A safari through some of Shropshire’s finest countryside is being planned to raise vital funds for a county charity.

The Safari Food Walk has been organised by the Clive and District Friends of Severn Hospice and organisers say the day promises to be a great experience - though big game hunters may have to adapt their expectations to something just a little bit smaller.

It is the first time the fundraising group has put on the safari and hopes are high that as many people as possible will sign up and help raise funds for Severn Hospice at the event on Sunday May 14.

Mike Perry, Severn Hospice community fundraising advisor, said: “The event will start from 10am on the day at The Pavilions, Hardwick Estate, near Shrewsbury. 

“The walk will cover a distance of approximately seven miles, though a shorter route of about five miles will be available.

“The walk date is drawing ever closer and the closing date for registration is April 30 so it’s important to get those names in as soon as possible. 

“It is something brand-spanking new for us, a great idea by our Clive and District Friends group and we would like to see as many people as possible turn up and give it a go.”

Mr Perry said the hospice always welcomed new ideas from former supporters and new supporters who may not have been involved with the hospice previously.

“Fundraising is a vital part of our operation and without the efforts of our Friends and the public who go to extraordinary lengths to raise money for the hospice, we would not be in a position to provide the high service of care we strive for,” he said.

The walk will start with coffee or tea and a biscuit and walkers will be given a bottle of water and some notes detailing points of interest along the route. 

After the first part of the walk, those on safari can enjoy their safari breakfast at Grinshill Village Hall.

Fully fortified, the walkers will then continue their journey through the woodland and experience some fabulous views of the countryside before, gradually, reaching the summit of Grinshill to take in the amazing panoramic view of the county.

Moving on, walkers will follow the path to Clive Village Hall, where they will enjoy a hot safari lunch with a glass of beer and wine. 

After lunch the expedition moves through the fields of the Sansaw estate grounds, where the intrepid explorers get their safari pudding before completing the last stage of the adventure through fields and tracks back to the starting point. 

Children under 12 can attend the walk free of charge provided they are accompanied by an adult and able to walk the full distance. They must take along their own picnic as they will not be catered for. Dogs are also welcome but must be on leads on farmland.Entry is £20 per person and registration must be completed online by April 30 at www.severnhospice.org.uk 

Those registering will be given a unique registration number with an allocated time to commence the walk.

On the day, walkers are being asked to arrive in good time to ensure they start at the time specified on the confirmation receipt. Walkers will set off in small groups and organisers are promising time and space to enjoy the adventure.