Specialist insurer RIAS has launched a hearty walking competition for Spring which aims to find out which of its sponsored National Trust walks is the Nation’s favourite.
Entrants are encouraged to sample some of the easily accessible pathways and trails, details of which are downloadable for free from the National Trust website, and then write in and describe their favourite for a chance to win. The prize of a weeklong holiday in a National Trust cottage worth up to £1000 will be awarded to the individual who comes up with the best account of why their chosen walk should top the poll.
Going live on the National Trust website this week, the competition challenges walkers of all ages and fitness levels to experience as many of the walks as they can, many of which could be on right on their doorsteps. “We are very lucky in this country to have so many beautiful walks available to us through the National Trust, and with more than 70 all over the country most people will be living within easy reach of at least one,” says RIAS Managing Director Janet Connor. “It’s nature’s own theme park, with free entry for everyone. We know that thousands are catching on and experiencing the walks already, but we hope this competition inspires many more people to enjoy them too.”
The National Trust walks sponsored by RIAS are in some of the most spectacular locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each one comes with simple directions, an Ordnance Survey Map and details of what to look out for along the way. They are also graded for length and difficulty. Access to most of the walks is free of charge.*
With a maximum of 200 words allowed, entries need to deliver a strong and persuasive argument as to the merits of the ‘favourite walk’. They can be submitted in any format - prose, poetry, a short story, or diary entry are some of the suggestions. Photographs of the walks are very welcome too and some of the most entertaining submissions will be posted on the National Trust website.
*A small number of walks start within the pay perimeter of a property or may require you to pay for a boat trip to an island. Please check walks sheets for full details.
Competition detailsEntry is by post (details below). The winner’s name will be revealed after the closing date (21st May 2008). Terms and conditions apply.
Details of the walks are downloadable from the National Trust website at
www.nationaltrust.org/walks where more information about the competition can also be found.
The selection of over 360 National Trust properties available can be viewed at
www.nationaltrustcottages.co.ukThe closing date for entries is
21 st May 2008.
Entries should be sent to:
Favourite Walks Competition National Trust
Heelis Kemble Drive
Swindon
SN2 2NA
Janet Connor, Managing Director of RIAS is available for further comment and interview. To arrange an interview with, or photography of, Janet, please call Sadie Sheppard on 01202 254489 or e-mail
ssheppard@rias.co.uk About RIAS
• RIAS was established in 1992 and is a specialist provider of insurance products for the over 50s age group
• RIAS negotiates with a panel of insurers to secure competitive, value for money products
• RIAS has over 970,000 customers and employs over 1,200 people across two locations - Bournemouth and Belfast
• In July 2007 RIAS’ home insurance contents and buildings policies received four ‘Best Buy’ awards from Which? magazine
• In December 2007 RIAS won the ‘Personal Lines Broker of the year" award at the Insurance Times awards
For further information:
Sadie Sheppard RIAS Public Relations 01202 254489 ssheppard@rias.co.uk
www.rias.co.uk