Based in the Southeast? Why not tackle the Thames Path
Your journey starts at Cheltenham Town FC, in the heart of the picturesque cotswolds, before you make your way to Cirencester and the source of the Thames. From here you can hike the Thames Path, Europe’s longest riverwalk, initially travelling through Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire to arrive at the home of Oxford United FC. From Oxford, this unique trail takes you past Reading FC and on to London. Once arriving at Teddington Lock, you can begin the final leg of your journey, taking in Brentford, Fulham, Chelsea and Millwall, before arriving at your destination of The Valley, home to Charlton Athletic. The appley named stadium will bring to a close your 3-4 week hike through the Thames Valley. This momentous challenge may break your step counter with over 180 miles to cover, but with Walk92 behind you, your spirit will stay intact throughout.
Northern and proud? There’s a host of options in the historic home of football.
Walk in the footsteps of the Romans by rambling over 70 miles of Hadrian’s Wall. In just over a week, you could cut across the country following a route nearly 2000 years old. Initially revelling in promotion at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, you can then climb the hill to St James’ Park and commence on your journey from the Northeast to the Northwest. This historic endeavour concludes in the beating heart of the Lake District, allowing you to finish your walk in Cumbria’s capital Carlisle and share a pint whilst bemoaning where things went wrong this season.
Alternatively, why not re-enact further rivalries from history by crossing the divide which witnessed the War of the Roses. A round trip encompassing the Peak District and the Pennines could be tackled in either a fortnight or over a whole month, depending how many powerhouses of northern football you visit. Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and back would cover over 150 miles of iconic footballing heritage, unparalleled on any of the journeys described so far.
Fancy a more relaxed route? Two weeks roaming the Leeds – Liverpool Canal, bypassing the mainstream Lancastrian teams, will allow you to immerse yourself in 400 years of one-club town history in Blackburn, Burnley and Wigan.
Live by the Sea? Even more reason to traverse this coastal route.
Starting your journey at the home of Plymouth Argyle, you can begin a 200-mile trek, tracing the outline of the UK along the South Coast, absorbing the great expanse which is the English Channel. Taking between two and three weeks, this walk allows you to tip-toe the history of the Devon Derby, arriving at (the smaller but no less impressive) St James’ Park. Eventually you will wrap up your experience at Bournemouth AFC, soaking in Dean Court, an 11,000 seater stadium which this season narrowly missed out on hosting European football for the first time in their history.
England not for you? Look what’s next door!
Embark on an unforgettable 100 mile journey basking in the stunning Welsh coastline over just 10 days. Inspired by the spirit of 2016, this route encourages you to set rivalries aside and walk together as a nation, tracing the path of Welsh clubs through the English Football League. Commence a moving tribute to Welsh football in the Championship, exploring Swansea City’s Premier League and European legacy. From there, head to the vibrant Welsh capital of Cardiff, the beating heart of the Red Wall, where lesser seen League One action next season will undoubtedly fuel a city steeped in footballing passion. Then continue your journey east to League Two’s Newport County, a club whose modest profile belies a deep resilience and proud history. While Wrexham may be stealing the limelight, the rise of Rodney Parade tells a quieter, perhaps more authentic, story of revival and belief. If you want to make it a round trip, why not head back to Abertawe through the Valleys, stopping off in Merthyr Tydfil to join in the celebrations of a remarkable fan owned club who just stormed the Southern League Premier South Division, embarking on a 32-game unbeaten run to take one step closer to joining The 92.
Now it’s in your hands
Joining in with Walk92 doesn’t mean you have to tackle something unimaginable, it could be meandering around London, crossing the River Trent from Forest to Notts or even strolling through Stanley Park one last time before Everton relocate. However, if you think you’re ready to take on a challenge to raise money and awareness for organisations which showcase the best of football’s community impact, why not embrace one of these suggested treks. You’ll have the support of the whole Walk92 family so perhaps this is the time to do something which you’ll never forget!
To sign up and start planning your walk, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/walk92.