WELCOME TO MY WAENDEL WALK PAGE


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Waendel Logo

Location

A settlement was first sited on the banks of the River Nene by the Anglo Saxon leader Waendel. This town was to grow and develop into the Wellingborough of today. As such, it is a town of great history with plenty for the tourist to see. I also notice that someone on an American site has described the route of the walk as very English!


How to get there

Being located in the heart of England, there are numerous road links and there is a direct rail link to London. If travelling from the north, then it is slightly more awkward as there are not too many services, but the best route is probably via Sheffield. More extensive information will be posted here in advance of the 1998 event.


What is the Waendel Walk?

The walk was originally organised by Bill Greenwood, a private citizen and well known in the international walking community. 490 walkers took part in the first event in 1979 and the event has steadily grown each year. In 1989 the value of the walk was officially recognised by the borough council who took over the administration and control of the walk in 1989.

Over the following few years the walk grew further but there were also a number of problems. The organisation was not all that it could be and a lack of volunteer helpers meant that the routes could not be adequately manned. This led to quite a few walkers getting lost and all sorts of similar problems. I personally knew a few overseas visitors who were dissapointed and could not honestly recommend the walk to anyone unless they really wanted the English IML award.

However, over the last couple of years the quality and standard of the walk has improved enormously and it is now of equal quality to most of the European events. In 1996 a mini-walk was organised on the Friday night for the first time, with over 700 participants. For the weekend walks a total of 4,500 people took part, representing over a dozen countries. In 1997 cycling routes were also introduced and there is a swimming marathon over the weekend as well.

One important point for UK walkers in particular is the date of the event. Organising the national walk on the same day as the English FA Cup football final probably ensures a lower turnout from the male population than could be possible!


Distances

Distances covered are either 15, 25 or 42 km a day over one or two days. To receive an IML award you only need to complete the 25 km route each day.

There are different medals awarded for those taking part in just one or both days, the two day medal being larger. However, the one day medals are just as smart and it is possible to choose a 25 km walk on the Saturday and a 42 km walk on the Sunday. Not only will you get two medals and qualify for the IML award, you can also easily make it to the finish in time to watch the football (note to Americans - real football, not the sort you lot play where you use your hands most of the time and dress up like spacemen to prevent cuts and bruises)! Unusually, you have until 1900 in the evening to complete the walk, ensuring that it is possible to take it easy and stop off at some of the many public houses along the route.

On the Friday there is a Friendship walk of 1.2 km or 10 km at 1830. On the Saturday evening there is also a special swim at the local swimming pool.


How do I take part?

For more details and an entry form, contact:

Alternative contact:

Saunby Leisure Centre has a web site with information about the Waendel Walk. They also have details on organised trips to other IML events, including special discounts for Blankenberge. The site is at http://www.saunbyleisure.co.uk/Waendelweekend.htm


Accommodation

There are plenty of cheap hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. For those on a tight budget there is accommodation at the nearby Redwell Leisure Centre. This used to be the start and finish point but, fortunately, this has moved to the Castle closer to the town centre. There is free transport to and from the leisure centre at the start and end of each day. Camping is also a possibility.

Due to the current security situation, this is predominately a civilian walk and no special provision is made for military teams or individuals. As such, this is one of the few IML walks where you are unlikely to see British military teams in uniform. Overseas teams can wear uniform if they desire.


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