CHILDREN’S charity, The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, is to hold a sponsored walk with a difference.

The ‘welly walk’ will take place along the new £192 million A556 dual carriageway, which Highways England is creating between Knutsford and Bowdon to replace the existing road.

Supported by Highways England and lead contractors Costain, the charity will invite up to 2,000 people to walk the route of the new A556 dual carriageway eight months before it opens.

They have teamed up with the engineering consultants responsible for the construction project, and are inviting a limited number of people to walk the length of the new road on Sunday, July 17.

The 6.5-kilometre walk will begin at Tabley, where the walkers can park their cars at the Cheshire Showground before being transported to the start of the road by coach.

This is a ticket-only event, which can be booked at www.tinyurl.com/A556wellywalk.

Tickets are £5, with under-4s going free, although tickets are still required for under-4s.

While the surface is safe for walking on, it will not be suitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users, and it will not be possible to bring dogs.

The event will end at 2pm in Little Bollington, where there will be refreshments and entertainment, and walkers will then be transported back to their cars at the Cheshire Showground.

Alistair Laing from CAFT said: “This promises to be a fantastic day for our community.

“We’re so excited to be able to offer people this unique opportunity to walk along what will soon be a busy road with thousands of vehicles a day passing along it. When else do you get to do that?

“We’re so grateful that Highways England and Costain are working with us to raise vital funds for our charity.

“This project is right on the doorstep of our charity, and we’ve been intrigued to see the progress made over the last couple of years. “We’re as excited as anyone else to learn a little more about how something this huge all comes together.

“The funds raised will make a lasting difference in the lives of children with terminal illnesses, disabilities and social disadvantages in our region.”

Paul Hampson, Highways England’s manager for the project, said: “We are pleased to have CAFT on board as a locally-based charity to help give people an early look at the new road and the progress we’ve achieved in the last 18 months.

“The welly walk will be a fantastic afternoon out and a great way to raise money for this worthwhile cause.”

Rachel Ellison, Costain’s A556 Project Manager said: “It promises to be a great family day out, welcoming our community, celebrating our project and raising money for a good cause.”