The Thames Footpath Challenge is a tough walking challenge, journeying through iconic London sights, from peaceful greenery to historical buildings. We’ve pulled together an essential guide to help you get the best out of your challenge experience, including super-helpful top tips from team Charity Challenge…
What is the Thames Footpath Challenge?
Challenge yourself to an epic 42km journey through London, following the Thames Footpath. This is a tough 1 day challenge that will see you walking a marathon-distance from Hampton Court to Millennium Bridge. Following the Thames Footpath allows you to see the changing landscape, from leafy areas of west London through to the bustling city sights further in the east.
Highlights include:
- Follow the River Thames and cross over several beautiful bridges
- Walk past iconic London sights like the Houses of Parliament, plus lot’s of beautiful parkland and famous landmarks
- Head to the majestic Millennium Bridge to finish your marathon trek in a signature London setting
What will I achieve?
This 1 day challenge is graded as ‘tough’ and is perfect for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who have taken part in a similar event previously. Remember to be prepared to put in the necessary training in order to push yourself. You can tell your supporters that on the Thames Footpath Challenge you will be…
- Trekking a marathon distance (42km) along the River Thames
- Walking for around 10-12 hours in single day
- Taking on an challenge in an urban environment, across varied terrain – where a large part of the route is on hard paved surfaces (which can be extra tough on your feet!)
- To top it all off, you will be tackling this in aid of a charity of your choice – making each step and summit all the more worth it.
I’m thinking of booking, what do I need to know?
For a quick overview of what to expect from this challenge, we’ve pulled together some need-to-know essentials below – including some top tips straight from our experienced team! For further information please visit our Thames Footpath Challenge webpage, which covers all information and details thoroughly.
1. Pack smartly
It might only be a 1 day walking trek, but it’s still a marathon-length trek across varied terrain, which will come with it’s own challenges. We recommend taking a light daypack with you, to hold your food, snacks, essentials and spares! Remember, smart packing means less faff and more focus.
Top Tips:
- Pack your bag with the items you are most likely to need at the top so you can easily grab them. I like to have blister plasters, tissues and a pack of sweets in an easy to reach pocket – Victoria Weston, Charity Challenge Leader
- Don’t carry unnecessary items – a warm layer, waterproofs, sun protection, personal medication, snacks and water is all you need. It’s a long day, a bit of Sudocrem will go the extra mile to help with chafing or open blisters! – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
- Check the weather forecast beforehand. Don’t forget how useful a small collapsible umbrella is for walking across London, for rain or sun. Grab it at the last minute! – Amy Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
2. Feet First
On a long-distance challenge, your feet do all the hard work, so treat them well from the start and don’t wait until issues occur to look after them! From the right shoes and socks to smart blister prevention and recovery, looking after your feet can be the difference between powering through or hobbling to the finish. For further details and tips on foot-care, read our blog: Taking Care of Your Feet on Challenges.
Top Tips:
- Ensure you have good quality hiking boots that you wear in before the challenge. Getting some cushion in-soles to replace the ones that come with your hiking boots can be a real treat. Good quality trekking socks (we recommend Bridgedale) and even toe socks (to stop toes rubbing together) help with blister prevention. Of course, prepping your feet’s blister hotspots with blister plasters covered with quality zinc-oxide or kinesiology tape (we recommend SportTape) will also help prevent blisters forming – and your feet will thank you! – Amy Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
- Stretch along the way and during your short breaks – don’t allow yourself to stiffen up when you stop. – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
- Carry one spare pair of socks, it’s nice to have a clean dry pair to change into if they get wet from sweat or rain. – Victoria Weston, Charity Challenge Leader
3. Make the Most of Your Marathon
The Thames Footpath Challenge is more than just a physical test – it’s a chance to take in iconic views, connect with others, and achieve something incredible for a charitable cause. With the right pacing, fuel and mindset, you’ll not only reach the finish but enjoy the journey getting there.
Top Tips:
- Snack little and often at the snack stops, don’t get caught out late in the challenge with low energy – Elliot Swinney, Charity Challenge Leader
- Be flexible with your return travel times, so you can soak in the changing landscape as you journey through London and aren’t rushing for the finish line. – Victoria Weston, Charity Challenge Leader
- Physically and mentally prepare for a long time on your feet, remember, it’s a tough but rewarding challenge, not a sprint! – Team Charity Challenge
To conclude…start prepping!
If you are now seriously considering taking on the Thames Footpath Challenge, we strongly recommend heading over to our website to read through our full Itinerary, Costs, Kit List and extensive Essential Information tabs. Our blog also hosts a wealth of resources to help prepare you for your fundraising challenge.
You’ll find everything you need to know here in detail, from timings, locations, food and drink, difficulty level breakdowns, training advice, group safety, equipment and much, much more (including answers to those all-important ‘what if?’ questions).
Why should I book the Thames Footpath Challenge with Charity Challenge?
Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the best Thames Footpath Challenge itinerary that is geared towards providing everyone with the very best experience and opportunity to complete the challenge safely, whilst taking in plenty of London’s best sights!
Since 1999, we have specialised in operating challenges for charity fundraisers. We partner with 1000’s of UK and Irish charities already – and our team is happy to reach out to a charity of your choice to make your dream fundraising challenge happen. (Or, if you don’t fancy fundraising, the good news is you can simply self-fund and join us anyway!).
- High quality route design that incorporates major landmarks and undiscovered highlights
- This is a fully supported walking challenge, including; checkpoints, walking leaders and a support vehicle
- The very best leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it!
Remember, the Thames Footpath Challenge is a graded as a ‘tough’ trek. With the right preparation, this centrally located challenge is incredibly rewarding and impressive to complete – making it an excellent choice for a UK charity challenge!
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