Hundreds gather in Highclere for Christmas walk

More than 250 people, including leashed dogs and unleashed children, from Highclere, Woolton Hill and surrounding villages gathered at the Red House, the start and finish point of the walk.
This year’s walk included a loop around the cemetery chapel in the grounds of Highclere Castle, permission of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
A total of £800 was raised in donations placed on the walk, organised by members of the local luncheon group, Los Jubilados, with the Highclere Society and East Woodhay Society.
The cash will benefit Anna’s Challenges, a charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for children with cystic fibrosis in Basingstoke and surrounding areas.
The secretary of the Highclere Society, Ian Briggs, sent a huge thank you to all the walkers.
“We were delighted to see so many families with young children and dogs being rewarded with a beautiful walk, if muddy in places, on a cold but bright day,” he said. “Happy New Year.”
Halfway around the four-mile walk, mince pies donated by Hethertons bakery and Budgens were served, together with mulled wine.