Posted on May 20, 2025

Gill is a member of the Peterborough branch of the Soroptimist Society who support a variety of projects and charities that focus on empowering and enabling the lives of women and girls. She is also a volunteer at the Garden House where she serves hot food, drinks and talk to the guests who need help.

In particular recognition of those women who are living on the streets and experiencing homelessness in Peterborough, Gill wanted to raise money for LPP but in particular Street Chaplaincy as their work follows the values and ethos of the Soroptimist Society. Gill’s target is to raise at least £1,000.

To reach her target, Gill will be taking on hikes located in several locations including the Lake District, the Shropshire hills and valleys, the North Yorkshire Moors and the five inhabited islands of the Isles of Scilly, and she aims to walk 130 miles. This will be achieved over four separate walking weeks, taking three days to complete in each area.

North Yorkshire Moors

I was particularly looking forward to walking in the North Yorkshire Moors because I love all that purple heather, the huge expanse of moorland, , with miles and miles of disused railway tracks, as reminders of its industrial past. Also, you can’t go to Yorkshire and not have Whitby fish and chips, the freshest fish ever, with lots of salt and vinegar. You can’t beat it!

If you’re into geology and fossil hunting, then this particular walk that I did from Staithes to Sandsend, around 18 kilometres, is the place for you; it doesn’t take much, unfortunately, with coastal erosion, and the huge boulder clay cliffs around here to reveal remains of reptiles and ammonites, but for me, it was all about being out in the open, with all that fresh air, and appreciating the moment.

I loved walking in the sunshine, and as long as I have my head covered, sunglasses on, litres of water, and the promise of a pub, somewhere near the end, then I am a happy walker.

It was 11 miles, and 1,250 feet, starting at the Hole of Horcum and ending up on The Bridestones rocks. These are made of sandstone and have been sculpted into shapes. Some of them have names, like the Pepper Pot.

What I love about long distance walking is the sense of freedom, and my mind is completely emptied of day-to-day stuff, and I definitely get into my zone. 

This morning, I am going to go up to Goathland (Heartbeat country, and a famous ‘Harry Potter station’ apparently) where an 11 mile walk on open moorland awaits.

So, a very enjoyable few  days in good ‘ol Yorkshire Moors, and a promise to myself, as usual, to return in the not too distant future.