Bill Bryson, back, third from left, joins the walkers at Cape Wrath
A group of Anglo-Americans has embarked on a month-long walk following a route inspired by writer Bill Bryson.
The walkers, from Tanager Wealth Management, are tackling the 916km (569-mile) Bryson Line, from Cape Wrath to Bognor Regis, to raise cash for five charities.
The route represents the longest straight line it’s possible to travel in Britain without crossing any parts of the surrounding seas.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England is among the groups to benefit from the challenge, whose participants aim to raise £100,000. Iowa-born Bryson, who has lived most of his life in the UK, joined the walkers at the start of the venture.
He is a past president of the CPRE.
The group set off on Saturday and, at the time of writing, had reached Lairg in Sutherland. They hope to reach the English south coast on 8 July.
Bill Bryson said: “I’m delighted that 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 that 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.”
CPRE chief executive Crispin Truman said: “We are lucky to have such spectacular walks, trails and diverse landscapes right across our country; they rightfully deserve to be celebrated and enjoyed by all.
“We applaud the efforts of this ambitious group of walkers, and I look forward to joining them for part of the walk through Sussex.
“We’re extremely grateful that Tanager Wealth Management have chosen to support our work and recognise CPRE’s importance and role in protecting our beloved countryside. The money raised will be huge help in ensuring its protection for generations to come.”
The walkers have a target of covering 19 miles a day. Other charities to benefit from their efforts are: Bloodwise; Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children; Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charities, and Papworth Hospital Charity.
Jeffrey Hedges, founding partner of Tanager Wealth Management investment advisers, 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 you live.”
The walkers’ progress can be tracked via the Bryson Line website, where donations can also be made.
