MUDDY paths and soggy ground made a festive walk a wellies-only affair for the Knowle and Dorridge Lions.
The Lions’ annual Festive Walk around Baddesley Clinton was hampered by wet ground, but the fundraisers succeeded in raising almost £6000 for local causes.
The charity said: “After months of planning the routes for the Festive Walk on December 27, trying to avoid the muddy paths and fields and opening a second car park at Hay Wood, organisers Knowle and Dorridge Lions announced the walks were only suitable for wellington boots.
“Even bright and dry weather on the day could not detract from the prospect of such muddy conditions which, understandably, were enough to discourage walkers from tackling the longer routes and put off many of our regular walkers.
“By the end of the day we had welcomed nearly 1,400 walkers and dogs who donated close to £6,000 for Solihull Hospital Charity, CLIC Sargent and local causes.”
Organiser James Dawes said: “Numbers were down on recent years, but we were not surprised, we cannot remember the footpaths and fields around Baddesley Clinton being quite so muddy in any of the previous 26 walks.
“Many of our walkers take part every December and were determined to walk whatever the conditions even if they did not walk as far as they would have liked. We hope that some of those who did not make it may like to make a donation to our worthy causes via our website knowleanddorridgelions.com/donations.
“We also hope for drier conditions for next December to encourage walkers back.”
