Keen long-distance walkers and runners will be rising to the challenge of a 40-mile route along the Ridgeway, the ancient trail which passes across south Oxfordshire, this weekend (May 10-11).

The 40-mile route starts at Overton Hill near Marlborough in Wiltshire and the 20-mile hike starts at White Horse Hill, near Uffington. Both finish at Streatley Youth Hostel in Berkshire.

Walkers will pass through a series of check points en route, with the aim being to complete the walk in one go.

Entrants in the 40-mile walk must be aged 14 or over and all entrants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

You must be over 18 to enter the 40-mile run.

Transport is available from Streatley to the start of each walk.

The event has been organised by the Reading Outdoor Group, a local group of the Youth Hostel Association.

Call Alan Smith on 020 8301 3829 for information about the 40-mile walk, Mike Sandford on 01235 532207 for details of the run and Ron Cutler on 01235 850578 about the 20-mile hike.