Moonrakers Roamin' in the Gloamin

270 walkers, aged from just 7 to over 70, took part in the 2025 Taunton Vale Rotary Moonraker Challenge - our fun, twilight into the night, team-based orienteering walk.

This was the 40th event and one of the most successful.   Starting from Corfe Village Hall, teams navigated either 8 or 15 mile routes out into the Blackdown Hills and the paths and tracks round the southern outskirts of Taunton. 

Briefing and safety checks complete - ready to go.

On completion, walkers all got a hot meal (thanks to Inner Wheelers)

Taunton Vale Inner Wheelers

and, for the first time in the 40 year history of the event, a medal to mark their achievement.

Event Director, Martin Lock says:  "I want thank everyone involved in the 2025 Moonraker Challenge, whether you were a walker, a volunteer or a sponsor.  

“We were blessed with fantastic weather, and the feedback from all those involved has been overwhelmingly positive.”

To date the event has raised over £15,000, all of which will go to help those who need help - with the Neroche Woodlanders and the Farming Community Network South West being this year's main charities that Taunton Vale Rotarians are supporting"

Whilst the Moonraker Challenge is designed to be great fun for the participants, the main purpose is to raise funds for those in need.   So, we are delighted to announce the results for the “Most sponsorship raised”: 1st Place - ‘Walking the fields with Pete’ – who raised an amazing £2,497! 2nd Place - ‘The Whittle Wanderers’ - £1,298 3rd Place – ‘Contraband Calculators’ - £724.  The ‘Walking the fields with Pete’ team have won themselves a gift voucher for  Duddlestone Farm. A chance to celebrate, relax, and reflect on their achievement!

For more 2025 event pictures visit – More Moonraker Pictures

We’ll leave you with a provisional date to get in to your diaries…….:

Moonraker Challenge 2026 - Saturday 3rd October

This photo and the header - courtesy Chris Hall-Palmer and Somerset Counselling Centre