By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 13:55, Wednesday, 23 May 2012

River conservationists are swapping water for wheels with an 80-mile bike challenge.

Eden Rivers Trust director Simon Johnson, and chairman Robert Warburton will cycle the length of the river in a Source to Sea trek.

They will complete their trek on June 21 – the longest day – and will start at Hell Ghyll, near Mallerstang, and finish on the Solway at Rockcliffe, near Carlisle.

They are raising money for Eden House Children’s Hospice in Carlisle, and are meeting people who have worked with the trust along the way.

Mr Johnson said: “Two years ago I walked the entire length of the river over three days with the MP for Penrith and the Border, Rory Stewart. I enjoyed that so much I thought it would be fun to do the same trip again but this time on two wheels in just a few hours. I’m indebted to Robert who has kindly agreed to ride shotgun with me.”

He said they both shared a passion for “this wonderful river” and were looking forward to the challenge.

On June 16, the trust is staging countryman’s ball, with Newton Rigg College, which is also raising money for the hospice.

To sponsor the cycle ride, cheques made payable to Eden House Hospice can be sent to Eden Rivers Trust, Dunmail Building, Newton Rigg, Penrith, CA11 0AH.

Updates on their progress will be posted on Twitter can be found by searching for #EdenRiversTrust.

First published at 11:29, Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk