THE FORCES March, a five-day endurance challenge in aid of The Veterans' Charity, will see hundreds follow in the footsteps of World War Two heroes.
From April 30 to May 4, fundraisers will march 137 miles from Ilfracombe, North Devon, to Bulford, Wiltshire, crossing Somerset's Quantock Hills in West Bagborough and through Somerton.
The route is a recreation of a World War Two training march undertaken by men who would go on to spearhead the entire D-Day liberation with the assault on Pegasus Bridge. Participants will begin at Ilfracombe, marching to Exford, West Bagborough, Somerton, West Woodlands, and ending in Bulford.
READ MORE: 'Unacceptable' Musgrove improvement delays raised in parliament
The event started in 2010 and has so far raised in excess of £500,000 for The Veterans Charity.
Participants are asked to raise £500 for The Veterans' Charity, with many serving military personnel and veterans themselves. More information can be found at forcesmarch.org.uk.
Readers may have already spotted signs reading #TheFM25 along The Forces March route for 2025. Participants will be arriving and camping in West Bagborough on the evening of Thursday, May 1.
Organisers state: "The route of The Forces March is very challenging. The hills begin within half a mile of the start and are a constant feature of the route, so extensive hill training (up and down) is a must.
"The scenery is among the most stunning in the UK as the route takes in the delights of the North Devon coast, Exmoor, rural Somerset and the Quantock Hills, rural Somerset and Salisbury Plain. We also pass through many beautiful villages and towns along the way.
"To complete The Forces March takes dedicated training and a high level of determination however, it is not a race and there are no prizes for coming first. The unique atmosphere, camaraderie and incredible scenery of The Forces March is what brings people back year after year."
Share