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Can you walk on water?

23rd Jun 2003

Britain’s canals and rivers will be echoing to the sound of marching feet this autumn when ‘Walk On Water’, a national sponsored walk held on the inland waterways, gets under way for the second time. The event takes place from August to October.

Backed by the actor David Suchet, famous as TV’s Hercule Poirot, ‘Walk On Water’ aims to raise sponsorship to help improve access for people with disabilities to the UK’s beautiful canal and river network and to fund the building of a school for blind children in West Africa.

Thousands of people are expected to take part in the event, many in fancy dress and other outrageous costumes. With nine individual waterway walks across the whole of the UK, passing through some of our most beautiful countryside as well as towns and cities, there’s bound to be a walk that’s right for everybody. Most walks range from three to ten miles in length.

David Suchet said he expected the event to be greatly enjoyable. "This autumn I hope as many people as possible will put on their best walking shoes and get out onto the towpath. With walks across the country – from Scotland to the Cotswolds – there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a serious walker, ambitious amateur or nervous novice, there’s a walk for you. Who knows, you might even get the chance to stop off in a secluded waterside pub for a drink or two!

"For those with an adventurous streak, why not Walk On Water in fancy dress. Last year we had a fish and a pantomime horse!"

‘Walk On Water’ was launched in 2002, attracting thousands of walkers from across the country and raising more than £80,000 for charity. This year’s ‘Walk On Water’ has already attracted the attention of the British Veterinary Nurses Association, with many of its members preparing to turn out walking with their pets.

Anyone wishing to join in should telephone 0151 373 4387, visit http://www.walkonwater.info/ or email jill.watson@thewaterwaystrust.org for a registration form and walk details. Entry is free and walkers raising £50 or more will receive a free limited edition ‘Walk On Water’ T-shirt.

The event is organised by national charity The Waterways Trust in partnership with Burdens Charitable Foundation.

Complete list of walks

  1. Sat 9 August Grand Union Canal, Leicestershire – starts Foxton Inclined Plane –3 or 7 miles # Sun 7 September Thames & Severn Canal, Cotswolds – starting Cricklade – 6 miles # Sun 7 September River Thames – starts Reading – 10 miles # Sun 7 September Lancaster Canal Northern Reaches, Lancashire – starting Crooklands, Nr Kendal – 8 miles # Sat 27 September Droitwich Barge Canal, Worcestershire – starting Salwarpe, Nr Droitwich – 4 miles # Sun 5 October Union Canal, Scotland – starting Winchburgh, Nr Edinburgh – 8 miles # Sun 5 October Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, Gloucestershire – starting Gloucester Docks – 6 miles # Sun 26 October Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal – starting Radcliffe, Nr Bury – 8 miles # Date tbc Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Wales

Last updated: 22/10/2008