COMPANIES are being challenged to take on a new walking marathon that shows off the best of Wiltshire to raise money for Julia’s House.

The Great Wiltshire Walk on July 20 will take in 26 miles of some of the county’s most breathtaking countryside and is held in aid of the children’s hospice charity which supports families in the Swindon area and beyond.

Beginning and ending at the Kings Arms pub in All Cannings, walkers will take in landmarks including three white horses, a hill fort, ancient defences and a stone circle, as well as stunning views.

Organiser Hannah Miller, the charity’s challenge events manager, said it is an ideal team activity for staff.

“It’s a great day of walking, sightseeing and team bonding, plus the teams can help a really great local cause,” she said.

Organisers are promising a chance to savour the site of Oldbury Castle, an iron age hill fort near Cherhill, white horses at Devizes, Cherhill and Alton Barnes, wildflowers, Neolithic monuments and pretty villages.

Ms Miller said: “We have a very popular Jurassic Trek in Dorset that has had hundreds of people taking part every year for the past four years and we thought that north Wiltshire would be perfect for a similar walk. The Sarsen Trail, which followed a similar route, is no longer running so this is an ideal alternative.

“It will give people taking part the opportunity to see the very best of Wiltshire, finishing with the wonderful views of the Vale of Pewsey.

“At the end we’ll have music and a free hog roast with a celebratory glass of Prosecco.

“All money raised from the trek will help us care for life-limited children locally and give respite to exhausted mums and dads.”

Everybody taking part will receive fundraising support from the Julia’s House team, as well as support on the day. Along the route, which will be fully signposted, there’ll be refuelling stops with water and snacks. There will also be medical support available.

Registration for the event costs £30 and all walkers receive a free Julia’s House t-shirt and a route map.

All finishers will be presented with a medal. There are discounts for teams, depending on numbers taking part.

Ms Miller said the charity hopes walkers will each be able to raise £200 each for Julia’s House.

“We really hope it grows into a much-loved annual event that people want to come back and join year after year,” she said.

“Julia’s House is a local charity working in the community, funded by the community. Without the generosity and support of the public and local businesses there would be no Julia’s House. We rely on public donations, fundraising and legacies for 95 per cent of the money needed to run our vital service for local families.”

Sign up for The Great Wiltshire Walk at juliashouse.org/greatwiltshirewalk or call Hannah Miller on 01202 644220.