Inspiration

We asked the team – what challenge are you most looking forward to in 2021?

December 23, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on what a tough year it has been for us all. The team at Charity Challenge just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU to all of our amazing participants, who have been so patient and understanding as we have been forced to cancel or postpone challenges, and for being so supportive when we started to reopen our UK challenges back in August.

We look forward to supporting you all in 2021 with our new extended UK challenge portfolio and when the time is right, with challenges further afield. So, instead of dwelling on the past we are very excited to focus our attention on the future. We asked team Charity Challenge – what challenge are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Icelandic Lava Trek

Iceland Lava Trek – Laura, Challenge Leader

Iceland holds a special place in my heart for its otherworldly landscapes steeped in myth and legend. The Laugavegur Trek is still the best trek I’ve been on for packing such an incredible wow factor into a short space of time and I can’t wait to go back. Dramatic vistas, glacial river crossings, camping under the stars… and all nicely rounded off by a relaxing dip in the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon.  The Icelandic Highlands transport you to another world (in fact they’re frequently used as sci-fi film locations).

Walking up through lava fields encircled by colourful stripey mountains to cross snowfields with streams bubbling and rocks steaming around me: 2020 will surely fall away as a distant memory within seconds. Each day offers amazing new vistas, from glass-like obsidian passes to black volcanic ash fields and down into the lush green retreat of beautiful Porsmork. And not forgetting those glacial river crossings for an added sense of adventure and entertainment! The weather can be harsh, which only adds to the raw beauty of the place, and on clear nights after a well-deserved camp dinner there’s no better way of finishing a day than lying back and stargazing with friends old and new. Perhaps I’ll even be lucky enough to get another glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights.

Find out more about the Icelandic Lava Trek here

Charity Challenge - Trek to Petra

Trek to Petra – Ian, Challenge Leader

The trip I am most looking forward to leading in 2021 is the “Trek to Petra” challenge. This exciting new itinerary for 2021 will see challengers given the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea before undertaking a 100km, 5-day trek through the Jordanian desert. Along the way we will camp Bedouin-style under the desert night sky – and of course the trek culminates in our arrival at the spectacular and world-renowned  “rose city” of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and I have wanted to visit ever since I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I can’t wait!

Find out more about Trek to Petra here

South West Coast Path Challenge

South West Coast Path Challenge – Andy, UK Operators Manager

One of the positives that have come out of 2020 has been the opportunity to design some exciting new multi-day itineraries within the UK. As our UK Operations Manager I’ve often thought that the UK offered a lot of opportunities for people to challenge themselves in a similar style to our overseas treks and cycles whilst exploring hidden corners of our own little island. In 2021 we have several of these new itineraries that range from 4 to 9 days long and I’m particularly excited about this trek down in Cornwall. We’ve deliberately chosen to trek in the most rugged spots along the very tip of the Cornish peninsula and I suspect people will be amazed at how wild and remote this area feels. With stunning secluded bays, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs I can’t wait to head out on the very first running of this exciting new challenge, and hopefully it will open the door for more multi-day challenges in the UK.

Find out more about the South West Coast Path Challenge here

Iceland Glacier Trek

Iceland Glacier Trek – Danny, Challenge Leader

As a very unusual year comes to an end I am now looking forward to what 2021 might bring. If there’s one Charity Challenge Trek I would relish leading it would be the Iceland Glacier Trek. Coming from the Highlands of Scotland I’m sure the Highlands of Iceland are just as stunning when it comes to their mountains, glaciers and other geological features whilst the additional expanse of snow and ice would be like a personal Mecca for me! The trek will no doubt be challenging with it’s daily dose of Nordic skiing and overnight camping on the ice. But coupled with potentially mesmerising views of the Northern Lights from what would be the best seats in the world and other stunning vistas during the day, topped off with a muscle-relaxing soak in a geothermal pool at the end of the trip I imagine there are few better ways to boost your mental, physical and overall well-being. 

Find out more about the Iceland Glacier Trek here

Black Friday Sale

Trek to Machu Picchu – Simon, Co-Founder and Director

Of all the places around the world that I have had the pleasure and privilege to have trekked, one stands out above all others for me, and that’s the trek to the Inca city of Machu Picchu.  Of course it is one of the UNESCO Modern Wonders of the World, and for good reason, but the reason I love this trek is the combination of the scenery (snow-capped mountains, hot springs, the Sacred Valley, huge rivers), the Andean people and remote communities, and the history and architecture of the area (Spanish Colonial Squares and Inca settlements). It has everything, and that’s before you consider the awesome trekking route and camping out under the stars. I highly recommend it.

Find out more about Trek to Machu Picchu here

West Highland Way Challenge

West Highland Way Challenge – Jenn, Head of Sales & Marketing

2020 was the year I discovered just how much the UK has to offer! We are blessed to have some of the most spectacular national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, coastal walks and trekking trails right on our doorstep. For me, the challenge I am must looking forward to is the West Highland Way Challenge in Scotland as I am a big fan of taking on multi-day trekking trails. I love that we can disconnect from the world for a couple of days and completely immerse ourselves in nature. The thought of trekking and camping over 7-days through the breath-taking and atmospheric scenery of the Scottish Highlands sounds like my kind of heaven!

One of my favourite things about being outdoors is capturing perfect moments and sharing them with others. The West Highland Way is famous for incredible loch’s, stunning glen’s, waterfalls and dramatic highland mountains. Buchaille Etive Mor (The Great herdsman of Etive), is probably the most photographed mountain in Scotland, showcased recently in the James Bond Film Skyfall.  As I have never been to Scotland, I think this challenge will be the perfect introduction!

Find out more about The West Highland Way Challenge here

Click here to view our full range of challenges

Challenges

Launch of 2022 Overseas Challenge Dates

December 22, 2020

Today we are very excited to launch our 2022 overseas challenge dates. Think of a time when Covid-19 is just a distant memory and we can travel and explore the best landscapes the globe has to offer!

Have you been dreaming about summiting majestic mountains, trekking through forbidden landscapes, or visiting one of the amazing Wonders of the World? We know that people want to put 2020 behind them so let’s look to the future, turn your dreams into a reality and do something amazing for a good cause close to your heart.

Booking a Charity Challenge for 2022 is guaranteed to give you something to look forward to when the Covid-19 cloud has passed, and more importantly it will give you a purpose over the coming year, and keep you focused on getting fit. So, the only question that remains is – which challenge will it be?

MOUNTAIN TREK CHALLENGES

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

Trek through 5 eco-systems (cultivation, rainforest, heather & moorland, alpine desert & arctic) & summit the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m).

12 days | Tanzania | Extreme

Cotopaxi Summit – Avenue of the Volcanoes

This beautiful trek is not for the faint-hearted as it culminates in a magical midnight glacier climb. You will feel exhausted but elated as you rise with the sun, rewarded with priceless views over the Andes once you conquer Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5897m).

12 days | Ecuador | Extreme

Trek Machu Picchu

Follow the spectacular and uncrowded Ancascocha trail, surrounded by the snow-capped Andean mountains, raging rivers and remote mountain communities until you reach the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

10 days | Peru | Tough

Everest Base Camp

Walking in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain – Mt Everest (8,848m), your route will take you through Sherpa villages, past beautiful monasteries and over jaw-dropping suspension bridges as you traverse gorges, visit the Everest Memorial Ground and trek through the Khumbu ice fall until you reach Base Camp. 

18 days | Nepal | Extreme

TREKKING CHALLENGES

Great Wall Discovery

Conquer the imperial masterpiece of the Ming dynasty as you test yourself against thousands of challenging steps along the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with time to explore the cultural highlights of China’s historic capital – Beijing

9 days | China | Challenging

Trek to Petra

Trek across deserts, ascend mountains, traverse high ridges and down into wadis as you camp Bedouin-style in the desert and delight in the ancient hidden city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

8 days | Jordan | Challenging

Charity Challenge - Trek Angkor Wat

Trek Angkor Wat

Trek 100km through local villages and rice paddies of Cambodia, visit the sacred Kulen Mountain Waterfall and view the Giant Sleeping Buddha, before finishing at the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

8 days | Cambodia | Challenging

Maasai Bush Trek

Join Massai guides – one of Africa’s great nomadic tribes – as you trek across the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the foothills of the Crater Highlands, passing Mt. Kitumbeine, and the game-filled plains of Nagarirat.

9 days | Tanzania | Challenging

CYCLING CHALLENGES

Saigon to Angkor Wat

Follow the road less cycled on this 450km challenge from Saigon to Angkor Wat. Enjoy the endless miles of quiet backwater roads, waterways and rice paddies, passing ancient temples and bustling markets, beautiful and varied rural landscapes, and quaint villages. 

11 days | Vietnam | Moderate

Cycle Sri Lanka

Be one of the first to sign up to our brand new cycling challenge, an unforgettable bike ride through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Starting at the famous Lion Rock in Sigiriya, pedal your way through rice fields, spice regions and tea estates, soaking up the Sri Lankan way of life as you go. 

9 days | Sri Lanka | Challenging

Cycle India & the Taj Mahal

Discover the chaotic magic of India’s capital – Delhi – and step inside the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World before you cycle 450kms through Rajasthan, a region rich in desert landscapes, fantastic wildlife, exquisite forts, and bustling cities.

10 days | India | Challenging

Cuba Cycle Revolution

Welcome to the land of cigars, revolution, Che Guevara and vintage Chevrolets. The Cuban cycle travels from Havana to the exotic Caribbean. We spend 5-days in the saddle, cycling 350 km from one beautiful coastline to the other, passing remote villages, fruit orchards and sugar plantations.

10 days | Cuba | Challenging

Above is just a taster of some of the amazing challenges we have on offer. To see our full range of challenges available click the button below.

We also understand that there may be a little uncertainty around booking a challenge in the current climate so we have pulled together five reasons to book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence!

Click to view our full range of challenges

Sales & Promotions

The Black Friday Sale has begun!! Get up to £300 off*

November 27, 2020
Charity Challenge Black Friday Sale

This year we are offering MASSIVE savings on a range of 2021 and 2022 Overseas and UK & Ireland challenges for our Black Friday Sale. 

Book before midnight on Monday the 30th November and you can get up to £300 off* the registration fee on selected overseas challenges and up to 75% off* the registration fee on selected UK challenges. *T&C’s apply

Use code BF2020 when booking your next adventure!

Visit incredible destinations, go beyond your limits and create lifelong memories in some of the world’s most amazing destinations, while raising money to help your favourite cause. Below is a little taster of some of the amazing discounts we have on offer this year….

Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride

Save up to £200 off your reg fee on Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride.

Everest Base Camp

Save up to £300 off your reg fee on Everest Base Camp 

Trek to Petra

Save up to £100 off your reg fee on Trek to Petra

Trek Machu Picchu

Save up to £200 off your reg fee on Trek to Machu Picchu

Lake District Triple Challenge

Save up to 75% off your reg fee on selected UK challenges.

Icelandic Lava Trek

Save up to £100 off your reg fee on Icelandic Lava Trek

EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE OF BLACK FRIDAY DISCOUNTS HERE

Sales & Promotions

Massive Savings Coming Soon in our Black Friday Sale…

November 20, 2020

Tis the season to sit down with a cuppa and write your adventure bucket list for the year ahead. That is if you haven’t done it already!

Have you been dreaming of the majestic views of Nepal and standing in the shadows of the world’s highest mountain – Everest – (8,848m) on our Everest Base Camp trek?

Or trekking through Iceland, one of the planet’s most volcanic regions, and witnessing thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, plunging fjords and spouting geysers on our Icelandic Lava Trek?

Or staying closer to home and taking on an incredible day of trekking, biking and kayaking in the stunning Lake District Triple Challenge?

Well now is the time to make things happen! This year we are offering MASSIVE savings on a range of 2021 and 2022 Overseas and UK & Ireland challenges for our Black Friday Sale. To get priority booking and first access to these great savings sign up to our newsletter below.

Sign up to our newsletter here

For now, click on the challenges below and start getting your Overseas and UK & Ireland wish list ready for our biggest ever Black Friday Sale!

Tips & Advice

Five reasons to book a Charity Challenge in the current climate

November 6, 2020

We understand that there may be a little uncertainty around booking a challenge in the current climate so we have pulled together five reasons to help you make one of the greatest decisions of your life and book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence!

Minds in the Wild

1 – Cancellation flexibility

Book an overseas challenge for 2021 (from 27th Nov 2020 to 31 Jan 2021) and you can cancel your challenge at any point up to 90 days before departure, for whatever reason, and we will give you a full refund! This applies to all overseas challenge bookings made until the 31 January 2021. We want people considering booking a trip now, to have 100% confidence that their registration fee is protected and that they can cancel without any penalty for whatever reason.*

* For any Trek to Machu Picchu bookings, where Inca Passes have been bought and paid for, we will refund the registration fee less £75 to cover the direct costs incurred for your booking. If the passes have not been purchased, we will refund you in full

2 – We are Covid Safe

The safety of our customers, leaders, doctors, local ground teams, and the communities we interact with on our challenges, is of paramount importance to us.  A large part of our safety system is ensuring that you, our customers, are fully informed and updated of the best practice guidelines and the measures that we have put in place to keep you Covid safe.   

For the latest version of our Covid-19 Health & Safety Guidelines please visit here.  

“It’s been our very own challenge ensuring that our trips are Covid-secure, and that all of our participants feel safe. So it’s wonderful to read comments like Rachel’s, who took part in the Snowdon Triple Challenge for NSPCC in September 2020. Thank you!

Click here to read Rachels’s full review

3 – Support your Mental, Physical & Emotional Health

To protect each other from the spread of Covid-19 we have learnt that we need to “Wash Hands, Cover Face & Make Space”. But what do we need to do to protect our own health?

There has never been a greater need for us to take care of our mental, physical and emotional health. By booking a Charity Challenge event for 2021 this will not only give you something to look forward to when the Covid-19 cloud has passed, it will give you a purpose over the coming year. Due to the immense physical nature of the challenge, you really have to dedicate some time to training and getting your body fit and healthy and up to the task, and there’s little else out there that gives you better motivation to get into shape than the thought that next year, you could be summiting the National Three Peaks, climbing to Everest base camp, or trekking through the Accursed Albanian Alps!

You will also be gifted with a whole host of other life enhancing benefits such as courage, tenacity, self-love, a sense of fulfilment, meeting new friends and the warm glow of selflessness knowing you are helping others as well as yourself!

4 – Support Charities

Charity Challenge has been supporting charities to raise millions of pounds for over 20 years. Helping others is the core of our business. The Covid-19 pandemic has created unprecedented difficulties across every sector of the UK economy. The charity sector in particular is estimated to lose £4billion in income. We have had numerous conversations with charities since the outbreak of coronavirus and, having listened to their needs, we are doing everything we can to support them, such as launching our New UK & Ireland 2021 Challenges and New Winter Season UK Challenges

By taking on a charity challenge, you can play your part and help raise much needed funds for a charity that is close to your heart. If you are worried about hitting the minimum sponsorship target you also have the option of choosing the self-funding or flexi payment options. Click here to learn more about the different payment options.

Plus, we all know that helping others is hugely empowering and, in turn, can make you feel happier and more fulfilled.

5 – Flexibility if Covid-19 continues to impact on travel

Please rest assured that if Charity Challenge cannot operate a challenge in the host country due to Covid-19, we will offer you a number of options including the chance to:

  • Postpone your challenge to a later departure of the same challenge (up to March 2023)
  • Join any other overseas Charity Challenge trip from our extensive portfolio (this year or next)
  • transfer your place to another person
  • receive a refund of monies paid for the challenge

Please note that in most cases, where trips can be rescheduled in the same financial year, we are waiving our standard admin fees.

We understand that all the changes in the current environment can be extremely overwhelming and may leave you with many questions as we all adapt to the new way of being. To ease some of your concerns we have pulled together some Covid-19 FAQ’s

We hope the above information provides some support and also some comfort in booking with Charity Challenge, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in touch
Email : info@charitychallenge.com
Call : +44 (0)20 8346 0500

Challenges

Launch of 2022 European Challenge Dates

October 26, 2020
Highlights Tour De Mont Blanc (2)

At Charity Challenge we have decided to leave 2020 in the past and look to the future! Today we are very excited to launch our 2022 European challenge dates. Think of a time when Covid-19 is just a distant memory and we can travel and explore the best landscapes that Europe has to offer!

From cycling through the planet’s most volcanic regions in Iceland, to dog sledding across the beautiful, frozen landscape of Swedish Lapland, or visiting Count Dracula’s castle after trekking through the majestic Transylvanian Alps, these extraordinary challenges will make you fall in love with everything Europe has to offer. The toughest part will be deciding which challenge to take on first!

TREKKING CHALLENGES

Icelandic Lava Trek

Icelandic Lava Trek

This 5-day Icelandic itinerary takes in thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, plunging fjords and spouting geysers. Trek 58kms through one of the planet’s most volcanic regions and your hard work will be rewarded with an indulgent visit to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon where you have the chance rest aching limbs!

Highlights Tour De Mont Blanc

Highlights of the Tour de Mont Blanc

The Mont Blanc circuit is one of the most renowned and beautiful trekking routes in the world and this short itinerary takes in the best of the highlights. On this tough 4-day challenge, you will be trekking over 50km on the French, Italian and Swiss sides of the Alps, amid beautiful and raw mountain scenery. 

Trek Transylvania

Trek Transylvania

Traverse the Transylvanian Alps, taking in huge mountains, rugged wilderness and small villages on this 60km 4-day trek through Romania. Visit the King’s Rock National Park, home to wolves, lynx and bears plus, no trip to Transylvania would be complete without a stop at Count Dracula’s castle.

Trek the Accursed Albanian Alps

Trek the Accursed Albanian Alps

A challenging and spectacular 6-day trek at the very heart of the Albanian Alps, known as ‘The Accursed Mountains’. Traverse lush green valleys, wildflower meadows and craggy passes in Albania and Montenegro. Finishing the challenge by conquering Zla Kolata, Montenegro’s highest mountain (2,534m)

CYCLING CHALLENGES

London to Paris Cycle

London to Paris Bike Ride

This classic London to Paris cycle ride takes you through the beautiful Kent countryside before crossing the Channel to Calais. Over the course of four days, cyclists will cover an impressive 435kms through England and France. A challenge for those who are new to the sport, as well as the experienced cyclist.

Cycle Albania

Cycle Albania

Join us on our new cycle challenge, discovering the highlights of Albania. Cycling 6-days over 400kms on some quiet roads you’ll pass through stunning scenery – from huge snow-capped mountains and attractive rural villages, to the beautiful turquoise coast of the Ionian Sea.

Icelandic Fire and Ice Cycle

Iceland Fire & Ice Cycle Challenge

Iceland is home to some of nature’s most exciting geography, including active volcanoes, glaciers, thundering waterfalls, steaming lava fields, amazing ice caps and spouting geysers. Our short but tough biking challenge takes in some of the country’s most stunning and rugged terrain as we cycle over 230kms past volcanoes, hot springs and bubbling mud pots.

SNOW & ICE CHALLENGES

Dog Sledding Sweden

Dog Sledding Challenge

A team of loyal huskies leads the way through the snow-covered forests and mountains of Swedish Lapland, across 200kms of beautiful, frozen landscape. Experience the silence of nature over 5-days while gliding through this winter wonderland, taking the opportunity to spot elk and reindeer and even see the spectacular Northern Lights.

Iceland Glacier Trek

This is a challenge to get you out of your comfort zone and onto Iceland’s most extreme glacial landscapes. Based in the highlands of Iceland, you’ll ski-trek across Langjökull glacier ice cap for 5-days while enjoying the stunning scenery of one of Europe’s last great wildernesses while spending your nights camping on the ice under starry northern skies.

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE OF CHARITY CHALLENGES