Walk the Soothend in Solidarity With Folk From Gaza

Walk the Soothend in Solidarity With folk From Gaza

18 months ago we walked in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for peace in the region. Sadly, since this time the conflict has escalated, many 10s of thousands more people have lost their lives, Gaza is in a state of emergency. Disease and famine rife and the society is barely functioning. We are walking, once again, to raise money and awareness and show our solidarity with those that are suffering acutely in the region. We ask you to join us on this walk for peace or support us by making a donation.

To make a donation please visit our go fund me page.

All funds raised will go to The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and The Green Olive Collective in Israel.

The Route

Over the course of the conflict thousands of people have had to make the treacherous journey from Gaza City to Rafah, often on foot, with scarce access to food and water. The walk route we have chosen mirrors the length of this walk. We walk in solidarity with these folk, to raise money to ease their suffering, and to support peace, justice and security for all in the region.

Join Us

The walk is designed so people can join for the whole thing or any of the 3 sections. It is also possible for people to walk a much shorter stretch, please discuss this with the walk organisers, details at the bottom.

Section 1.

INTERMEDIATE

Sumburgh – Bigton (Approx: 10.5 miles - 5 hours)

Time: 06:00 - 11:00

Location: Sumburgh Head Lighthouse, Visitor Centre & Nature Reserve

Arriving by Car

If arriving by car it may be possible to match walkers coming from the same area so that one driver can drive down and others can then provide a lift at the end of the day/following day, to collect the car. This (or other solutions) can be facilitated through joining the walk’s WhatsApp Group.

Arriving by Bus

A bus leaves the Viking Bus Station in Lerwick at 5:30 am arriving at the Sumburgh Hotel at 06:25. If you are arriving by bus you will be able to join the main walk as the group descend from Sumburgh Lighthouse between 6:45-7:00am

Refreshments

We’ll be arriving in Bigton at 11:00 where we will be able to have tasty treats from the Bigton Weekend Bakery. Please bring additional cheese/dips/fruit/veggies to share with this meal.

Section 2.

DIFFICULT

Bigton – Wester Quarff (Approx: 11.5 miles - 6 hours)

Time: 11:00 - 17:30

This is the most challenging section of the walk. There is NO footpath. The walk will be undulating and we will be orienteering over / around 5 to 6 hills, in total ascending around 2000 ft. The ground will be boggy, uneven and flooded in parts.

Walking a Shorter Stretch

For those wishing to walk a shorter section of the route please join us for the Bigton to Maywick section of the route and loop back round to Bigton as the main group ascend on to the hills.

Arriving by Car

If arriving by car it may be possible to match walkers coming from the same area. Again, this (or other solutions) can be facilitated through joining the walk’s WhatsApp Group.

Arriving by Bus

A bus leaves Lerwick at 10:45 arriving at Channerwick Junction at 11:19. The connection to Bigton is 1 min later at 11:20. If you are planning to come by bus and miss this connection please let us know we may be able to give folk a lift down to Bigton.

Refreshments

Please make sure you have enough food and water with you to last for 6-7 hours.

If you wish to leave the walk at this section please liaise with others on the group chat as lifts can be made available to get back to Lerwick and other destinations, at this point.

Section 3

EASY

Wester Quarff – Lerwick (Approx: 6.5 miles - 3 hours)

Time: 18:00 - 21:00

The final section of the walk takes the group back to Lerwick via Gulberwick. A small section of this route is along the main road, in the dark. High visibility clothing, arm bands or lights are advised for this section.

Parking

Parking is available outside Quarff Hall, which you can find by taking the road to Wester Quarff and you will find it on the right-hand side.

We will end the walk at Market Cross around 21:00 and have a group photo. Participants on earlier sections of the walk are invited to join us back at Market Cross.

Disclaimer:

This is not a formally marshalled event and therefore participants will be responsible for their own care and safety on the walk. Participants should ensure they are fit and healthy prior to undertaking any of the stages of the walk. Each section of the walk has been given a rating based on distance and terrain. We would recommend a high level of fitness for the entire walk. Please ensure you have suitable/comfortable footwear, waterproof clothing, food and water to sustain you on the walk.

For further information and to join the WhatsApp please contact

Alex Armitage

07708 554375

alex.armitage@shetland.gov.uk

or

Lucy Livingstone

07881 443384

lulivingstone@outlook.com