PEOPLE from across the county will lace up their walking boots next month in support of a local mental health charity.
Twenty walkers from across Herefordshire will tackle an eight-mile trek in the Black Mountains next month to raise money for Herefordshire Mind.
The Herefordshire Mind Challenge takes place on Sunday, May 18.
Participants will walk the Cat’s Back ridge, one of the most striking routes in the Black Mountains.
The narrow ridgeline sits on the England–Wales border. It is named for its resemblance to the arched back of a sitting cat.
The event is being run in partnership with outdoor events company Your Adventure Challenge, which has previously worked with Herefordshire Mind on fundraising walks in the Malvern Hills.
Walkers will be supported throughout the route by trained guides.
Herefordshire Mind Challenge 2026
They will also receive WhatsApp coaching ahead of the challenge.
Coach transport to and from Hereford is included, along with professional photographs and a Herefordshire Mind medal.
The charity has experience of large-scale walking challenges.
A previous Malvern Hills event saw participants cover nine miles and take on 15 peaks.
Temperatures reached 29°C and the walk raised more than £4,800 for local mental health services.
Organisers David and Chloe from Herefordshire Mind hope this year’s challenge will raise even more.
A JustGiving fundraising page has been launched for the event. It will remain open until May 31, 2026, allowing supporters to sponsor any of the 20 participants.
Herefordshire Mind is based at Heffernan House on Widemarsh Street. It provides free and low-cost mental health services across the county.
Services include one-to-one counselling and a Safe Haven drop-in.
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The charity also runs peer support groups and offers community link work from its Hub for Hope on St Martin’s Street.
Current groups include support for people living with anxiety and those with autism and mental health needs.
There is also a men’s group, recovery through the arts sessions, and a range of creative and craft activities.
The challenge follows Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, which runs from May 11 to 17.
To mark the week, the charity is encouraging people to get involved locally. Ideas include hosting a “Bake & Break” or walking a mindful mile each day.
