MORE than 2,000 people got their hiking boots out on Sunday for the annual Five Valleys Walk, celebrating 30 years of the fundraiser event.

Every year the charity walk goes through Stroud’s five valleys of Painswick, Slad, Toadsmoor, Chalford and Nailsworth with all of the proceeds from the fundraiser go to Stroud-based Meningitis Now.

In total 2,104 people took part and 204 dogs joined in too.

Participants were able to choose between walking part of the route or taking on the whole 21-mile circuit.

Attendee Colin Folwell said: “It was a great day - the icing on the cake was the show put on by Stroud Cricket Club.

“I have done quite a few walks now, travelling down from Rugby, but this year was something special. 

"Finishing at the Cricket Club with all the walkers relaxing after their efforts and enjoying the hospitality provided by the club, together with Meningitis Now’s great team of helpers, was brilliant.

“A sincere thank you to both organisations, from a very tired, but happy walker.”

Amazing food and drinks available along the route from local producers, with a hog roast available at the cricket club.

Also Stroud Brewery were offering a free pint for all participants who completed the full 21-mile circuit and collected all eight stickers from each checkpoint.

Bristol Balloons kindly donated a weekday morning hot air balloon ride for two, to be won by the person who raised the most money from their sponsorship.

 All pictures by Simon Pizzey.