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The Keswick To Barrow Challenge

Each year hundreds of walkers brave blisters, sore feet and Cumbria’s best and worst weather to walk the 40 miles from Keswick in the north of the county to Barrow–in-Furness in the south, all in aid of Cumbrian charities.

The route originated in 1966 as a result of a statement made by the late US President, John F Kennedy to the effect that “every American should be capable of walking 50 miles a day”. At this time the first Polaris Submarine - HMS Resolution was being built at the shipyard in Barrow and several American experts were resident in the area assisting with the project. In 1967 the Submarines Installation Manager formally challenged the Commanding Officer of HMS Resolution to form a team and walk from Keswick to Barrow. The event has taken place every year since.

One of our regular volunteers John Stevens and his friend take part each year. They start training for the challenge in early February slowly building up the miles in preparation for May. John says, “The atmosphere is great and everyone is really friendly. It is people from all walks of life getting together and doing something positive.”

This year £180,259 was raised and the proceeds distributed to 187 charities across Cumbria and we have been lucky to receive £500 which will go towards providing nest boxes for tawny and barn owls and will help with our ongoing monitoring of British owls.

The K2B website can accessed here

World Owl Trust Registered Charity Number: 1107529 Limited Company Number: 5296745

The World Owl Trust is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Trust relies on a dedicated membership, visitors, donations and legacies.