A 400-mile walk to raise awareness of racism in rural areas finished in Sidmouth on Monday, May 31.

Tsara Smith's 'Ramble Against Racism' began in July 2020 and took her through every parish of Mid and East Devon.

She said she chose Sidmouth as the ending point because the town has an active anti-racism campaign group who have held peaceful protests on the seafront.

"I arrived in Sidmouth to a beach packed with visitors enjoying the wonderfully warm weather," she said. "I wanted to finish the walk there, because people in the town have also been active in seeking to highlight and tackle racism, holding peaceful protests and finding creative ways to start conversations. I also thought Sidmouth seafront would be a very picturesque background for the finish line."

Tsara, who lives in the Tiverton area, was inspired to undertake the walk after last year's Black Lives Matter protests. She wanted to join a peaceful demonstration, but found they were all taking place in cities, not rural areas.

She said: "I wanted to do something to show that racism is an issue that affects every area, not just people in cities.

"I actually believe the issue can be worse in the countryside, with little visible diversity and people not coming into contact with different people and cultures very often.

"I wanted to start a conversation about how we can each improve our understanding of the issue and truly think about how we can tackle racism wherever it exists.

"Everyone will have a unique skill or circle of influence that they can use to bring about positive change. Through lots of people playing their part I believe we can make a real difference."

Throughout her walk, Tsara carried a large yellow flag with the message 'Stand Up To Racism', and put up posters suggesting ways of improving understanding of racism and becoming actively anti-racist.

She said the response to her walk has been largely positive, with many people showing support along the way, through conversations, beeps and waves from passing cars, and donations she has received. But there was also some hostility.

"It seems some people don't want to be reminded that racism is an issue, or don't believe it is a problem in Devon, and there are also those who do hold racist views. I have ignored the comments, tutting and swearing that has come my way on occasion – it only shows me that there is still work to be done and makes me more determined to keep highlighting the topic.

The walk has not been without its other challenges as well, from terrible weather conditions, dangerous drivers and a national lockdown interrupting the planned schedule.

"It's taken much longer to complete the 400 miles than I would have liked," said Tsara, "But, I have gotten to see every piece of this beautiful part of our county, in all conditions. I have worn through countless pairs of socks, puffed my way up hundreds of hills and fallen over in the mud a few times.

"I've been almost run over on busy roads, been chased by farm dogs and cows, accidentally interrupted a cricket match and have gotten lost a few times along the way as well."

The Ramble Against Racism has so far raised £1,100 for the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust, and Tsara is planning another route through every parish of North Devon - another 320 miles – starting in September. This time she will be raising money for Black2Nature, a charity set up to increase access to natural spaces for children from inner city and minority ethnic communities.

To donate or find out more, click here. You can also follow Tsara's updates on Twitter @MidDevonWalker.