A passionate walker has just embarked on a 300 mile walk this week for charity – between the only two pubs of the same name in the entire country.

Ian Thurman, 58, started his walk on Monday from The Strathmore Arms in Holwick, County Durham, before aiming to finish at The Strathmore Arms, in St Paul’s Walden, near Hitchin, on Sunday, September 27, in support of a hospice charity and Prostate Cancer UK.

Speaking to the Comet from a County Durham-bound train at a platform in King’s Cross St Pancras, big-hearted Ian said: “As I’m a lover of hill-walking and pubs a 300 mile stroll seemed like a good idea at the time.

“The Strathmore Saunter is all Google’s fault really.

“When trying to find the date of the Strathmore beer festival in St Paul’s Walden I happened to Google The Strathmore Arms, and only found one other in England. There is one in Glamis, Scotland – which perhaps could be The Strathmore Challenge Mark Two.

“As I’m now retired but want to keep the fat off and stay fit I thought I’d walk between the two for charity – after all, doesn’t everyone need a challenge after leaving the shackles of full-time working?

“However, the idea attracted many to become fellow travellers – and so for the most of the trip I will have an excellent cast of family and friends!”

Ian’s walk, will take him along the picturesque Pennine Way, visiting the home of the Bronte Sisters, as well as the Peak District, with a few visits to breweries along the way, before finishing with a well-earned drink in The Strathmore Arms – the Hertfordshire version – with his wife Maggie and children Amy and James.

Ian, who saw two people he knew suffer from prostate cancer added: “A close friend and a work colleague have both had prostate cancer so I wanted to do something to help, along with raising money for a hospice.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/Strathmoresaunter/