SHROPSHIRE Hills Discovery Centre in Craven Arms is set to launch a brand new mass participation challenge walk next year.

The Shropshire Way 80K will be taking in some of the finest parts of the Shropshire hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the route is 80km (50 miles) in length with the aim being to complete the circuit in less than 24 hours.

The route follows almost exclusively the Shropshire way on either the main route or its subsidiary paths.

Starting and finishing at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, the home of Grow Cook Learn, this walk will take you through the very best of Shropshire's amazing, undiscovered landscape and some of its hidden market towns. Along the way, as you pass through our check points, you will be able to sample some of the wonderful local produce that this area has to offer as you quite literally "eat the view". Participants will be treated to a delicious breakfast upon their return to the centre.

Bookings for the event, which be held over March 17-18, 2018, will be open on November 20 at 10am. Participants should contact the centre to book, spaces are limited.

The manager of the centre, Grant Wilson, said "After many years of taking part in and marshalling on similar events to this all over Europe, I have long been formulating an idea about staging a long distance event of my own in the Shropshire Hills. Finally now, with the support of Grow Cook Learn, I am in a position to bring my idea to life.

My two passions are walking and running through the Shropshire Hills and eating the food that this amazing landscape produces. This event is my attempt to share my love for this special place and its food with like-minded people locally, nationally and internationally.

If you are thinking about taking part, but aren't sure if you have what it takes to complete such a massive challenge, have a look at the training section on our website. You may think it impossible, but believe me, if you have the passion and determination to succeed, a walk like this is within your reach. Make it your goal to train this winter and test yourself in the spring".