Macmillan Dietician and Macmillan Occupational Therapist complement the work of our nurses.

All Macmillan services are free of charge. All are provided by the generosity of people like you who have supported financially Macmillan in many different ways. With your help Macmillan is making a real difference to the lives of people living with cancer.

With very best wishes and renewed thanks.

Yours sincerely

Keith Burton)
Chairman (Stafford Borough Committee)
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Reports on the walk from Keith and John - Keith is phoning most nights with news of the day's walk for this website.

1st Day - They left Fort William and walked for 12 miles;  camped  by the river where they were eaten by the midges.
2nd day - The heavens opened;  but still climbed two 500 ft. peaks to Glen Pean.  The Rivers were very high and they were nearly washed away twice.  They met three Belgians who gave up on their walk because of the floods - but not our intrepid Keith and John!
3rd day - weather atrocious but still they carried on - John falling into a hole in the bog and Keith bending one of his walking poles into a right handed one. 
4th day - they walked an incredible 17 miles in 12 hours arriving at their destination at 8pm.
5th day - another 12 miles with wonderful scenery to Sheilbridge where they were at last able to get a mobile signal and reach the outside world! 
6th day - Shielbridge to Killilan - 14 miles
7th day - Strathcarron - 500 metre climb to Falls of Glomack.  Blustery, splendid views of green hills all round.  Took lots of photos.  A severe descent. Slippery and Keith fell and twisted his knee badly.  Eventually found bunkhouse accommodation for the night.  They are determined to finish the walk.
8th day - Decided to make this a day of rest.  Give swollen knee a chance to ease and do some shopping, buy a new stick and Keith has lost his cap.  Pouring at the moment  Will be staying another night at the Strathcarron Hotel on Loch Carron.
9th day - Onward with miles of boggy ground with boots sinking right in.  Very difficult walking.  Fantastic views of the mountain tops.  Must get some midge cream. 
10th day - Left Kinlochlewe and had a great walk to Lochan Fada and then headed up the hills to Loch an Nid where we pitched tent and camped the night.  Lovely warm day with a covering of snow on the tops. 
11th day (27th May) - John and Keith woke this morning to a solid frozen tent. Then a relatively easy walk on to Dundonnell (13 miles) and then to Camasnagaul (by Little Loch Broom) where they had booked b & b.  Now just over half way to Cape Wrath.  Keith's twisted knee is a little better today and as they will be staying in Ullapool for two nights, it will give the knee a better chance of healing.  Both John and Keith are in good spirits. 
12th day - Had a walk along the shore of Little Loch Broom and then caught a local bus to Ullapool where they had planned to stay for two nights.  
13th day - A rest day simply sightseeing around Ullapool before two days of serious walking including one night spent in a bothy or camping.  Two rivers to cross and if the rain keeps on they are prepared to wade through two rivers at chest height if necessary.  It will probably be 1 June now before they phone again (no mobile phone coverage in the wild country they are traversing).
14th day - Knockdamph   )    During the next few days, they walked through some of the wildest country
15th day - Loch Alshe       )      in Scotland, camping out several times as there were no hotels or b&b's on
16th day - Inchnadamph    )      the route.  The weather was very mixed with torrential rain some days pouring off the moor, 
17th day - Unapool           )      followed by hot, sunny days with magnificent views of the mountain ranges they were walking    
18th day -Achfary             )      through (and sometimes climbing - one day they climbed up two 700 metre climbs).    
                                                The people they have met along the way have been absolutely marvellous, not only welcoming
                                                them with open arms, but also providing them with food for their journey but also sponsorship so
                                                far totalling £75 from Hotels and B&B's.  Thank you to all those residents along the way who
                                                have helped Keith and John. By the way, Keith's knee is still giving him some pain but it is not
                                                preventing them from being determined to complete the trail.
19th day - Rhiconich
20th day - Kinlochbervie
21st day - Cape Wrath - Keith and John arrived safely at the Cape.  On their 232 mile walk they raised £85 from people they met and talked to on the way.  DON'T FORGET - YOU CAN SPONSOR KEITH AND JOHN'S WALK BY CLICKING ON THE LINK AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE AND COMPLETING A FORM.

Photos of their adventure will appear on this website soon.


 MACMILLAN SPONSORED WALK 2007    -      CAPE WRATH TRAIL

Hello Supporter

Keith Burton & John Linney will attempt to undertake the only true wilderness walk in the U.K.  The walking begins from Fort William on May 17^th, hopefully reaching Cape Wrath (the most northerly point of mainland UK) on 7^th June, and then walking across the head of Scotland to end at Durness, a total of 232 miles.

Although this is a national trail, there is no actual path and certainly no waymarks.   There will be some linking up with access & stalkers tracks, but mainly ascending & descending very steep Glens with many rivers to ford with no idea of how wide or deep they will be at the time of crossing.

The first week will be the most challenging crossing Knoydart area, with the first four days spent under canvas as there is no metallic surface within many miles of where we will be. Also there will probably be no mobile signal and will be totally on our own with Deer & Eagles for company.     

There will be a total of nine nights spent in the open, or a Bothy in some instances, and we hope the weather will be favourable

This will be the most physically and mentally challenging walk I have undertaken and luckily John's interest came as a complete surprise, but due to the severity of challenge the safety risk has been reduced.

It will be a wonderful experience, but a navigational nightmare should mist descend to boot level.  We will arrive back in Penkridge on June 9^th

Regards

Keith Burton

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In 2006

Keith's latest Sponsored Walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief begins on 11 June 2006 when he starts his walk along "Offas Dyke".    Click here for Sponsor Form   and here for details of his walk.

Keith will be phoning me quite regularly on his walk to let us know of his progress. 
13 June - Keith phoned at just after 5pm to say he has had "a day of two halves" - wonderful views and then the heavens opened   He met two ladies at Nelson's Temple during the day who walked with him and who kindly donated £6 to his Charity.
 
14 June -  Monmouth to Pandy - Walking over rolling countryside today by streams, rivers and along valleys. Very hot and he had to ask a farmer to re-fill his water bottle. Then heavy rain and he was slipping and sliding and everything he touched was orange (the colour of the soil in this area).   Today he walked from Monmouth to Pandy and climbed over 76 stiles.  He has been told that tomorrow is a stile-free walk!

15 June -  Pandy to Hay-on-Wyre - The people where he stayed at Pandy gave him £3. Thank you to them and all those who are sponsoring his walk.  Today was a contrast from yesterday which was along valleys and and rivers and streams.  Today was a steep climb up on to a high ridge and then a walk on the ridge with magnificent panaromic views over 13 counties.  Truly wonderful looking down on rolling countryside.  Descended to Hay-on-Wye after an 18 mile walk where my b&b was situated, where else in Hay on Wye, but right next door to a second hand bookshop.  This small town has more secondhand bookshops than anywhere else in the world!.

16 June - Hay-on-Wye to Kington - I left Hay on Wye and walked along leafy lanes, through corn fields and climbed up onto Today a wild moorland ridge with wonderful views in the distance of the Stiperstones, Carodoc and the Long Myndd.  I saw lots of birds, including Kestrel, Hen Harrier and Buzzard.  It was a 13½ mile walk today and I am staying tonight in Kington. 

17 June - Kington to Knighton - Another hot day in the high 70's.  I am now about half way through the walk.  Tomorrow is the hard one and I am hoping the weather isn't going to be too hot and humid.  However, the forecast isn't a good one for a long walk.  I understand there is a water tap half way and I guess I will be standing under it for a while. 

18 June - Knighton to Mellington - A tough day but weather kind and not so hot - 15 miles and 8 switchbacks - eight times up a hill and eight times down.  Glorious views but 2 bad blisters on feet - I was rather tired but happy at the end of the day after a couple of glasses of wine.   An easier day tomorrow thankfully with a look round Montgomery.

19 June - Mellington to Fordon - 14 miles today through fields of wheat and barley, many filled with red poppies.  A hot and humid day but some great views of Montgomery Castle.  Couldn't find a chemist but the local Dr. provided me with blister treatment. 

20 June - Fordon to Llanymynech - Left Fordon at 8.30am.  A steep climb into the forest and then a slow descent through fields to Welshpool with views up to 60 miles.  Then along side the River Severn to Four Crosses where I chatted to a local farmer for quite a while, was charged by a herd of cattle and had to leap a stile, then along the canal with Swans and lots of Dragonflies.  About 3.30pm the wind got up and the day got cooler.  I walked 18 miles today. 

21 June - Llanymynech to Froncysyllte - A bright and breezy day. Climbed up Windmill Hill from where I could see into 6 counties - Chirk Castle in the distance.  Lovely scenery.

22 June - Llangollen to Clewyd Gate - A windy day!  First I crossed the Thomas Telford Acqueduct and nearly got blown off.  Then a gentle climb to Panarama Way where I could see Llangollen below me.  Then a 5 mile walk to Lane Worlds End, then 3 miles into the mountains through forest and finally 2 miles over moorlands with Lapwing, Curlew, Buzzard and Skylark for company.  I reached my destination at Clewyd Gate after a pleasant walk through hay meadows.

23 June - Clewyd Gate to Sodom - the penultimate day.

24 June - the final day's walk - it was tough but today I had friends join me for the final day's walk.  We eventually made it, tired but very pleased I had achieved my goal and phoned to Bevan the news whilst sitting on Prestatyn Beach, before returning to Penkridge this evening.   You will be seeing me shortly to collect your very kind donations to the charity I support - the Macmillan Cancer Relief in Staffordshire.   Thank you to everyone who supported my efforts.

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Keith Burton (the Chairman of Macmillan Cancer Relief in Staffordshire) would like to hear from anyone who can help with fund raising, even if only occasionally.    Phone him on 714386

(There are six Macmillan community nurses in Mid Staffs General Hospital NHS Trust in Stafford General Hospital - Click here to find out how you can help - HELP is desperately needed)
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In 2005 your Sponsorship of Keith's Pennine Way Walk raised the magnificent sum of £1,437.43 for the Macmillan Nurses of Staffordshire.   Thank you to all those who contributed.  Click here for letter of thanks.


Nearing Keld

Keith's 2005 Sponsored Walk in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief began on 2 June 2005 when he started his walk along "The Pennine Way".   
Keith has been phoning in most evenings to report progress but unfortunately the webmaster has been also on holiday in the Western Isles (but not walking the distances Keith is!).   He has just finished Day 12 of his walk.   The weather has been very mixed with some very wet days when he was soaked through to the skin even though he has very good waterproofs - to glorious sunny days when the sights and sounds have been wonderful as he crosses the fells and moors and climbs the rocks across the Pennine Way.   Some of the walks have been difficult and in places very slippery in the rain but Keith has kept to his itinerary and apart from a twisted knee today (which he is treating tonight and hoping it will not affect his walk) he is in fine fettle.

Keith continues to keep in touch.  The Pennine Way is renowned for being a very tough walk and the weather is not making it any easier.   Keith says the bad weather would appear to be following him across the Pennines!  Despite the weather, Keith is still in good spirits and cheerful.   He has his GPS this time which he has needed at times because of bad visibility.   He has been meeting some wonderful people also walking the Way.  Today (17th) he has a relatively easy day over only 7 miles from Steel Rigg to Twice Brewed Inn (what a name!).  After today only 4 days walking left.
Keith phoned on the 21st June to say he had just completed his walk - he described it as a "Walk across the roof of the World".  He had a tough time with some real bad weather and one or two near scrapes but again, he has shown what determination can achieve if you plan something well enough and have committment.   WELL DONE KEITH!  There is still time to sponsor Keith  - phone him on 714386.    He will be back Co-ordinating our Penkridge Voluntary Car Scheme next week!

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On the 4 June 2004, Keith Burton set out on his second Coast to Coast walk in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Relief in Staffordshire.  This year he began his walk at Llanfairfechan in North Wales and finished in Rhosili in South Wales.  Full details of his walk appear below. 
 

WELSH COAST 2 COAST - JUNE 4th - 19th 2004

And today, Saturday 19 June, Keith phoned to say he had completed his walk and was standing on the Beach at Rhosili, not a cloud in the sky and a gentle sea breeze blowing.  He said he has had a wonderful week walking the length of Wales, over the hills and through the valleys.  The weather has been very kind (no rain!).  He would like to thank everyone who has followed his walk and supported him, particularly those who have sponsored him in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief in Staffordshire.
If you haven't sponsored him, you can still obtain a form by simply phoning 01785 816892.

Today (18th June), with only 1 day to go, Keith is taking a well-earned rest to give his tired feet a chance to heal a little.  He has reached Swansea Bay and says he has walked through some brilliant countryside and scenery in the last few days.   He reaches Journey's End tomorrow, the 19th June, after walking alone on a 218 mile journey from the north coast of Wales to the south coast of Wales.  

Keith phoned on the 14th June (only 4 more days to go!).   He is coping with the 17 feet blisters but has had a toe infection which has been giving him trouble - not to mention the heat!   But he's going to do it!
 

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Coast to Coast Walk in 2003

 Keith raised £3,486.53 through your sponsorship which will go to the Macmillan Cancel Relief in Staffordshire and will help them work alongside the NHS to provide equal and ready access to the best information, treatment and care for cancer to everyone no matter who they are and where they live.

On the 6^th June 2003 Keith Burton of Templars Way, Penkridge, will begin his solo sponsored walk travelling across Britain coast to coast.                     

Keith is undertaking the 198 mile walk to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Relief in Staffordshire.  Starting in the picturesque surroundings of St. Bees Keith will make his way all the way across the country finishing at Robin Hood's Bay on 21^st June 2003. 

At the end of each gruelling day, Keith has meticulously planned his stop over points at local pubs and inns along the way to provide much needed rest and recuperation.

To enable Keith to undertake this brave challenge, training began over a year ago using his local gym and fitness centre. 

Keith explains the reason why he is raising money in this way for Macmillan Cancer Relief:

“Although we (myself and my late wife Jenny) have walked over Lakeland Fells, Yorkshire Dales & Moors, we never attempted anything like this, so it will be a mixture of excitement and apprehension when I set off from St. Bees on June 6^th.  This also gives me a chance to raise much needed funds for supplying more Macmillan Nurses. 

When death may be weeks or days away it is a very special kind of care that is given.  It was such a relief for me to see Jenny cared for in such a wonderful way.  Sadly Jenny had only one night of such care as there were no more available for the next two days of her life. 

This is my way of saying thank you for that one night, in the hope that money raised will assist in providing what I now call “Angels of the Night”

If you would like to help Keith by sponsoring him on his walk, you can contact Keith on 01785 714386 or Caroline Hughes at Macmillan Cancer Relief on 01785 616416.  Sponsor Forms can be obtained from Keith.

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On Tuesday evening 10 June, Keith phoned me from the Bulls Head, Shap to say his walk is going very well, the weather has been very kind and good.  He has now covered one third of his planned walk.  Today he walked 15 miles (his longest day) and made ascents totalling 3,265 feet.
Keith phoned again on Friday night, 13 June, to say he was now half way having now walked about 92 miles.  He was staying the night at Thwaite (all his stops and itinerary can be seen by clicking on the link below.   He is thoroughly enjoying his walk and says he is meeting some fantastic people during his travel.  Everyone is giving generously towards his sponsorship and he has raised over £90 during his walk from complete strangers.  There was £5 waiting for him with a note on his breakfast table this morning!  The forecast is good so he is looking forward to the second half of his walk.
Monday, 16 June - another phone call from Keith towards the end of the day as he was approaching Richmond after a glorious day's walking along the River with meadows of colourful wild flowers everywhere.   The weather (like here in Penkridge) is glorious and he is glad he isn't walking too long a distances in this heat (although he has some good fresh breezes blowing up there in Yorkshire).  Today he has walked about 11 miles and his feet are fine!  (I must ask him how many socks he has gone through when he next phones!).
Tuesday 17 June - Keith walked 26 miles today arriving at Ingleby Cross after 10 hours of walking - tired and after a shower at the Bluebell he was going to join the other walkers for a meal and a chat.   Today, his walk took him through vale country and agricultural land, often he could only see crops of corn around him.
Thursday, 18 June - "I have reached Glaisedale" phones Keith.  A 20 mile walk today over the Yorkshire Moors with heather everywhere and Red Grouse calling.  "I am carrying my lucky stone which I picked up from the beach at St. Bees on the West Coast and will be dropping on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay on Saturday when I reach my ultimate destination".
Friday 19 June - "5.15pm - A glorious day's walking - the weather has been superb.  I am staying tonight at High Hawkser and will be walking the last 3 miles tomorrow with my brother.   I can see the sea from here.  Not long to go now."
Saturday 21st June -
KEITH REACHED HIS GOAL:  ROBIN HOOD'S BAY
AND DROPPED HIS PEBBLE ON THE BEACH WHICH HE HAD BROUGHT WITH HIM FROM ST. BEES ON THE WEST COAST
Many congratulations Keith - A long walk for a great cause!

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