Whanganui rural women climb high on annual fundraising walk

There was a good turnout for the Rural Women Walk the World event on Okoia farms last year. Photo / Bevan Conley

High times are in store for people who take on a walk with Whanganui's rural women group.

The Fordell-Mangamahu branch of Rural Women New Zealand is holding its annual fundraising walk on April 28 - to the highest point on High Peaks Station - also the highest point in the Mangamahu valley.

The walk will take about five hours and walkers need a reasonable level of fitness. People can pause to take in views across both the Mangawhero and Whangaehu valleys, before heading downhill around the farm and back to the homestead.

The day starts at 9.30am at 2883 Mangamahu Rd. High Peaks Station, farmed by Stuart and Michelle Harris, is reached by crossing the Whangaehu River on a narrow bridge.

On the day of the walk less fit people will be able to stay down in the valley and take a one-hour guided walk around the homestead and farm stay gardens instead.

The day will finish with afternoon tea and the drawing of a raffle.

The cost is $5 and anyone, male or female, is welcome to participate. Funds raised from the raffle will support the Whanganui branch, with the $5 going to Associated Country Women of the World, an international body that funds projects in the Pacific.

Walkers are asked to wear clothes suitable for whatever weather is expected, and good footwear, and bring lunch, water and snacks. People who use walking poles will also want those.

Anyone intending to go is asked to register with Leonora Spark by emailing ljnajspark@gmail.com or ringing 342 7575.