AN appeal was this week issued for walkers to tackle a historic track across Dartmoor during an event which raises vital sums for charity. The Lych Way Walk, which takes place on September 18, is organised by Dartmoor Rescue Group and is one of the organisation?s main fundraising events. The track is known as the Way of the Dead, as it was a route used by mourners to carry coffins to church at Lydford. A spokesperson for Dartmoor search and rescue team?s Plymouth section said: ?We constantly need to raise funds just to keep the team operational. ?It costs us £5,000 per year to maintain the service of searching, rescuing and where necessary carrying out first aid, not only on Dartmoor, but anywhere in Devon ?Our members are all volunteers and are willing to respond 365 days a year. ?For this they have to provide at their own expense a large amount of personal equipment. This can run into £1,000 per member, and they give their time and expertise in any weather condition, night and day.? It is the seventh year the group has organised the Lych Way Walk, which covers a distance of 14 miles across Dartmoor, starting at Bellever Forest car park, finishing at the National Trust?s overflow car park at Lydford. The walk costs just £3 per person to join ? at least one person in the walking teams should be able to use a map and compass, although the route will be way-marked and the rescue group will run checkpoints and have a sweeping team out to ensure everyone arrives safely at Lydford. The walk starts at 9am on Sunday September 18, leaving the car park at grid reference 656 772. Anyone who would like to find out more can call Sue Britton on 01752 518669 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] ? alternatively, just turn up on the day.
