A herd of eager wellies and walking boots will be beating a path to the famous Wittenham Clumps this weekend as Age UK hosts its first Walk on the Wild Side.

The event has been organised by Age UK Oxfordshire with Earth Trust, to promote support and encouragement for people as they as get older, and give opportunities for people to connect to the natural world around them.

The event consists of two concurrent walks around the famous Wittenham Clumps, in South Oxfordshire, from 11am on Sunday.

And everyone is invited to join in, from individuals to groups and even families.

Care outreach worker Gil Dawson, 61, from Adderbury, said she signed because she knows how valuable Age UK’s work is – and because she cannot wait to see the Clumps.

She explained: “I work for Carers Oxfordshire, offering support for carers, and this is just one of the many terrific services run by Age UK which make older people’s lives better – so I am thrilled to be able to help raise money for them in this way.

“I have never done a sponsored walk like this before, but I’ve been walking four miles every day now, and as well as feeling a lot fitter I am looking forward to walking for the first time at the Clumps, which are supposed to be very beautiful.”

Age UK gives people aged 50-plus in Oxfordshire advice and support on a issues from healthcare funding to moving home, carers advice to housing.

Oxfordshire-based Earth Trust, manages 1,200 acres at Little Wittenham and has come up with two routes. The shorter 5k route is a mainly flat, non-challenging walk and starts with paths through farmland and woodland, via the village of Little Wittenham and ending with views of the River Thames. For those with energy left over there is also the option to walk up Round Hill and take a look at the stunning panoramic views from the top before reaching the finish line back at the Earth Trust centre and cafe. This walk is suitable for all-terrain buggies.

For the more ambitious walker, the longer, 8k route incorporates the 5k walk and then extends through the Little Wittenham Woods, round Castle Hill and either around or over Round Hill, returning to the 5k walk for the finish line. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs.

Mrs Dawson will be tackling the 8km route of the Walk on the Wild Side and hopes to raise more than £100 in sponsorship money.

Rachelle Kennedy, of Age UK Oxfordshire, said: “We’re delighted with the response, but there is still time to sign up – so bring the family!”

There will be free parking and refreshments.