Samaritans National Walk 2023

This event took place on Saturday 1 July 2023 – click on the link below for an overview of the day

Download document: Samaritans National Walk 2023 – overview

15.3 mb - PDF

Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Samaritans

On 1 July 2023, North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans (also known as Hitchin Samaritans) will be welcoming people from all over the country to participate in the 44th Samaritans National Walk.

A picture of Hitchin market place with lots of people on a sunny day — Hitchin market place

Everyone is welcome to take part. You could come alone or have time with family and friends.

There will be walks of different lengths, or you can come and help out on the day or simply socialise with us in the evening.

We will be grateful for any funds raised to support our branch, but we welcome anyone raising money for other charities, or simply participating without sponsorship.

Extended closing date for entries: 23 June 2023

About the walk

A photo of the Priory School in Hitchin, showing the grounds leading up to the main entrance — Hitchin's Priory School

Three circular walks of different lengths will all start in the attractive grounds of Hitchin’s Priory School, where there is plenty of parking. The school are also now allowing us to use their brand-new sixth form block for the evening entertainment.

Hitchin train station is 30 minutes' walk from the Priory School, but we will have drivers happy to save you the extra walk.

The main walks will take you through the surrounding countryside and into the Chiltern Hills.

The short walk will also take you into Hitchin town centre, including an optional self-guided historical walk.

Click on the links below to access the route maps. We will share written descriptions for the walks soon.

Walk lengths, start times and fees, with links to the routes:

20 miles
Starting: 8.00 am
£30 + £5 for evening food (optional)*
13 miles
Starting: 8.30 am
£30 + £5 for evening food (optional)*
5 miles
3.5 miles also possible, with one of our volunteers driving you back from the town centre
An additional 1-mile, self-guided historic tour of Hitchin can be added to this walk – printed/illustrated details will be provided on the day
Starting: anytime between 9 and 10.30 am
£10 + £5 for evening food (optional)*
Evening only
Join us for food, fun and entertainment, including a performance by the fabulous Bedford Rock Choir and music from singer/guitarist David Foster.
£15 per person*

*Please note: registration fees are non-refundable.

Download document: See this page for information on the different walk routes

7.0 mb - PDF

We will share written descriptions for all the walks soon.

Routes and checkpoints on each walk route will be manned by volunteers throughout the day, with refreshments provided at no extra cost.

If for any reason you are unable to complete your walk, you simply need to let one of the marshals know or call the Walk Coordinator. Transport will be available to take you back to the Priory School.

There will be clear signage along the routes. However, to ensure you have the very latest version, please download and/or print off your map and walking instructions – all will soon be linked below – shortly before 1 July 2023 and bring them with you on the day. There will be only a few spare copies available at registration.

You can also easily follow your route on any smartphone, via the Ordnance Survey app. Download the app to your phone, and we will share the links to the walks by email shortly before 1 July. NB You will be able to follow any of the routes without registering on the OS app or making any payment.

Start/finish location and evening event

Priory School, Hitchin, SG5 2UR

Extended closing date for entries: 23 June 2023

Contact details for any enquiries

Email: [email protected]

If you would like to talk to someone, include your phone number in your email and tell us when we can best reach you.

Places are limited, so please register early

If you would like to gather sponsors for your walk and raise money for North Herts and Stevenage Samaritans using Enthuse, you can set up a sponsorship page here.

If you would like any further information about anything to do with the walk, please get in touch with the team at [email protected].

About the evening

The evening event will also be at Priory School, Hitchin, SG5 2UR, starting at 6.30 pm.

Food will be freshly cooked pizza, with vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options, included in your registration fee. If you can’t eat pizza, please add details to your registration form. We will be very happy to provide alternative food and will call you to discuss options.

Entertainment will include performance by the fabulous Bedford Rock Choir and music from singer/guitarist David Foster.

Heartfelt thanks

Many thanks to the local community for raffle prize donations, Samaritans branch members for raffle prize donations and support, and to all the volunteers helping in the run-up to the National Walk and on the day itself. This wonderful event couldn't have happened without you.

North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans also extends warmest thanks to all the organisations who have helped us to make the National Walk possible, including fundraising events, donations, prizes, provisions, venues, checkpoints, manpower and other contributions:

About North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans

North Herts & Stevenage Samaritans is entirely self-funded, depending on donations from organisations and individuals to continue our work.

Our branch is run by a team of 100+ volunteers, who commit to weekly shifts, including night shifts to support our 24/7 service.

We also reach out to our local community to provide face-to-face support and increase awareness. This includes outreach in partnerships with schools, Lister Hospital, Network Rail, the police service and many other businesses and charities, as well as at events in all surrounding towns and villages.