THERE is no excuse for lack of training time for the Tour des Marches.

The 10th edition of the ever popular Tour des Marches, formally the Wistanstow Challenge Walk, organised by the Marches Group of the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA), is on Sunday, September 11.

Starting from one of the finest village halls in the country, the route makes its way west to Clun, before heading north to Bishop’s Castle and then east on the homeward journey back to Wistanstow.

Entrants will experience the rich mixture of hills, river valleys and woodland that make up the stunning scenery. For much of the day walkers and runners will be in the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – established in 1958.

As well as using paths that are well known (including parts of The Shropshire Way), entrants will be introduced to more secretive parts of the rights of way network.

There is a choice of a 12 mile, 18 mile or 26 mile route.

An entry fee of £10 for LDWA Members and £15 for all other entries includes, a detailed route description including a colour outline map of the route, breakfast, food and drink at checkpoints, plus a meal at the finish and some Wood’s beer!

Although primarily a walking event runners are welcome. There are a maximum of 150 places.

Each year the event raises funds for a local good cause, previous recipients have been the primary school and the Under 5s group. Last year £800 was presented to the village hall committee for help with running costs. A donation is also given to The Firefighters Charity.

Online entry available at https://www.sientries.co.uk, paper entry form also available on the website www.wistanstowwalk.blogspot.com/

For more details including pictures and finishers lists see www.wistanstowwalk.blogspot.com alternatively entry forms available from The Spar Shop, Route 49 Fish and Chips, The Discovery Centre, The Plough Inn Wistanstow, the Outdoor Depot Church Stretton and The Smithy Shop Wistanstow.