The history of our challenge walks in words and pictures
Up to date financial details and other information about our fundraising activities
Annual financial details of the totals raised from our Walkers and Corporate Sponsors
Information about The Three Peaks Challenge Walk and the surrounding countryside
Information about The Chatsworth Challenge Walk, and the Chatsworth area.
Preparation, Hints & Tips
Handy tips and sound advice for tackling those demanding challenge walks
Some interesting features associated with our walks
Information about us and why we raise the sponsored funds
All the other bits we couldn’t fit in anywhere else
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chatsworthchallenge.com and threepeakschallenge.com are organisers of sponsored challenge walks to raise money for the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund in support of nominated charities to fund cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Total funds raised so far
£197,708.98
including... ThreePeaksChallenge
The four charities we currently represent. All of the money raised on our walks go to the four listed cancer charities to fund the research, prev-ention, and treatment of cancer.
More information >>
2014 Walk : Chatsworth Challenge
chatsworthchallenge.com are organisers of fund raising challenge walks in support of the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund to raise monies for nominated charities in support of cancer research, prevention, and treatment.
Page Acknowledgements
Text : Philip Lynskey : Gerard Mitchell
Images : Philip Lynskey ; Gerard Mitchell : Dave Broadhurst
© www.chatsworthchallenge.com
fund total raised to date after current walk year
As the sun rose at 04.43 hrs on June 21st 2014 many of the 22 mile walkers were already on their way to the meeting point in Baslow village for the 06.00 hrs start of the 12th annual Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund sponsored walk. Just over 5 hours later the second ‘wave’ of walkers would gather to set off on their 9 mile walk.
Their combined efforts (and those of their valued sponsors, and also our corporate sponsors) would raise another excellent sponsorship total of £8,586.55 for the 2014 walk, and since our inaugural walk in 2003, the accumulated fund total now stands at a remarkable £144,912.51. In that time, every
Each year we donate specific allocations to the charities we support from the total funds raised from the annual sponsored walk.
This is currently 30% to each of the three main cancer charities, and 10% to the Oesophageal Patients Association.
1. The 11.15 hrs Start for the 9 Mile Walkers
What a great turn-out for the start of the 9 mile walk; it looks like a perfect blend of youth and experience. Charlie the black lab (the one tethered to Andrew
1. The Class of 2014. The 9 Milers gather at Baslow for their 11.15 am start. (click to enlarge)
2. Emily, Nora, and Laura on the path up to Pilsey
(click to enlarge)
‘get out of mi way Tracy, I’m having mi photo taken’ Sutcliffe) doesn’t look too wild about having his photo taken, but everyone else seems to be smiling and ready for the flag to drop.
I think we’d better keep an eye on the youngsters, I suspect they’ll be flagging in 8 miles or so!
2. Emily, Nora, and Laura on the path up to Pilsey
Emily, Laura & Nora are making the steep path up to Pilsey look easy. Maybe they know what they will find at the top? Just look at the riot of Hemlock, Buttercups, Cowslips, Hogwarts and Campion trying to take over the path... Marvellous!
3. Some of the walkers take time to rest and refuel the dogs. (click to enlarge). That ever ready Yorkshire Building Services, and Chatsworth Challenge champion hill walker Dave Broadhurst, takes time out from his countryside rambling to do a spot of fishing in the pub beer garden.
4. Dave, Carmel, and Emily on the Pilsey path (click to enlarge)
5. The walkers take a very short break (!!) from their route to have a quick drink. (click to enlarge)
3. Time to rest and refuel the dogs
With the fields above Hassop as a backdrop, this looks as good a spot as any for a spot of light refreshment. Marie and Mark look to be re-fuelling their dog Peppa, while Dave’s dog Bracken has made a quick exit stage left.
4. Dave, Carmel, and Emily on the Pilsey path
We’re back on the Pilsey path where Emily and Carmel seem to be taking everything in their stride. On the other hand Dave looks to be either camera-shy, or just about ready to plunge face-first into the previously mentioned riot of wild flowers.
6. A quick stop for a photo on the outskirts of Edensor. (click to enlarge)
7. Mark, Dave, and Andy prove that ‘Beer does make us happy! (click to enlarge)
6. On the outskirts of Edensor
With approximately 7½ miles behind them this group has now reached the picturesque village of Edensor (who can spot The Hunting Tower in the far background?). The photographer had to move the ‘Please Keep Off The Grass’ sign to get this shot, but I’m sure the 12th Duke of Devonshire won’t mind. As previously predicted the youngsters look to be flagging now where an old hand like Dave looks as though he could set off and go round again. This year Darren has brought his daughter Talia and their dog Indi along for company.
7. Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy.
Walk regulars Mark, Dave & Andy doing what they do best, and making it look like a stroll in the park. No complaints here lads, you’ve earned it. (GM)
(A rather dull footnote to the quotation “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy”, is that regrettably, this is a misquote. There is no evidence to suggest that Benjamin Franklin ever said this.
5. More drinking, less walking!
The nine milers have traditionally enjoyed a nice beer garden and to be fair this does look like a very nice beer garden; the Eyre Inn if I’m not mistaken. Tracy has managed to get in shot at Andrew’s expense this time, while 9 Mile Walk Leader Stella has also made time for a quick glass of coke before heading off again.
Franklin did write the words, "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy". Poetic words indeed Mr Franklin, but in truth, I think we all prefer the erroneous beer misquote!) (PL)
How many men does it take to get a walk underway? These things don’t plan themselves you know. Here we see Gerard dispensing valuable information (marching orders?) to Phil, Howard, Brian and Martin to assist them through the day. (click to enlarge)
1.The 22 Mile Start
It’s a decent morning weather-wise as the 22 milers assemble for the start. The faces are a mixture of the joys of spring and the dentist’s chair; I suppose 06-00 hrs is an
1. The traditional team photo of the 22 mile walkers as they prepare for their 06.00 hrs start (click to enlarge)
early start. For Danielle, Sarah, Brian, and Howard it is their first experience of the Chatsworth Challenge so it is very good to have the newcomers on board. Right, let’s get moving.
2. Bubnell to Hassop Hall
What a pleasure to be out on a morning like this. This narrow back-road from Bubnell to Hassop Hall with its fields, trees and barns is always a pleasure to walk. It certainly feels special this time of the morning when it is car-free. The walk has already got strung out leaving the three amigos bringing up the rear. As always, it isn’t a race it’s all about enjoying your day in the marvellous countryside.
3. Louise in the Headstone Tunnel
One of the key features of this year’s walk is the section through the recently opened Headstone Tunnel. When the railway line was closed in the mid-sixties all the tunnels were sealed off leaving access only available for maintenance purposes. The tunnel is now open for the use of cyclists and walkers alike though it does maintain a very austere character due to the subdued lighting. Louise’s yellow shirt is attracting the light but the rest of the photo is a fairly accurate indication of conditions within the 500 plus yard tunnel.
2. A trail of walkers line along the Bubnell to Hassop Hall narrow back road. (click to enlarge)
3. Louise stops to pose for a photo in the recently opened Headstone Tunnel. (click to enlarge)
5. Mark, Kathryn, Louise and Dean make a quick stop on the Ballcross hairpin. (click to enlarge)
4. Headstone Viaduct (photo taken from the Monsal Head car park. (click to enlarge)
6. End of proceedings, and another fundraising walk is completed. (click to enlarge)
4. The Magnificent Headstone Viaduct
Coming out of the tunnel you immediately walk onto Headstone Viaduct, and what a contrast it is. This photograph is taken from the Monsal Head car park which is one of the most visited viewpoints in the Peak District. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area and there is usually an ice cream man plus a café and a pub/restaurant right on hand if you are in need of refreshment. However, I cannot guarantee you sunshine like this though.
5. Ballcross Hairpin
Ballcross hairpin is halfway up the last climb of the 22 mile walk. The heat of the day looks to be taking its toll on Mark, Kathryn, Louise and Dean but they are not too far away now from the downward incline into Edensor and then Chatsworth House. Looking beyond Dean you can just make out Bakewell in the distance below and then gauge the height of this final climb.
6. End of proceedings
There isn’t much in the line of drinks on the table so I can only assume that Louise is inside procuring refills while Eddie remains behind the camera. That is the end of proceedings for another year for this group, but I’d be very much surprised if they’re not back in the starting line-up in 2015. (GM)
penny of the sponsorship money raised in our walks has been donated to our four nominated cancer charities.
As you will see from the photos below, the 22 mile walk is for our more ardent walkers, most of whom return year after year, and who prefer a true walking challenge around the beautiful countryside of Chatsworth and surrounding areas. In tandem with the 22 mile walk, the 9 mile event, as always, proves to be a great day out for families and friends who wish to take part in this great day out.
Gerard Mitchell, our event organiser, walker, and now official ‘walks reporter’, brings you the events of the day for the twenty two, and nine mile walks (PL)
From Our Charities - 2014
Comments from the Charity Organisations we support
Below is a collection of just some of the many kind comments we have received from the recipient charities we support through the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund. The value of every participant’s work in raising monies for the fund can be readily seen in their thanks.
On behalf of Cancer Research UK I would like to thank you for the very kind donation of £2,575.97 raised at the Chatsworth Challenge on behalf of the Dave Owens and Frank Goodall Memorial Fund. Please pass on my thanks to all those who helped raise such a huge sum. It is very kind of you to support our work at this time.
Simon O'Leary
Head of Volunteer Fundraising
Thank you so much for organising the walk around the grounds of the Chatsworth estate in Derbyshire, and raising £2,575.96 in memory of Dave Owens and Frank Goodall. I hope you had a great day out. Please pass on our thanks to everyone who contributed in this generous gift, and everyone who attended the walk
Alice Talcer
Head of Walks
Thank you so much for supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care's work with your recent donation of £2,575.96 raised at your recent event. Every evening 280 people in the UK will open their front door to a Marie Curie Nurse who has come to help them at the time they need it most. Our care enables cancer patients to stay at home in familiar surroundings with their loved ones as their illness progresses.
Katie Grinter
Community Fundraiser
Oesophageal Patients Assc.
Thank you so much for your donation of £858.66 we have received today, for which we are very grateful. Your contribution will save lives through our awareness campaign for earlier diagnosis, and provide much needed support.
Maggie Robinson
Operations Manager
Note: All pictures depicting children are published with the consent of the parent.
Two of our younger participants make an essential blue lollipop stop! Here’s the Clayton twins, Esme & Anna, are seen setting about a pair of twin ice lollies. The colour looks a bit intense!
And just to prove beyond doubt that they really are blue... Well, we really didn’t see that coming! (click to enlarge)
And finally, the twins look out on their feet don’t they? (click to enlarge)
Clayton twins, Esme and Anna show off their blue lollipops. The colour looks a bit intense! (click to enlarge)
Follow these links to the main areas associated with our event fundraising
If you took part in this year’s walk, and want to take the challenge again, OR...
If you’re reading this for the first time, and wish to take part in our annual walk, click on the following links for more details.
