Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – John Allen

May 18, 2023

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining a challenge for the first time so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today we introduce you to Challenge Leader – John Allen

Name

John Allen

How long have you been a Challenge Leader?

2023 will be my 7th year working for Charity Challenge.

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

It would probably have to be Everest Base Camp. There is something about the Himalayas that has to be personally experienced rather than seen through a screen.

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

To complete a challenge as a participant, rather than the leader!

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

In the winter season I install bathrooms. Climbing thousands of stairs with heavy loads keeps me surprisingly fit!

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

I quite like dried mango. It’s a taste of sunshine, which is nice when the rain is lashing down!  Just plain water for me as it can be used for more than just drinking. Try washing your hands or cleaning a wound with a sports drink!

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

Spend some time before hand walking uphill, preferably with your packed rucksack on – if you have no hills near you, stairs in high rise buildings work just as well.

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

A windproof top, a Buff, a large bag of Colin the Caterpillars’ (vegan), some sunscreen and a tick remover!

What is the best thing about being a leader?

Learning about the lives of the wonderfully varied people who sign up to complete a challenge and their reasons for doing so. The shared life experiences and stories of all those participants has enhanced my life immeasurably.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Qualifying as a Mountain Leader at 46 years young. It was the first ‘exam’ I ever fully passed and has given me more opportunities and experiences than I could have ever dreamed were possible.

Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – Danny Barden

April 19, 2023

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining a challenge for the first time so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today we introduce you to Challenge Leader – Danny Barden

Name

Danny Barden

How long have you been a Challenge Leader?

8 years

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

Great Wall Discovery, China

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Too many to list them all here (!) but top of the list would be anything with mountains: Simien Mountain Trek, Kyrgyzstan Trek and of course Everest Base Camp trek.

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

Once the festive season is well and truly over it’s back to keeping an eye on the calories and getting out into the mountains at least once a week.

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

Nakd bars and a dark chocolate, honey roast peanut and dried mango pieces trail mix.

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

The higher and longer the hill training you can fit in before you head off on your challenge the better prepared you’ll be; get yourself a pair of walking poles and learn how to use them for best effect; similarly, get yourself a hydration bladder and get used to using it.

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

Apart from food, water & waterproofs: spare gloves, an extra warm layer, head torch, first aid kit, and a bag of ‘morale-raising’ vegan friendly jelly babies.

What is the best thing about being a leader?

Getting to help people achieve their goals while often being well outside their comfort zones.

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Receiving feedback from challenge participants about how my support, encouragement and advice helped them to keep taking the next step towards their goal.

Believe Achieve Inspire
Challenges

TEACHER FRIENDLY CHALLENGE DATES

February 21, 2023

This one goes out to all of you amazing teachers out there!

You may think your strict holiday availability would make it impossible for you to take on the challenge of a lifetime.

Well, we’ve just released some teacher friendly dates for a few of our amazing challenges, such as the Icelandic Lava Trek, Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride and our Trek to Machu Picchu in Peru.

So, if you’re a teacher who’s always wanted to take on a charity challenge and explore some amazing places checkout our range of teacher friendly dates below:

Defeat the Peak : Scafell Pike Challenge, UK

Sat 27 May – Sun 28 May 2023

Join us in May as we defeat the peak and take on Scafell Pike at Night in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Beginning in the Langdale, in the heart of the Lake District National Park, this spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Scafell….at night!

Snowdon at Night

Snowdon By Moonlight Challenge, UK

Sat 03 Jun – Sun 04 Jun 2023

Join us in June as take on Snowdon at Night in aid of Sense. Beginning in the town of Llanberis, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, this spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Snowdon….at night!

Welsh 3000’s Challenge, UK

Fri 21 Jul – Sun 23 Jul 2023

Take your challenge experience to the next level with this classic mountain challenge in stunning Snowdonia. All 3000ft mountains, in a single epic weekend. One incredible adventure to test yourself against.

Snowdon At Night Challenge, UK

Sat 22 Jul – Sun 23 Jul 2023

Join us in July as take on Snowdon at Night in aid of CALM, Campaign Against Living Miserably. Beginning in the town of Llanberis, in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park, this spectacular challenge will see you and fellow fundraisers trekking to the top of Snowdon….at night!

Icelandic Lava Trek, Iceland

Wed 02 Aug – Sun 06 Aug 2023

Host to some of Europe’s most incredible wilderness, this Icelandic itinerary takes in thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, plunging fjords and spouting geysers. Trek 58kms over 3-days through one of the planet’s most volcanic regions. 

National Three Peaks Challenge, UK

Fri 04 Aug – Sun 06 Aug 2023

Brace yourself for a fast-paced and physically challenging adventure, as you take on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales, in aid of Norfolk and Waveney Mind

Giants Causeway Challenge, UK

Fri 04 Aug – Sun 06 Aug 2023

This tough one day challenge has you trekking a marathon distance along the dramatic coastline of the Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge

Fri 11 Aug – Sat 12 Aug 2023

Prepare for an epic challenge through the rugged and dramatic landscape of the Lake District, as you tackle five of England’s most demanding peaks, including its highest – Scafell Pike.

London 10 Peaks Challenge

London 10 Peaks Challenge, UK

Sat 19 Aug 2023

Discover ten of London’s often hidden peaks on this marathon distance walking challenge. See a different side to London and journey through 42km of beautiful woodland, nature reserves and quieter spaces.

Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

Sat 21 Oct – Mon 30 Oct 2023

The Trek to Machu Picchu follows the uncrowded Ancascocha trail, surrounded by the spectacular Andes mountains, raging rivers and remote mountain communities. Celebrate your success as you marvel at the awe-inspiring lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride, Vietnam

Thu 19 Oct – Sun 29 Oct 2023

Follow the road less cycled from Saigon to Angkor Wat, through endless miles of quiet backwater roads, passing ancient temples and bustling markets, beautiful and varied rural landscapes, and quaint villages. Cover 450km across seven days, from the waterways and rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, finishing at the astonishing Angkor Wat to celebrate a cycle well done.

Charity Challenge - Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride

Trek Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Sat 21 Oct – Sun 29 Oct 2023

Finishing at the Khmer architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat, this 5-day trek will take you into the heart of the stunning Phnom (Mount) Kulen National Park. Along the way, you will have the chance to experience the rhythm of rural life and marvel at the dazzling landscape that surrounds Siem Reap. 

Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge

Edinburgh 7 Summits, UK

Sat 28 Oct 2023

Take part in this tough 35km urban challenge set in the heart of Edinburgh. Experience hidden routes through this beautiful Scottish city, and experience it from 7 incredible viewpoints! You’ll follow historic waterways, forgotten railways, stop off at castles and palaces and climb to the summit of Arthurs Seat – an extinct volcano!

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb, Tanzania

Wed 24 Jul – Sun 04 Aug 2024

Follow the uncrowded Lemosho route to conquer the famous ‘roof of Africa’ – Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Embrace a truly life-changing journey and trek through five incredible, unspoilt eco-systems.

VIEW ALL CHARITY CHALLENGES
Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

MEET THE TEAM – Duncan Turnbull

February 14, 2023

At Charity Challenge we are extremely proud of the amazing crew we have. We know it can be a little daunting joining a challenge for the first time so we thought you might like to meet the team in advance of your Charity Challenge. Today we introduce you to Challenge Leader – Duncan Turnbull

Name

Duncan Turnbull

How long have you been a Challenge Leader?

This is my 5th year with Charity Challenge

What’s been your favourite challenge (so far)?

100% the CoppaFeel! Scottish Highlands Challenge

Do you have any challenges left on your bucket list?

Oh yes! Mt Toubkal Trek, Icelandic Lava Trek, Trek to Machu Picchu, Mongolia, and GR20 Corsica.

How do you keep your body in tip top shape for the challenge season?

I’m on my feet all day with my daytime job, I also swim and go to the gym, any free time I’m out on the hills

What are your go to snacks to keep you fuelled and hydrated on a challenge?

I love pork pies, crisps, and my own special trail mix of mixed nuts, dried fruit, dried bananas, and Smarties yum yum!! Plus plenty of water. The reason for the pork pies and crisps is the high calorie intake to replace calories burned during ascents and crisps to help salt replacement!

Any top tips to share with participants signed up to a challenge?

1/ Properly worn in boots

2/ Take waterproof jacket and pants as they are also wind proof

3/ Drink plenty of water 2ltrs on a normal day and 3ltrs on a hot day

Do training walks with your pack on to get used to carrying it preferably with with kit in it!

Carry some of your favourite snacks to enjoy during the day (also to share with your leaders)!😁

What 5 items do you always pack in your day rucksack?

1/ Compass and paper map

2/ GPS

3/ First aid kit

4/ Group shelter

5/ Hard shell jacket and pants

What is the best thing about being a leader?

I love sharing knowledge and tips to the clients, I also get a huge buzz helping them to complete which ever challenges

What is your proudest achievement to date?

Helping the girls to complete the CoppaFeel! Scottish Highlands Challenge

Believe Achieve Inspire
Sales & Promotions

⚠️ FLASH SALE ⚠️ – £100 off the reg fee on our NEW Isle of Skye Challenge

February 7, 2023

Isle of Skye Challenge flash sale is on now!

Book your spot for Sun 14 May – Fri 19 May 2023 and get £100 off your reg fee with the code SKYE100.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to challenge yourself and explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

This discount is only available to the first 4 bookers so make sure you get booked in quickly!

Offer ends midnight Friday 24th Feb.

SIGN UP TODAY

Overview

Challenge yourself to a spectacular 4-day trekking adventure on the legendary ‘Misty Isle’. With dramatic ridges, a coastline steeped in Gaelic myths and jaw-dropping views, join us for this new challenge on one of Scotland’s most iconic islands – the Isle of Skye.

6 days | UK | Extreme

Highlights

  • Four days of trekking on the Isle of Skye’s iconic ridges, glens and coast
  • Summit one of the peaks of the UK’s most challenging mountain range, the Black Cuillin
  • Discover spectacular hidden corners of the captivating ‘Misty Isle’
  • Traverse the Trotternish Ridge, one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in Britain
  • Trek through one of Scotland’s most impressive glens, Glen Sligachan
Isle of Skye Challenge
Isle-of-Skye-Challenge
Isle-of-Skye-Challenge
Isle-of-Skye-Challenge
Isle-of-Skye-Challenge
Isle-of-Skye-Challenge

Believe Achieve Inspire
Inspiration

PARTICIPANT STORIES – Joining a challenge as a solo trekker

January 27, 2023

When Ann Ogley joined her first Charity Challenge trip back in September 2014, she did so with a good friend.

Together the pair rose to the challenge of trekking through the Gunung Leuser National Park on the Sumatra Jungle Challenge. 

A year later Ann’s friend was involved in an accident, however, which meant she could no longer commit to another challenge. 

“So that’s how I ended up going on the next challenge to Brazil on my own,” said Ann, 62, from Rotherham whose trips have supported two local charities. 

“I had been looking at things on the website and thinking that I really wanted to do that one – it wasn’t just trekking, but also canoeing and fishing for your supper. 

“There had been one or two solo travellers on the Sumatra trip and I thought ‘if they can do it, I can too’.”

Not only did she rise to the challenge, but Ann has since participated in a further two Charity Challenges as a solo traveller – one to the Albanian Alps, and most recently to the rose city of Petra in Jordan.

“You’re always a bit apprehensive about who you’re going to meet and whether you’re going to get on with people but everyone is there for the same reason,” she said.

“They are there to challenge themselves and to raise money for something that’s close to their heart so you don’t really have any problems because you have common ground before you even start.

“There are going to be some people who you get on with better than others, but that’s just life. When you are stuck in the middle of a jungle or a desert you don’t really have any other option but to get on with things as you see fit.”

The only down side to joining a challenge on your own, as far as Ann sees it, is that you “miss out on the build up”. 

“It’s the build up and the anticipation and having someone to bounce off,” said Ann. “But once you’re there, there’s quite often a lot of other solo people too.”

Recently back from Jordan, Ann is already looking to the future. 

“It’s addictive and it’s something that I want to get more into,” she said. 

Next up may well be Charity Challenge’s Trek to Machu Picchu – but will she go it alone? 

“My husband keeps hinting that he might do it, but I’m not sure he’d keep up with the rusticness of it so watch this space!”

Interested in joining us on a challenge?

Book before midnight 31st January 2023 and you can get up to 50% off the reg fee on selected 2023 & 2024 challenges in our New Year Sale. Use the code NY2023. Sign up here

Believe Achieve Inspire