Walk for Skin 2010 hits the UK!

This May and June join national skin disease research charity the British Skin Foundation in its battle against skin disease

Having raised close to £100,000 last year, the charity’s biggest fundraising event the Walk for Skin returns with seven exciting new walks across the UK including one that runs along the stunning coastline of Fife, another at the challenging Cheddar Gorge and even an adventurous wander through Manchester’s canals.

The seven walks will be kick started at the stunning Cheddar Challenge on 9th May 2010 and will finish in London's Fitzroy Square at the Fitzroy Summer Fete. Each walk varies between three and eight miles in length, and this year certain WFS events also include entry to a number of attractions as part of the experience – an animal farm, a miniature railway or even a trip on a ferry along the coast to name a few examples.

Walk for Skin started in 2006 and has grown year on year to become the charity’s biggest fundraising event in the BSF calendar. This year the series of walks are also supported by 18 other skin disease charities, who will also benefit from the monies raised in sponsorship. Walkers can choose to donate 75% of their amount raised to a chosen skin disease support group of their choice, including Changing Faces, Vitiligo Society and the Psoriasis Association.

Registration for all Walk for Skin events is £10 for a family or £5 for an adult and £3 for a child. All participants get a FREE t-shirt and entrance to attractions at each walk. To register online go to www.walkforskin.org.uk, email bsfevents@bad.org.uk or call 0207 391 6341.

The walks in full are:

The Cheddar Challenge
Sunday 9th May 2010 at 11am
Whether it’s the spectacular cliff top views of the most famous gorge in Somerset, or the thrill of climbing the 274 steps of Jacob’s Ladder to the Lookout Tower, the Cheddar Challenge offers something for everyone. After the three mile gorge walk why not visit one of Britain’s most beautiful caves (for which there is a reduced entry rate for all walk participants), or relax with a drink in the Explorers Cafe Bar at the heart of the gorge.

Temple Newsam Walk, Leeds
Sunday 16th May 2010 at 12noon
Enjoy a walk in the grounds of Temple Newsam, one of the great historic estates in England. Set within over 1500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland, this is not only an idyllic setting for walkers, but also the perfect time of year to view wild flowers and wildlife. After the walk, enjoy a visit to Europe’s largest working Rare Breeds Farm with over 400 animals, set within the original estate Home Farm all included for free within this year's walk.

Manchester Canal Walk
Sunday 23rd May 2010 from 11.30am
Think you know Manchester? Put your knowledge to the test and find out what lies beneath the canals of this city which was once an industrial revolution hub. This fully guided walk will pass beneath the first ever passenger railway in the world and see the sites of Manchester United FC’s ground from a different angle. The walk has the perfect finish at the dazzling, award winning Lowry art gallery.

Ragley Woodland Walk, Midlands
Sunday 23rd May 2010 at 12noon
Set in the Warwickshire countryside, Ragley Hall is the perfect venue for a classic day out. Whether it’s the wildlife filled woodlands of the Ragley Estate, the stunning views of one of England’s earliest Palladian Houses, or the truly wonderful Jerwood Foundation Sculptures you fancy, the Midlands walk offers it all! If that isn't enough to please the kids, why not give them a real treat in the adventure playground which includes a 3D maze, trampoline, aerial runway and Small People’s Playground.

Royal Victoria Country Walk, Southampton
Sunday 6th June 2010 at 12 noon
Overlooking Southampton water between the villages of Hamble and Netley, Royal Victoria Country Park is an idyllic area which was once the scene of a bustling military hospital. The circular walk route offers something for everyone from charming woodland to sensational views of the Southampton water. At the end of the walk take a trip on the Royal Victoria miniature railway which runs along a one mile scenic route included for free in this year’s walk.

Fife Coast Walk and Cruise, Scotland
Sunday 13th June 2010 at 12noon
This walk starts in the shadow of the famous Forth Bridge – the world’s first major steel bridge and arguably one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks. The eight mile walk meanders along the stunning Fife coastline passing through Inverkeithing, a haven for birdlife throughout the year and Dalgety Bay which offers panoramic views over the Forth before finishing at Aberdour. After the walk, we are offering all participants the unique opportunity to cruise the Maid of the Forth free of charge which will drop you back at North Queensferry.

London City Walk and Fitzroy Summer Fete
Sunday 27th June 2010 starting 10.30am
This fully guided walk with registered Blue Badge Guides will put even the most knowledgeable Londoner to the test. Starting at the front of St Thomas’ hospital with impressive views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament this walk will give you a real flavour for Westminster and the surrounding area. At the finish line in Fitzroy Square join in the fun at the British Skin Foundation’s Fitzroy Summer Fete which will comprise of stalls specialising in food, drink and crafts. The event will also feature children’s entertainers as well south London’s oldest brass band! Entry is free to all London WFS participants.


Source: www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk