Alex Beament Completes 160-Mile Whittington Way Charity Walk to Loughton

Date: 26th Aug 2026 Author: James

Share this post

After eight days and approximately 160 miles (257km) on foot, Scout Leader Alex Beament has completed his Whittington Way charity challenge, walking from Gloucestershire to Lopping Hall in Loughton.

Alex has volunteered with 41st Epping Forest Scout Group for more than 10 years and has also been part of UpStage Theatre Company for the past two years. Inspired by the story of Dick Whittington and UpStage’s forthcoming production, Alex created his own route from near the birthplace of the real Richard Whittington, across the country to London and finally home to Loughton.

Alex Beament welcomed by Loughton Town Mayor Cllr Stephen Harriman at Lopping Hall after completing the 160-mile Whittington Way charity walk.

The challenge is raising money equally for 41st Epping Forest Scout Group and UpStage Theatre Company, supporting opportunities for young people, essential Scout equipment and maintenance, and local community theatre.

Support Alex’s 160-mile challenge

41st Epping Forest Scouts and Explorers join Alex Beament on the final leg of the Whittington Way through Epping Forest

Early in the challenge, Alex and his travelling companion, Little Tommy, walked from Pauntley Court back towards Gloucester before tackling longer days across the countryside. Day two alone covered around 38km, taking them over Robinswood Hill, along the Wysis Way and past the source of the River Thames.

By the end of day three Alex had already covered around 105km – approximately 65 miles – and was camping at Longcot, with another demanding day of roughly 40km ahead.

From there, he continued east towards London before reaching St Mary-le-Bow Church in Cheapside, the point from which the final stage back to Loughton began.

A community finish at Lopping Hall

For the final approximately 15-mile leg from Cheapside to Loughton, Alex was joined by Scouts, Explorers, Leaders and members of UpStage Theatre Company, turning the final day into a shared community challenge.

After eight days of walking, the group reached Lopping Hall, where Alex crossed the finish line and was welcomed home by Cllr Stephen Harriman, Town Mayor of Loughton for 2026/27.

It was a fitting finish to a challenge built around two organisations that Alex has given years of his time to, bringing together local Scouting, community theatre and Loughton itself.