Walk The Churn Raises over £10,000 in Celebration of our 25th Anniversary Year
The Churn Community Hub was thrilled to launch Walk the Churn, a new physical challenge celebrating our 25th anniversary while raising vital funds for our work in the local community. Participants followed 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, taking on distances of up to 25km to our HQ in Cirencester.
With regular checkpoints, refreshment stops and a convenient bus service, walkers were able to choose the distance that suited them – whether completing the full route or enjoying part of the journey. The event brought together people of all ages for a memorable day of community, challenge and celebration, raising over £10,000 to support the work of The Churn Community Hub (formerly The Churn Project).
Thank You to the 130 Walkers and Supporters Who Made Walk the Churn a Huge Success
Walk the Churn was made possible thanks to the generosity and support of our sponsors, volunteers and local community.
On the day, participants travelled from Cirencester to the start of the route at Seven Springs using a free bus service kindly provided by Ellisons Coaches. Walkers were supported throughout the challenge with checkpoints and refreshment stops at The Colesbourne Inn and North Cerney Village Hall, allowing people to take part at a distance that suited them.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who walked, volunteered, donated or sponsored the event. Together, you helped make Walk the Churn a fantastic success, raising over £10,000 to support our community services.
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.
