Want to get fit and help raise money for a good cause? A unique walking trail linking the West Essex area awaits
The Accuro 50 is a 50-mile, long distance walking route in West Essex conceived to link the whole region, from Loughton to Saffron Walden, where Accuro runs services. The idea of the Accuro 50 is to raise the profile of the charity, and encourage support through challenge sponsorship.
The Accuro 50 challenge walk largely follows the established long distance routes The Forest Way, The Flitch Way, Harcamlow Way and the Saffron Trail and leads you through some of the best walking in the area. The section on the Flitch Way is fully accessible to wheelchairs and buggies so everyone can take part in some way.
The route can be walked in either direction and in sections of any length of your choice. Highlights will include heading across both Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest; unspoilt villages and thriving small towns; a homage to the Countess of Warwick, Edwardian socialite and socialist; beside the tranquil River Chelmer from Tilty to Thaxted; and Audley End, one of England’s grandest stately homes
Accuro (Care Services) celebrated a successful launch event for the ‘Accuro 50’ at Redchurch Brewery in Harlow. The evening kicked off with presentations from Matthew Punshon, Chair of Trustees and Sue Fishpool, Fundraising Manager at Accuro, who talked through the challenge, the inspiration and ideas that bought the Accuro 50 to life and how supporters can get involved.
Also speaking were Peter Aylmer of Trailman Publications, who put together and published the Accuro 50 Route Guide, and Accuro 50 challenger Simon Dewhurst, who was the first to take on the Route in October 2021 as part of the planning process.
During his speech about his experience walking the 50 Mile Accuro 50 Route across three days, Simon told the crowd: “This was quite a challenge, but it was a wonderful three days. I honestly believe with a bit of planning and training, almost anyone could do it. You get amazing views and get to see a lot of the beautiful countryside that you maybe don’t even know is on your own doorstep.”
Daniel Galati, Manager Director at Mullucks, added: “As supporters of Accuro, there was never any question we’d be involved in Accuro 50. It covers our patch, so we will be putting in a team to either walk it in relay, or some of our braver colleagues will be taking on the whole walk. A great challenge that will raise awareness of the services Accuro offer and raise all important funds.”
Talking after the event, Sue Fishpool says: “We’re delighted to launch the Accuro 50, a 50-mile, long distance walking route in West Essex conceived to link the whole region, from Loughton to Saffron Walden, where Accuro runs services. The idea of the Accuro 50 is to raise the profile of the charity, and encourage support through challenge sponsorship.”
Accuro is a small charity supporting local children, young people and adults with disabilities in West Essex by providing services that are fun, safe and inclusive. These services reduce social isolation and empower members by providing accessible social and leisure opportunities that allow members to develop life skills, gain confidence and self-esteem and make friends.
For more information about the Accuro 50 Challenge, or to purchase the route guide, visit accuro.org.uk/50. The guide costs £8 and all proceeds go directly to Accuro. The Accuro 50 Route Guide is the comprehensive guide to the Accuro 50 and includes detailed route guidance with useful alternatives and professionally-drawn maps
