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Walk The Churn

  • Saturday 9th May 2026

Join Our Fundraising Walk and Support Our Work in the Community

The Churn Community Hub is thrilled to launch Walk the Churn, a new physical challenge to celebrate our 25th anniversary and raise vital funds for our work in the local community. Follow the River Churn along public footpaths and country lanes from its source at Seven Springs, winding through charming villages and across the rolling Cotswold Hills, as you take on up to 25km to our HQ in Cirencester.

With regular checkpoints, refreshment stops, and a convenient bus service, you can choose the distance that suits you – whether you complete the full route or simply enjoy part of the journey. Join us for a day of community, challenge, and celebration while helping to support the work of The Churn Community Hub (formerly The Churn Project).

Sign up here

Walk up to 25km from the source of the River Churn at Seven Springs to Cirencester

Registration for the event is £8 per adult and £4 per child (children must be accompanied on the walk). Dogs are free to enter and you are welcome to bring them along, but please make sure they are under your control at all times as we cannot be held responsible for any incidents. Please register in advance using the link below and then set up your sponsorship page on JustGiving and share it with friends and family to encourage their support. Every penny raised will go directly towards supporting our community services.

As a special thank you for your fundraising efforts:
• Raise £100 (per person if entering as a family or team) and you will receive a commemorative medal.
• Raise £250 (per person if entering as a family or team) and you will receive both a medal and an event t-shirt.

On the day of the walk, a free bus service will depart from Cirencester at 8am to take participants to the start of the route at Seven Springs, kindly provided by Ellisons Coaches. If you prefer, you are welcome to make your own way to the start and register with the starter from 8am.

There will be checkpoints and refreshment stops along the route at The Colesbourne Inn and North Cerney Village Hall. The bus will also stop at these locations, allowing participants who wish to complete a shorter distance to return to Cirencester part-way through the walk.

Sign up here

FAQs

What are you raising money for?
All money raised will go towards The Churn Community Hub, supporting anyone who is lonely, experiencing a crisis or life transition, or facing poverty or mental health challenges.
Do I have to pre-register?
Please pre-register if you can, as it will save time on the day. Pre-registration closes on 7th May and costs £8 per adult and £4 for under 18s. On-the-day entry is £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Are there checkpoints along the way?
Yes. You will be met by a marshal at two points along the route who will check you in. Refreshments will also be available to purchase. The stops are at The Colesbourne Inn and North Cerney Village Hall.
Are there refreshments?
Each checkpoint will have a small selection of drinks and snacks available to buy. In addition, volunteers are providing drinks, soup and cakes at North Cerney Village Hall to raise money for the Village Hall and The Churn—so please support them if you can. There will also be a BBQ at the finish line.
How long will it take?
If you walk the full 25km, we estimate it will take around 6–8 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. It’s not a race, so you can take as long as you need.
What route does it follow?
We have identified a route that roughly follows the River Churn as it winds through the valley towards Cirencester. You will walk along public footpaths and country lanes from Seven Springs to Cirencester.
How far is the walk?
The maximum distance is 25km. If you prefer a shorter walk, we can arrange collection from checkpoints at The Colesbourne Inn (approx. 4 miles) or North Cerney Village Hall (approx. 10 miles). In the event of an emergency, you can also call us for a lift back from any point along the route.
Do I need to be fit to complete the walk?
We recommend completing some training beforehand to build up to the distance.
Where is the start and finish?
The start is at a lay-by in Seven Springs, Cheltenham (postcode GL53 9NG). The finish is at The Churn Community Hub, 14–16 The Waterloo, Cirencester, GL7 2PY.
Is there parking available?
We are unable to provide parking at either the start or finish. We recommend parking in one of the town centre car parks (The Beeches is £3 all day) and using the free bus to reach the start. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport, but please note there is no parking at the start. There is also public transport from Cirencester to Seven Springs—please check the timetable on the Stagecoach website.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome and enter for free. Please ensure they are always under control, as there will be livestock on the route, and that you clean up after them.
What time do I start?
The bus leaves Cirencester at 8:30am. If you are making your own way to the start, please register with the starter between 8:00am and 9:00am before setting off.
How do I get to the start?
We recommend parking in a town centre car park (such as The Beeches) and taking the free bus to the start. Alternatively, you can arrange a lift with friends or family, as there is no parking available at the start. You could also get the number 51 bus from Cirencester to Seven Springs—see the Stagecoach website for details.
Will I get a medal?
If you raise over £100 in sponsorship, you will receive a free medal. If you raise over £250, you will receive a free medal and a T-shirt. These will also be available to purchase on the day, with all profits going to The Churn Community Hub.
Is there a map to follow?
The route is available on OutdoorActive, a free mobile app that works like a sat nav for off-road walking. You can follow the route on the app. We will also provide a paper map with detailed written instructions. You were sent a QR code to download the app and route when you signed up.
What should I wear?
Please wear suitable clothing for long-distance walking. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly—waterproof clothing for wet weather and sun hats and sun cream if it is sunny.
What should I bring?
A fully charged mobile phone and backup power bank are essential. You may also wish to bring a first aid kit and any medication you currently take. A water bottle is a must. Bring cash or a payment card to buy refreshments along the route.
What happens in bad weather?
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. In the case of extreme weather where safety is a concern, we will contact participants in advance with updates.
Is there a minimum age?
Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Do I need to fundraise?
There is no minimum sponsorship requirement, but we encourage everyone to raise as much as they can to support The Churn Community Hub.
Are there toilets along the route?
Toilets are available at North Cerney Village Hall and The Colesbourne Inn. Availability at other points may be limited, so please plan accordingly.
What happens if I get lost?
The route is clearly marked and supported by marshals. We recommend using the OutdoorActive app or the provided map. If you get lost, please contact the event number provided.
Is there a bag drop?
We are unable to provide a bag drop, so please only bring what you can comfortably carry.
What happens at the finish?
At the finish, there will be a BBQ and refreshments, along with a chance to relax and celebrate your achievement.

Event Details

  • Saturday 9th May 2026
Sign up here

More Details

Walk part or all of the route with checkpoints and bus support

Maps and detailed written directions will be available on the day. We have also plotted the route on the Outdooractive app. Once you have signed up, we will provide you with a QR code and map which can guide you along the route.

While we have carried out full risk assessments and the event is fully insured, please remember that participation is at your own risk, and you are responsible for your own health and safety during the walk.

The Churn is committed to making our website accessible to everyone. If you have trouble accessing content or need materials in an alternative format, please contact us at info@thechurn.org.uk or call 01285 380 038. We’re here to help.

The Churn Community Hub Ltd

Registered Office:
14-16 The Waterloo, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 2PY

Registered in England & Wales No. 5672529
Registered Charity No. 1124422

Contact Us

01285 380038
info@thechurn.org.uk

©2025 The Churn Project

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©2025 The Churn Project

PRIVACY POLICY  |  COOKIES