MORE than £2,000 was raised from a walk in aid of Dunterton Church near Launceston on Sunday, October 16.

Set in a field between Greystone Bridge and Milton Abbot on the drive between Launceston and Tavistock, and set above the loop in the River Tamar of Dunterue Wood, the river walk has become an annual event that has been enjoyed by so many people coming from as far as Plymouth and Bude.

The walk first started over 20 years ago, organised by the parish wardens as a means of raising funds to support the upkeep and maintenance of the church. The landowners along with the farmland, forest and river managers supported the idea that walkers would be able to walk this special part of West Devon in support of the church.

There have been changes to the route over the years which have made the route shorter, more varied, and allowing the walkers to start and finish at Dunterton Church.

Churchwarden John Spensley was delighted with how it went, telling the Post: “The weather is probably the most important requirement for an event like this –and for the last two years this has been fantastic. “People do look forward to the walk returning year after year, however the publicity from social media does bring many new faces to the event.

“Walking the well-signed route took about two hours with some completing in about an hour and a half. This year we counted 369 people starting the walk and the teas, cakes and BBQ were a welcome break about three quarters of the way round.

“For the first time this year we held a short service in the church, however, it probably would have been better to hold this before the walk started and not during it.”

John admits the money is much-needed.

He said: “The monies raised have been a lifeline to the church where in the recent past the building has been reroofed and some of the timber renewed.

“Today there is a wish list of requirements that need attention including to redress and improve the pathways, to continue repointing some of the internal walls with lime mortar and to manage the flow of rainwater off the roof which currently runs onto one of the walls. As ever, the event was well-attended.”

John added: “The Dunterton community are extremely grateful and appreciate all the support and help they have received in making the walk such a success.

“This has been a real team effort from an extended community with so much being done to support the church and make a great day out for all those who walk.

“Without the real collective support from all the different landowners and their farm, forest, and river managers, this would not be possible. Stock must be moved, access managed and maintained as there are other users of this area. “Finally, a huge thank you to all the walkers who came to Dunterton and gave so generously. The feedback received from the land management, the community and the walkers during the day all expressed their appreciation for making the event such a success.”