Schoolkids get outdoor kit from passport profits

Profits from the sale of Coast to Coast walk "passports" have been used to provide primary schools with outdoor kit.

The scheme allows walkers to pick up unique stamps on the 190-mile (305km) trail from St Bees Head, in Cumbria, to Robin Hood's Bay, in North Yorkshire, for a price of £15.

In 2025, £1,000 of passport money raised by Richmond Community Interest Company (CIC) was given to The Outdoor Guide Foundation (TOGF).

They were then able to deliver wellies and waterproofs to three Richmond primary schools - St Mary's School, Richmond Methodist School and Trinity Academy.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the CIC received more than £24,000 of funding to develop the passport from each of the local authorities through which the Coast to Coast trail passes.

As well as collecting stamps in their passport along the route, the booklet also gives walkers discounts on food, drink and other supplies from participating businesses.

The CIC reinvested some of the profit from the sales of the passport to support other activities that nurture outdoor pursuits.

In 2025, it donated £500 to the Wainwright Society, which was formed to keep alive the fellwalking traditions promoted by Coast to Coast route founder Alfred Wainwright.

Gina Bradbury, sister of author and broadcaster Julia Bradbury and founder of TOGF, said: "At the end of the 2025 walking season, when Richmond CIC kindly offered the foundation a £1,000 donation, it felt only right to use that gift to provide wellies and waterproofs for local Richmond schools.

"It really is a virtuous circle — walkers supporting children, and children being given the chance to enjoy the outdoors, making the outdoors accessible from an early age."

Deputy headteacher of St Mary's School, Anna White, said: "Our school was delighted to be offered these wonderful wellies and waterproofs, which are already being put to good use.

"We are actively promoting outdoor learning and this kit will make it possible for a greater number of our pupils to participate in our Forest School activities."

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