As morning rain gave way into a sun-soaked afternoon, nearly 500 walkers took on the Circuit of Bath Walk on Sunday 24th September, raising vital funds for local charity Julian House.

The sponsored walk, now in its 22nd year, has become a much-loved fixture on the calendar and saw friends, families and colleagues traversing 22 miles of Bath’s spectacular but challenging countryside. More experienced walkers, many of whom take on the challenge each year, were joined by newcomers of all ages aiming to help homeless, at-risk and vulnerable people across the South West.

The route affords walkers stunning views from Little Solsbury Hill and Lansdown, as well as from Millennium Viewpoint in South Stoke. Over in Bathampton and Limpley Stoke, the George Inn and the Angelfish café provided a chance for walkers to get some much-needed sustenance, and residents in Woolley and Englishcombe laid on a dazzling array of cakes to keep morale high.

Among the local teams taking part were a group from Achieve Breakthrough, one of whom, Bella Blazewicz, said: “Everyone is only a few bad choices away from being in a very difficult place, which can often feel very far removed but is actually lurking round the corner. Connecting with nature alongside other people on the walk can give you time to reflect on that”. Another participant, Wendy Keaveney, said “I really enjoyed it and so admire the organisation of the walk! So many walkers said they had discovered many areas of Bath they never even knew existed.”

Event organiser Gavin Osborn was delighted with how many took part: “This walk is such a great way to bring the community together to celebrate this wonderful city in a whole new way. We’ve had fantastic support from families, friends and groups of local businesses such as Theatre Royal, Spring Wharf, personal trainers from Stanza Fitness and the Heart of Bath medical team who provide support for our clients in the hostel.

Speaking about the impact on the charity, Gavin added, “People of all ages took part, whether they completed it all or just did sections. For many it was their first experience of a walk like this and it’s an incredible achievement. It’s the taking part that matters and the money raised will make a huge difference to our clients and staff during a very difficult year”.

On Julian House’s aims, Gavin added “We raised well over £30k, every penny of which will keep our life-saving services running. The money will go towards supporting vulnerable people and children, many of whom are experiencing homelessness or escaping domestic abuse. We put an emphasis on training, skills workshops, and growth development to help people within our care to gain confidence and rebuild their lives.”

Julian House would like to thank everyone who made the event possible including; the 70 tireless volunteers, South West UK Virtual Lions Club, St Gregory’s School, Kingswood

School, Bathscape, Cotswold National Landscape (whose volunteers help signpost the route), Wessex 4x4 Responders, Curiously You for their bath salts, George Inn in Bathampton, staff at the Canal Centre and the wonderful volunteers at Wooley and Oldfield School who hosted their own refreshment stalls.”

Louise Rohan, a walker who completed the full distance, added: “My muscles are suffering now but I’m glad I could do a little something to help Julian House. There is no cause more worthy these days.”

To find out more about the Circuit of Bath Walk and to join the waiting list for next year, head here.