So you spent the winter and spring picking out pieces of trekking gear, replacing old battered boots and rucksacks and getting everything ready when you realise that apart from some local walking you aren’t sure where to go, well here’s a couple of ideas that will get you out and about and do some good for others at the same time. Sign up for a charity walk.

Charity walks take place across the UK and both big and small organisations are involved. Last weekend saw The East Cheshire Hospice, based in Macclesfield, organise its ‘Silver Starlight Stomp’. A 10km walk staring at midnight, out to Gawsworth and back, with the appropriately named Dark Lane being closed to traffic for the event.

The British Heart Foundation runs (or should be walks) a series of charity walks throughout the year which vary in distance and distance around the UK and internationally too. One taking place this year, September 22nd to be exact, is a ten mile walk along Hadrian’s Wall. They help with training guides before the event and there is always a little something for you at the finish to thank you for your endeavours.

Alternatively sign up to the Thames Path Challenge in September and take your choice of 25, 50 or 100km routes to be undertaken and make some money for the charity of your choice. They do have lots of nominated charities to choose from, but everyone has their own favourite. Maybe you want more of a challenge then sign up for events including climbing Kilimanjaro, walking The Inca Trail and many more.

Use the internet and you will soon find something that you want to conquer. So remember to use your trekking gear in all your training before hand and make sure you are ready for the commitment, as you will be raising money to help others, and you don’t want to let them down.