Challenges, Inspiration

Meet Ash Dykes – Explorer and Extreme Athlete

April 26, 2017

We’re thrilled to be working with adventurer Ash Dykes on an exclusive challenge in Madagascar this September. Ash was the first person to traverse the length of Madagascar, covering 1,600 miles in 155 days. Now he’s heading back, but this time with Charity Challenge, giving you the opportunity to join him on this incredible adventure challenge.

Ash Dykes

What inspired you to first visit Madagascar?
At first, it was the fact that I hardly knew a thing about the island, I was curious. I then started to do my research and I was hooked by not only the beauty and diversity, but equally by the fact that over 80% of all wildlife and plant life is found nowhere else in the world. I knew that this would provide such a unique and exciting experience. Continue Reading…

Tips & Advice

Dave’s 11 Top Mountain Tips

March 17, 2017

Resident mountain expert Dave Sculthorpe has seen a peak or two in his time, having climbed to the heights of Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp and Oman. We asked him to come up with his top mountain tips to help you prepare for your next challenge.

Choose the right mountain, be realistic!
If you have never tried on a pair of walking boots, then Stok Kangri may not be the one for you. Here at Charity Challenge we’re all about being inspired, but we also want you to achieve that goal. It may be best to start with a UK challenge like our Snowdon Triple Challenge. Once you have the mountain bug then you can look at going farther and higher. Most of the best UK mountaineers cut their teeth in Scotland or Snowdonia and still keep coming back!

Choose your route and plan
Some of our challenges have different routes or seasons that you can ascend them in. Your first job is to do some research and see what will be best for you. Once signed up its time to start learning! Look at the history of the region, flora and fauna, myths, legends, language. This will heighten the experience when you get there. For me, reading about the mountaineering history of the Khumbu region made my trek to Everest Base Camp that bit more atmospheric. Continue Reading…

Challenges

8 Places To Get On Your Bike In 2017/18

February 16, 2017

Cycling is well known to be the most efficient form of transport on the planet. We think it’s also one of the best ways to see a country, while burning a few calories too! But where, you ask, should you take to the saddle and pedal your way from A to B? To get you started, here’s a little inspiration, including two brand new cycling itineraries!

PARIS
London to Paris Bike Ride

France is arguably the spiritual home of cycling, with Le Tour de France bringing a celebration of all things vélo to millions of fans worldwide each year. We think we’ve come up with the ultimate Tour de France experience. Come with us as we make our way to Paris from London on two wheels, arriving at the Eiffel Tower before catching the final stage in person!

Continue Reading…

Inspiration

Meet the Leader: Penny Knight

February 7, 2017

Adventurous expedition leader, Penny Knight, has worked with Charity Challenge for over 7 years on a variety of exciting overseas challenges. From crossing glacial rivers in Iceland to trekking across the sun-drenched Sahara Desert, Penny shares some of her highlights with us…

Penny-Knight1

Name: Penny Knight

(Current) location: North Yorkshire Dales

What’s been your favourite expedition (so far)?
It’s so hard to decide on one, but I think it has to be the Sumatran Jungle challenge, for so many reasons. I just love the smiley people, hot, humid climate and varied wildlife. The fantastic spicy food, physical variety of the challenge with river wading and steep ascents and descents – along with the remoteness and survival aspects- really make this a true challenge in every sense of the word.

What’s been your most memorable moment on an expedition?
I will never forget climbing the Heavenly Staircase on the Great Wall in China with one particular participants who shared their motivation and story with me. It was incredibly emotional and I remember there were a few tears (from the both of us!) as she conquered the challenge.

What qualities do you think a good expedition leader needs?
Good preparation is vital, and a sense of humour is key! You need to be able to balance caution and confidence simultaneously, and you must have the ability to make decisions quickly whilst remaining calm under pressure. An inherent spirit and wild enthusiasm definitely help, along with the ability to be supportive and empathetic throughout some grueling conditions.

What do you think you would be doing if you were not an expedition leader?
Very sad . . . . . but probably an outdoor centre operations manager ( as I was before I qualified to lead expeditions).

When you’re not hiking up mountains or cycling across countries, what do you do in your spare time?
You will usually find me outside! Yesterday I enjoyed a fantastic 12 mile walk in the Yorkshire Dales. I do enjoy writing about my adventures, and recently published my book, A Knight Fulfilled, which includes some of my experiences from around the world. I do love great food – but not cooking so much! And I love to keep in touch with friends that I have made on these expeditions throughout the years.

What is the best thing about being a leader?
The people you meet – both the participants and the guides in country. I also really enjoy the difference you hope you can make to those who trust you to lead them, and the way you can learn and motivate each other – it is priceless.  It truly gives me a greater thrill than anything else I can think of in life – an excitement, satisfaction, exhilaration, pride, value and enjoyment which cannot be surpassed in any other line of work I’ve come across!

 

Have you been on an expedition with Penny? Did she help you achieve more than you ever thought was possible? Share your experiences and stories with us. Comment below!