Challenges

Launch of 2022 UK Challenges – Trek, Cycle and Triple

May 10, 2021

Charity Challenge are very pleased to announce the launch of our 2022 UK challenge dates for our trek, cycle and triple challenge series. 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. Whether you are a challenge veteran or this is your first time taking on a Charity Challenge we have something for everyone.

There are three difficulty levels:

  • Challenging: A “challenging” trip will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. You may have had some previous experience, but this is not necessary as long as the correct training is undertaken. You will be physically tested but the terrain is often on well-established routes.
  • Tough: A “tough” trip should be undertaken by someone with previous experience and interest in the activity – whether biking or trekking. A tough challenge will test you both physically and mentally. Both cycle and treks will be hilly, and training is essential. On a UK “tough” challenge, you should expect 10+ hours of exertion over demanding terrain.
  • Extreme: Extreme challenges will involve a great deal of endurance. These trips are not to be taken lightly. They are usually undertaken by someone with previous experience in a mountain setting, but who wants to take their experience to the next level physically and mentally. Training is essential.

Trek Challenges

Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge, England

Prepare for an epic 22km trek 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 (978m).

24 Peaks Challenge, England

Unique multi-day mountain challenge in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Attempt to summit 24 peaks over the course of 2 days trekking on some of the most iconic mountains in the Lake District, covering 47km with a total ascent of 3299m.

National Three Peaks Challenge, UK

Take on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. Considered one of Britain’s toughest outdoor challenges, the National Three Peaks Challenge takes in the dizzy heights of Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m) over 42kms in just 24hrs.

Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Northern Ireland

Commencing at the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, this tough one day challenge has you trekking a marathon distance along the dramatic Northern Ireland coastline of the Giant’s Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Welsh 3000’s Challenge, Wales

Take your challenge experience to the next level with this extreme 45km mountain trek in stunning Snowdonia. Summit all 15 peaks over 3000ft in Wales in one epic weekend, including its highest – Snowdon (1,085m).

South West Coast Path Challenge, England

Join us for three days of trekking and camping along the stunning South West Coast Path. You will experience everything that this popular long-distance National Trail has to offer on this 65km trek, from remote beaches to rugged cliff tops and picturesque fishing villages – perfect for spotting Atlantic grey seals and dolphins!

West Highland Way Challenge, Scotland

Challenge yourself to complete one of the UK’s most popular long-distance treks, the West Highland Way. Trek 154km, and camp en-route, over seven days through the breath-taking and atmospheric scenery of the Scottish Highlands, experiencing incredible loch’s, stunning glen’s and dramatic highland mountains.

Triple Challenges – Trek, Cycle & Paddle

Snowdon Triple Challenge, Wales

Pit yourself against the spectacular landscape of Snowdonia National Park in this tough and exciting multi-activity challenge. You’ll summit the mighty Snowdon (1,085m) as well as tackling challenging biking and kayaking sections all the while surrounded by this stunning part of Wales.

Lake District Triple Challenge, England

Trek to the summit of one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks, the Old Man of Coniston (803m), before testing yourself on the off-road mountain bike trails of Grizedale Forest, then kayak across the iconic Coniston Water.

Scottish Highlands Triple Challenge, Scotland

Join us in the Cairngorms National Park for an exciting weekend of cycling, trekking and kayaking. Culminating with an ascent of Ben Nevis (1,344m) and set within the classic adventure playground of the Scottish Highlands, this is the ultimate triple challenge.

Irish Triple Challenge, Ireland

A breath-taking triple challenge in the Irish adventure playground of Killarney National Park – a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Cycle 55km along the famous Ring of Kerry, test yourself on a 1.5km kayak in the beautiful Killarney lakes and then trek 13km to the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil (1,038m), all in one incredible weekend of adventure.

Cycle Challenges

Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, England

Be inspired by some of the most dramatic scenery England has to offer on this classic two-day bike ride from the west to east coast of the country. Departing from Whitehaven, cycle for 225km, crossing through the Lake District, North Pennines, and the ancient fringes of Hadrian’s Wall, before reaching the North Sea at Whitley Bay.

Tour de Cornwall, England

Join us and cycle over 320km’s from Penzance, via Land’s End, to Plymouth. This epic three-day cycle traverses the entire Cornish peninsula, from west to east and from north to south and all the while you will be surrounded by picturesque countryside, stunning villages and historic harbour towns.

Booking with Confidence

We understand that there may still be a little uncertainty around booking in the current climate, so we have pulled together “Booking with Confidence”, all the information you require to help you book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Booking-with-Confidence-5.png

All of our challenges have new health and safety measures in place to ensure they are Covid Safe. Read more here Covid-19 : Keeping you Safe. Please rest assured that Charity Challenge will continue to monitor all of the latest advice from both the government and local authorities and will ensure that all of our safety systems are up to date.

We are proud to have acquired the UK Industry Standard mark, “We’re good to go” in partnership with the Tourist Organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This means that our business has followed government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, has a risk assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

Challenges

Launch of 2022 UK Challenges – Winter, Urban and At Night

April 26, 2021
UK 2022 Challenges

Charity Challenge are very pleased to announce the launch of our 2022 UK challenge dates for our Winter, Urban and At Night Challenge series. Think of a time when Covid-19 is just a distant memory and we can comfortably travel and explore the best the UK has to offer!

Can you see yourself trekking under the starry skies of Snowdonia in order to reach the summit of Snowdon for sunrise? Or take on a marathon distance trek between the ten historic and beautiful Royal Park’s in London? Or maybe you want to test yourselves in a more extreme environment by pitting yourself against the spectacular snowy landscape of the Scottish Highlands covered in winter?

Discover some of the most spectacular National Parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cities that the UK has to offer with our Winter, Urban and At Night Challenge series and make 2022 the year it all comes true, while raising money for a worthwhile cause, close to your heart.

Winter Challenges

Winter Ben Nevis Weekend, Scotland

An incredible challenge to summit the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis (1344m), in winter! Learn key winter skills, including the use of crampons and ice axes, and then put them to good use to reach the summit where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands covered in snow.

Urban Challenges

London Royal Parks Challenge

London Royal Parks Challenge, England

Challenge yourself to this marathon distance trek between the ten London Royal Park’s. This epic 42km route will take you across historic parkland and beautiful green spaces, while passing some of the finest architecture in London.

London 10 Peaks Challenge, England

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

Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge

Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge, Scotland

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 seven 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!

At Night Challenges

South Downs at Night, England

Push yourself to the limit on this unique nighttime challenge through the South Downs National Park. Trek 42km along the South Downs Way battling fatigue and the demanding terrain of one of southern England’s newest National Parks before reaching Beachy Head and Eastbourne as the sun begins to rise.

Ben Nevis at Night, Scotland

Beginning in Glen Nevis, in the heart of the Scottish highlands, this spectacular challenge will take you to the top of Ben Nevis (1345m)….at night! Reach the summit as the sun starts to rise and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands.

Scafell Pike at Night, England

Trek under a blanket of stars along this magnificent route to the summit of the highest mountain in England – Scafell Pike (978m). A unique way to challenge yourself and your senses, whilst racing the sun through the night in the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Snowdon at Night, Wales

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 (1085m) … at night! Trek under the starry skies of Snowdonia in order to reach the summit of the highest mountain in Wales for sunrise.

Yorkshire 3 Peaks at Night, England

Challenge yourself to complete this classic UK trekking challenge, but with a twist! It’s a 38km trek at night to summit the Yorkshire Three Peaks – Ingleborough, Whernside and Pen Y Ghent. Start as the sun sets and aim to reach the final peak as the sun begins to rise.

Booking with Confidence

We understand that there may still be a little uncertainty around booking in the current climate, so we have pulled together “Booking with Confidence”, all the information you require to help you book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Booking-with-Confidence-5.png

All of our challenges have new health and safety measures in place to ensure they are Covid Safe. Read more here Covid-19 : Keeping you Safe. Please rest assured that Charity Challenge will continue to monitor all of the latest advice from both the government and local authorities and will ensure that all of our safety systems are up to date.

We are proud to have acquired the UK Industry Standard mark, “We’re good to go” in partnership with the Tourist Organisations of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This means that our business has followed government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, has a risk assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

Challenges

FEATURED CHALLENGE : National Three Peaks Challenge

April 14, 2021

Highlights :

  • Take on the three highest mountains in the UK – Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, and Snowdon
  • Be one of the first hikers of the day to take on Ben Nevis
  • Hike under the starry skies of the Lake District National Park and summit Scafell Pike at night
  • Reach the summit of the highest mountain in Wales for sunrise
  • Aim to summit all three peaks within 24hrs!

Overview :

Brace yourself for a fast-paced and physically challenging adventure, as you take on the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales in 24hrs. Considered one of Britain’s toughest outdoor challenges, the National Three Peaks Challenge takes in the dizzy heights of Ben Nevis (1,344m), Scafell Pike (978m) and Snowdon (1,085m).

Over the course of two days, you will trek around 42km and ascend to a total height of almost 3,000m. The equivalent of a full marathon distance, but with 3 hills! This is a serious and tough challenge which requires a good level of fitness, as well as plenty of grit and determination. Ultimately, however, your hard work will be rewarded with spectacular views and a huge sense of achievement.

Charity Challenge Keeping you safe

Why Choose Charity Challenge?

Over the years Charity Challenge has built up a wealth of experience that has enabled us to create the very best National Three Peaks itinerary that is geared towards providing everyone with the very best experience and opportunity to complete the challenge successfully.

We only use full specification minibuses with luggage carried in a trailer to maximise the space available to you on the vehicles. We use professional drivers, and adhere to driver hour regulations in order to keep you safe. We include proper meal stops to make sure you are fully fuelled and to maximise your chance of success. We employ one leader to look after you for the full event, and then additional ‘fresh’ leader on each mountain to help keep the group moving at an appropriate speed. We have also built in plenty of contingency time to our itinerary as delays can happen and we want to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to complete the challenge regardless as to what the traffic on the M6 is like!  

Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge

Whats included in the challenge :

  • Travel to and from the challenge start/finish point (from Chester train station)
  • One night’s accommodation in a hotel (twin-share)
  • Three meals a day (unless otherwise stated in the itinerary)
  • Drinking water on challenge days
  • Charity Challenge medal
  • Fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun Mountain Leaders
  • Challenge Safe Kit – a disposable face mask, 100ml alcohol-based hand sanitiser (72%) and a Charity Challenge buff
  • 15% off Cotswold Outdoor, Snow and Rock, and Runners Need
  • 10% kit hire discount with Outdoorhire
  • Support materials (itinerary, kit list, challenge information, health notes, Covid Safe health & safety guidelines, travel tips, responsible travel policy, and guidance)
  • Fundraising advice & fitness training notes
  • Repeat booker discount for your next Charity Challenge

How to fund your challenge :

  • Self-funder – Pay a registration fee of £95 when you book. Then a balance of £424 (5 weeks before your challenge). Raise as much as you can for your nominated charity.
  • Minimum sponsorship – Registration fee of £95 when you book. Raise a minimum of £865 for your nominated charity. You can raise funds for any UK or Irish registered charity.

For more information please click here

2021 UK Challenges

Availability :

We currently have 11 departure dates in 2023 for the National Three Peaks Challenge. This is by far our most popular challenge and one we think everyone should tick off their challenge bucket list!

Book your National Three Peaks Challenge here
Tips & Advice

Spring Fundraising Ideas

March 19, 2021

With the start of Spring on Saturday the 20th of March the opportunities for new fundraising ideas begin to bloom. The lockdown measures are beginning to ease, the sun is starting to shine and the days are becoming longer – the perfect time to kick start your fundraising!

Spring Fundraising Ideas

National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, start moving and raise much needed funds for some worthwhile causes. Plus, it is also the best time of year to see bluebells so make sure you put on those walking boots and get outside!

Fundraising ideas :

  • WALKATHON – You, your friends, one day, 26 miles. Pick a route and get going! Ask your mates to sponsor you per mile.
  • TRY20 – Do the #try20 challenge and aim to walk 20 minutes every day for the whole month – ask your friends and colleagues to sponsor you.
  • 10,000 STEPS – Get active this spring and take 10,000 steps a day for 30 days. Use your smart phone or watch to keep an eye on your progress. Ask you mates to sponsor your efforts.
  • DOG WALKING – Offer to walk your neighbours and friends’ dogs in return for a donation.
Spring Fundraising Ideas

Bake Off

During lock down we can guarantee that new bakers have appeared amongst our friends and family! Now is the time to put everyone’s skills to the test and get your friends, family and colleagues together for your own Spring Bake Off. Bakers can give money to take part in the competition and people can vote for their favourites by donating. You can also auction off the showstoppers. Perfect for both an online or in person event! With the return of Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off the nation is definitely ready to get baking. #readysteadybake

Spring Fundraising Ideas

Garden Party

The weather is warming up, so get the picnic rugs ready, fire up the barbeque, and throw a garden party. The size of the party will be dependent on the latest set of guidelines from the government. Provide food, drinks and entertainment in exchange for donations. The opportunities with this are event are endless! Hold a themed party. Ask a live band to provide music (lots of new musicians also emerging from lockdown!). Serve food and drinks donated by local restaurants and cafes. Ask local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle, auction or tombola on the big day. Set up a Selfie station. Hold a cake sale. Set up a face painting stand. Play garden games…

Sell tickets prior to the event so you know how much stock is required and how many people will be attending your fundraising event. Upcoming dates that you could take advantage of: The Queen’s Birthday 12th June, National Picnic Week 19th -27th June 2021, National BBQ Week July 2nd – 11th 2021.

Spring Fundraising Ideas

Easter

Easter Sunday this year falls on the 4th of April and it is a cracking time to fundraise! Easter Egg Decorating. Easter bake-offs. Egg and spoon races. Easter flower arrangements. You can even fill a jar with mini eggs, get people to guess how many are in there and ask them to donate. The person with the closest guess wins the jar or a prize (ask local businesses to donate something).  

Easter Egg hunts are also a classic spring time fundraiser, ensure you follow the latest set of guidelines from the government. If your garden is big enough invite everyone round for the hunt in return for a donation. Alternatively, you could speak to local parks and gardens and see if they would support your event and allow it on their property – but do ask first!

Spring Fundraising Ideas

Earth Day

The theme for Earth day on the 22nd of April is “Restore Our Earth”. What a perfect opportunity to join the world’s largest environmental movement and run a fundraising event that can support our local communities and focus on areas that are affected by environmental issues.

Fundraising ideas:

  • TREE PLANTING – Plant new trees and plants in your local community. Get volunteers to join you as planters. Accept donations of seedlings and other plantable items, ideally native plants. If you plant on public property, such as in a park, be sure to get permission from local authorities.
  • PLOGGING / RUBBISH WALK – Set yourself a jogging or walking challenge combined with picking up litter. This will have a positive impact on our environment and our bodies – in other words, it’s an earth-friendly way to get fit. 
  • CLEANUP DAY – Each volunteer gets a roll of rubbish bags, a pair of gloves, and a shovel or rubbish pick, and performs a walking clean-up of a designated area. If you are going on public property, such as in a park, be sure to get permission from local authorities.
  • PLANT A COMMUNITY GARDEN – A community garden can bring a wide range of benefits – from connecting people with each other to growing fresh food to enjoy. Check out the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) website for tips on how to get this up and running.
Spring Fundraising Ideas

Spring Clean

It is officially the start of Spring so there is no better time to have a clear out! With spring cleaning comes an excellent opportunity for online and in-person car boot sales to raise money for your good cause. Create an event page on a neighborhood site, such as Nextdoor, and invite your community to donate and/or buy items.

If you wish to sell online there are a variety of platforms that you can use such as Ebay, Amazon Marketplace, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Shopify. Please ensure that you clean and disinfect everything before passing them on. Don’t forget to share your listings on social media to help increase awareness of your fundraising events.

Inspiration

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

January 21, 2021
Charity Challenge - Great Wall Discovery

Are you considering what should go next on your bucket list? At Charity Challenge we love nothing more than taking on challenges in locations that allow our challengers to explore inspirational cultural and natural sites around the world, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

World Heritage Sites are designated by (UNESCO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for having cultural, historical, scientific or natural importance. The sites contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world” that are considered to be of “outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy”

As of January 2021, there are currently 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. At Charity Challenge we are very lucky to run challenges that visit over 50 of these amazing sites. Unfortunately this blog is not long enough for us to cover all of these so we have pulled together some of our favourites!

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have you been to?

Charity Challenge - South West Coast Path Challenge

1- Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape – explore on the South West Coast Path challenge, England

Charity Challenge -Hadrian's Wall Trail Challenge

2. Frontiers of the Roman Empire – explore on Hadrian’s Wall Trail Challenge, England

Charity Challenge - Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge

3. The English Lake District – explore on the Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge, England

Charity Challenge - Everest Base Camp

4. Kathmandu Valley – explore on Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Charity Challenge - Great Wall Discovery Extension

5. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor – explore on the Great Wall Discovery Extension, China

Charity Challenge - Cuba Revolution Cycle

6. Old Havana and its Fortification System – explore on the Cuba Revolution Cycle, Cuba

Charity Challenge - Giants Causeway Challenge

7. Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast – explore on our Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Northern Ireland

Charity Challenge - Jurassic Coast Challenge

8. Dorset and East Devon Coast – explore on the Jurassic Coast Challenge, England

Charity Challenge - Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge

9. Old and New Towns of Edinburgh – Explore on The Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge, Scotland

Charity Challenge - Trek to Machu Picchu

10. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – explore on Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

Charity Challenge - Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

11. Kilimanjaro National Park – explore on one of our Kilimanjaro Summit Climb’s, Tanzania

Charity Challenge - Great Wall Discovery

12. The Great Wall  – Explore on the Great Wall Discovery, China

Charity Challenge - Sumatra Jungle Challenge

13. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra – explore on the Sumatra Jungle Challenge, Indonesia

Charity Challenge - Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride

14. Angkor – explore on the Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride, Vietnam & Cambodia

Challenge - Trek to Petra

15. Petra – explore on
Trek to Petra, Jordan

Charity Challenge - cycle India And The Taj Mahal

16. Taj Mahal – explore on Cycle India and the Taj Mahal, India

Charity Challenge - Amazon Survivor Challenge

17. Central Amazon Conservation Complex 1 – explore on the Amazon Survivor Challenge, Brazil

Charity Challenge -Zambezi River Challenge

18. Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls – explore on the Zambezi River Challenge, Zambia

Want to tick some more UNESCO World Heritage Sites off your list? Choose your next challenge today!

Inspiration

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (18 – 24 January)

January 20, 2021

It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and we’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust because we want you to know where you can get support, the latest information and tips about smear tests.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day and 220,000 are diagnosed with cell changes, often needing treatment.  Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust want to see cervical cancer prevented and reduce the impact for everyone affected by cervical cell changes (abnormal cells) and cervical cancer through providing the highest quality information and support, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment and prevention.

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want as many people as possible to know how they can reduce their risk of cervical cancer and to educate others.  The last year has been a challenge with lots of things in life becoming more difficult. But one thing hasn’t changed, the importance of cervical screening (smear test). Smear tests are the best protection against cervical cancer, but they aren’t always easy and coronavirus has added additional challenges to attending.

We want to ensure as many people as possible have reliable information and support about smear tests, results and any changes due to the pandemic.

You can get involved by encouraging your family and friends to go to their smear tests if they get invited. If you get invited to make a smear test appointment, that’s because your GP practice has safety measures in place to make it safe. Government guidance says that you are allowed to go, even within the current restrictions across the UK, as cervical screening is a medical appointment.

You can also join in #SmearForSmear all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

  • Smear your lipstick and take a photo. Why? Because it grabs attention
  • Post it on social media using #SmearForSmear and tag us too!
  • Include a message about the importance of smear tests, tell your friends and family where they can access tips and support
  • Ask them to get involved too 
  • Don’t forget to be kind. It can be a really difficult test for lots of people, especially at the moment

Suggested social media post:

Smear tests can prevent cervical cancer but they aren’t always easy, especially right now. I’m supporting (@JoTrust on Twitter and @JosCervicalCancerTrust on Instagram) and #SmearForSmear because I want you to know where to find support, the latest info and tips about #SmearTests. Join in! www.jostrust.org.uk

Jennifer, a nurse, had an abnormal result after her cervical screening appointment when she was 33. She said, “I found waiting for the appointment really difficult.” She turned to the Jo’s Forum for support because “Connecting with people who understand your experiences can be a lifeline.” Read more about Jennifer’s story online here.

Challenge - Trek to Petra

This year, Fabulous Challenges have teamed with Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and will be taking a team of trekkers to trek to the Ancient city of Petra!  You can join a number of celebrities including Amber Rose Gill and Scarlett Moffatt on the trek on 13th – 20th November 2021. Register your interest here to join the Fabulous’ Challenge Trek to Petra to help raise life-saving funds for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust!