BISHOPS Castle round and about walk.

ON May 9, walkers will assemble at Bishops Castle town hall, between 8.30am-10am, to set off on a beautiful 23 mile circular ramble over the rolling Shropshire hills from Bishops Castle via Offa's Dyke and the Shropshire Way to Clun. After a welcome hot vegetarian lunch, they then return through the Walcot Estate, Bury Ditches and Oakley Mynd.

For the less intrepid, or those wanting to explore Bishops Castle, shorter walks (10 or 13 miles) are offered to and from Clun, with transport provided.

The route crosses quite remote country-side some of which, notably the Walcot Estate, is not normally open to the public. The scenery can be enjoyed with no worry about getting lost, due to clear signage, written instructions and helpful marshals. The more remote paths are currently being cleared of undergrowth.

For the second year, the walk aims to raise money for the blood cancer charity, Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Fund (LLRF), in memory of Bishops Castle resident, Dave Shirley, who died of Leukaemia 35 years after his mother-in-law died of exactly the same disease. In the intervening years, the successful treatment of children with the most common form of childhood leukaemia has risen from virtually 0% to 90%, substantially due to support from LLRF. Our walk aims to generate funding to improve the life chances of all blood cancer sufferers.

The Happy Bap is opening early to provide sustenance to the keenest participants, and local hostelries – The Boars Head, Castle hotel, Ganges Balti Restaurant, Poppy House and Six Bells – are offering discounts to walkers. The Co-operative Group Bishops Castle is providing morning refreshments, before the climb onto Offa's Dyke. Some 50 volunteers support the event – both before and on the day – which now forms part of the Bishops Castle Walking Festival.

Last year, 200 walkers enjoyed the challenge they set themselves and, between them, raised over £10,000. The entrance fee is £16, which includes instructions, refreshments, lunch, transport as needed, and a certificate. All proceeds go to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research.

For details, and to apply electronically or request an application form, please sign up at: beatingbloodcancers.org.uk/round&about.

The closing date for applications is May 1.