In context I think they mean why the 250 miles, rather than why the charity walk.
Here are some reasons why we're doing it....
Time
It's going to take 12 days to complete a journey that can be done in under 3 hours by train, or under 4 hours by car. It's a journey we've both done many times by car and train (we both have family and friends in Totnes so we go there a few times a year). We both wanted to take "time out" from the pace of London living and do a trip which forces us to slow right down to only the speed our bodies can naturally carry us. The journey becomes the destination.
People
We have already met some amazing people through organising the walk. We've had offers of accommodation and practical help (see our post on Ways You Can Help if you're able to get involved). Though much of the walk will be on our own, we're sure it will be punctuated by meeting other walkers and great people along the way - it's part of the adventure.
Places
This walk will give us a new appreciation of the places between London and Totnes. We usually zoom straight through and don't have much idea about what lies between. When you walk you see and learn infinitely more. We're going to get to see places we never would have otherwise been to. Check out our Route Plan.
To tread lightly on the planet
Doing something like this walk is quite self-indulgent. But it'll be a reminder that perhaps we don't need an increasingly fuel-guzzling and unsustainable way of life, moving us around at faster speeds. We've both got green tendancies and the walk will hopefully inspire us to take a more active role in working towards a more environmentally sustainable way of life, both individually and out in the wider community.
Challenge
Neither of us are experienced long-distance walkers. Doing something outside of the comfort zone and as a test of endurance is a great challenge. Sometimes it's important to simply drop all the "baggage" of everyday life and step into a different world for a few days. In our case it's 12 days of steady walking which in itself is a physical challenge, but we've also got to try not to get lost (which for us is probably the biggest challenge!).
Giving back
It's a bit of a cliche, but the ultimate reason for the walk is we wanted to "give something back". We're raising money for 2 fantastic charities which have helped us and our families in the recent past. It's only fair that when we have drawn upon their resources that we draw upon our's to repay them and to ensure that others can benefit from the things the charities provide. Read more about our charities and why we're supporting them on the Charities page.
If you'd like to sponsor our walk please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/walktotnes and donate what you can.
