Charity walkers step out on the Bryson Line

The walkers are following the Bryson Line – a route created by writer Bill Bryson as the longest straight line you can travel in the UK without crossing any part of the sea.

Tomorrow, the group, from Tanager Wealth Management, is due to complete one of the most scenic stretches of the Pennine Way, south of Bellingham, following the line of the Roman Wall along the top of the Whin Sill, taking in Hotbank Crags with Crag Lough below and passing other iconic features like Sycamore Gap on their way to a lunch break at Steel Rigg.

The walk, from Cape Wrath in Scotland to Bognor Regis on the south coast, is in aid of four health charities and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Colin Adsley, acting chairman of CPRE Northumberland, said: “This is an excellent way of raising money while enjoying the beauties of the British countryside and we are delighted to welcome them to Northumberland.”

The walk is taken from the prologue of Bryson’s book The Road to Little Dribbling: More Notes From a Small Island.

Jeffrey Hedges, of Tanager, said: “We chose to support the Campaign to Protect Rural England because, like Bill Bryson, we see the countryside as one of our adopted home’s most glorious achievements and one of the best things about living here.

“We wholeheartedly support CPRE’s vision for a beautiful, thriving countryside that benefits everyone no matter where they live.”

As one of the beneficiaries, along with four health charities, CPRE has been supporting the walk from day one and members of the local branch will be turning up to encourage the walkers as they pass through Northumberland.

Meanwhile, CPRE works the year round to protect the beauty of Northumberland and indeed every county in England, from threats to its treasured and finite countryside.

Bill Bryson said: ”I’m delighted the Bryson Line has inspired Tanager’s team to explore this particularly pleasurable cross-section of their adopted homeland.

“It’s even more gratifying to know they will be walking to raise funds for five excellent charities, including the Campaign to Protect Rural England, an organisation that has worked tirelessly to protect the landscapes along the route for the enjoyment of all.”

For more information and how to donate, visit http://www.thebrysonline.com and to find out more about CPRE Northumberland, including how to join, go to http://northumberland.cprelocalgroups.org.uk