Rector of Sherborne Abbey the Rev Martin Lee sent the participants in Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s annual Ride & Stride off with a blessing.
Trust chairman Major General John Stokoe was also there to thank those taking part.
Hilary Leavey, one of the abbey’s Ride & Stride parish organisers, said: “Despite our deep sorrow at the death of Her Majesty I think it was the right decision to go ahead with Ride & Stride which raises badly needed funds for the maintenance of churches across Dorset.
“We are enormously grateful to those who contributed financially to the event, and to those who took part.
“One of our more senior participants walked a remarkable 17 miles during the course of the day. I suspect many younger people would be very hard pressed to achieve that but let’s hope some may try to do so in 2023.”