NORTHERN Echo readers are being invited to take part in a 100-mile walk along the Teesdale Way.

Participants can complete all or a part of the walk, which is being organised by the paper’s cricket and rugby correspondent, Tim Wellock, who plans to begin the trek on October 30.

Mr Wellock said the aim is to walk about six hours a day at an average speed of two and a half miles an hour.

“Whether people wish to walk one mile or the whole hundred they can treat is a sociable stroll or a fund-raising challenge for a charity of their choice”, he said.

The walk will initially follow the Pennine Way from Dufton, three miles north of Appleby, as the source of the Tees, on Cross Fell, is inaccessible.

The first 14 miles to Langdon Beck, will be the toughest, taking in some spectacular landmarks like High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout.

And if there is sufficient interest, transport could be arranged to Dufton, as well as accommodation at the Langdon Beck Hotel or the nearby youth hostel.

On the second day (Saturday, October 31) the plan is to do 15 miles to Romaldkirk, probably with an hour's lunchtime halt at Middleton-in-Teesdale.

“After three days we'll be at Gainford and I plan to take a day's break then to allow aching limbs and blisters to recover,” Mr Wellock added.

The group will then press on to Teesmouth over the following four days covering Hurworth, Yarm, and the big Sockburn loop.

Day six will cover 13 miles to Middlesbrough before finishing with an 11-mile jaunt to South Gare breakwater.

“In its upper and middle reaches the Tees is a beautiful river and I'd be surprised if there are any finer stretches in England than that around High and Low Force,” Mr Wellock said.

“Walking the full Teesdale Way is something that is rarely heard of and it probably deserves greater recognition.

“The river starts and ends in sites of special scientific interest, offering a huge contrast between wild moorland and heavy industry.

“And then there are the bridges from the delightful Lynch Bridge at Low Force to the Newport and Transporter Bridges.”

He added: “It's something I've wanted to do for a while and now that I'm semi-retired in winter I have the time and I need to get it done while I'm hopefully still fit enough.”

A detailed itinerary will be drawn up later if there is sufficient interest from people wishing to join in along the route.

If you are interested in taking part email timwellock@aol.com