This June, a group of over thirty men will be heading to Northumberland from St Albans with the aim of hitting a century of kilometres.
The Men of Fields (MoFs) are a group of dads, cricketers and friends, who are long-standing supporters of Youth Talk. Every couple of years they set themselves a new challenge, and in June 2026 they are tackling 100km along the Northumberland Coastal Path, aiming to raise £30,000 for the charity.
The MoFs are active fundraisers and supporters for Youth Talk, and we are hugely grateful to them for their ongoing support. They are Garden Fields Cricket Club, and many of them are parents themselves so see the importance of mental health for local young people. They know firsthand how tough it can be for young people today, with pressures of school, social media, home lives, anxiety, depression, levels of expectation, the list goes on.
Speaking to one of the MoFs recently, it’s also clear how much they value their time together on challenges as well. It’s not always easy (this is the next in a line of mammoth challenges they have undertaken!), but they have a focus on their fundraising goal, and they genuinely enjoy having time as a group and being able to talk to each other. Walking 100km gives time and space that many don’t always have – so this challenge will bring its own level of fun and benefit too.
The logistics and organisation for a large group are a challenge on their own – but have been tackled with enthusiasm and skill! Planning has been meticulous, from having the longest day first (when they will hopefully be feeling freshest!), to booking cafes, restaurants and hotels for the whole group to be together throughout the 100km walking challenge.
After travelling north on Wednesday 10th June, the MoFs will start their challenge on the Thursday morning, heading from Cresswell to Alnwick – covering 38km on day one. The path hugs the coastline for most of the day, which should offer amazing views – if the weather is clear! The route will take them to The Jolly Fisherman in Craster for a well earned refreshment, before staying in Alnwick for the night.
On day two, they head from Craster to Belford – a little shorter at just under 34km, continuing along the coast for most of the day, through Seahouses and Bamburgh. They will head inland slightly as they reach their second finish line at the Bluebell Inn, Belford.
Their third and final day of walking will take them (a mere) 29.5km, heading from Belford to Berwick-upon-Tweed. This route will be the most ‘remote’ day, with few places for pitstops. Lunch at the Barn at Beal will provide much needed respite and sustenance! Their final night together will see a celebratory curry (with some liquid refreshments!), before they head back to St Albans by train the next day.
We’ll post updates and more information on our social media over the course of the weekend.
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A huge and heartfelt thanks to all the MoFs who are taking this on for Youth Talk.
We can only support local young people with support from amazing groups like them. It really will change lives.