Staff from two Sidmouth hotels and an inn have been putting their best foot forward to take on a charity walk the equivalent of the length of the South West Coast Path and back - and then some!
Throughout January, 21 workers from Dukes, The Elizabeth and Kingswood & Devoran Hotel have notched up a total of more than 1,260 miles (double the distance of the South West Coast Path) between them by walking in their local area while adhering to the coronavirus lockdown restrictions.
Since the team were furloughed from work they decided to put their time to good use and have been raising much-needed funds for three charities - Hospitality Action, FORCE Cancer Charity and MIND Devon.
General manager of the hotels and inn Jo Watson, said: “While our three business in Sidmouth are closed this January, due to the latest coronavirus restrictions, our teams have been putting their time to good use and raising funds through footsteps for three great charities.
“We are lucky enough to live on the South West Coast path, and as a team over four weeks, we have been walking the equivalent length of the route twice, collectively in our local area, adhering to all coronavirus lockdown restrictions.

Sidmouth Herald: Jasmyne and Amelie go on a trekJasmyne and Amelie go on a trek (Image: Jasmyne and Amelie)


“We are in our final week of walking, the miles have been racking up and we have smashed through the target of 1,260 miles, walking in storms, ice, snow and some January sunshine! With the rest of the week to go the team is still going to see how many more miles we can rack up, raising money for three great charities while keeping our mind and bodies active during the latest lockdown.”

Sidmouth Herald: Emma White takes on a muddy stompEmma White takes on a muddy stomp (Image: Emma White)
“The main reason for the jaunt was to keep connected to each other, as well as keep our minds and bodies active, while the businesses are closed. Charities are struggling with fundraising also during the pandemic so we felt it would be good to put our time to good use to try and raise funds for three great charities. Any donations are most welcome!”

Sidmouth Herald: Some walkers faced snowy conditions on their walk this monthSome walkers faced snowy conditions on their walk this month (Image: Jo Watson)
The intrepid walkers have so far raised more than £500 of their £1,500 target and if you would like to help them on their way then go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for ‘Sidmouth Hotels and Inns January Jaunt’