Published 02-04-2012
Our longest serving sales executive, Ian Greene will be competing in his 3rd Keswick 2 Barrow walk. Keeping him company this year will be our Managing Director David Cox and his wife Debbie Cox. Our Group Sales Director Geoff Stothert, and his wife Sarah Stothert.
The Keswick to Barrow Walk is a sponsored stroll through some of the country’s finest landscapes. The route starts on the southern side of the lake district town of Keswick and winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery to the Victorian town of Barrow in Furness on the coast of the Irish Sea.
The route takes in some of the finest Cumbrian landscapes from the peaceful banks of Thirlmere at the foot of Helvellyn, winding up and over Dunmail Raise and down through the beautiful villages of Grasmere and Elterwater. From there the walk passes Yew Tree Tarn before reaching the head of Coniston Water, where the quiet east bank of the lake is followed. There are fine views of Coniston Old Man as the route passes Brantwood, the former home of the Lakeland poet John Ruskin, then continues through the tranquil village of Nibthwaite before arriving in Lowick.
The most challenging part of the walk is the progressive ascent up Kirkby Moor to the highest point of the route from where breathtaking views of the Furness Peninsula can be gained, out across Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea. The route then descends through the village of Marton into the historical town of Dalton before reaching the finish on the outskirts of Barrow-in-Furness. Weather and injuries permitting, Ian will be hoping to beat last year's excellent time of 10 hours 11 minutes. Ian will also be using the gruelling 40 mile walk to raise funds for the Northwest Air Ambulance.
For walkers and runners alike, the Keswick to Barrow Challenge offers the opportunity to experience the many and varied lakeland landscapes whilst realising a significant personal achievement, and raising funds for worthy causes. The realisation of this achievement is clearly evident as finishers soak up the terrific atmosphere upon reaching the finish.