We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Hike, bike and kayak in the beautiful countryside of Oxfordshire and raise life-changing funds for NSPCC. Trek along the famous Thames Path, cycle near the magnificent Thames Ridgeway, and paddle along the magical River Thames.
There are two route options available so there's an option that will be right for you.
1 days | UK | Tough
Are you an Individual, Corporate or Charity interested in having your own private group departure?
If yes, please email info@charitychallenge.com and one of our team will be in touch to help with your enquiry.
BOOKINGS CLOSED: We are no longer accepting any more bookings on this challenge.
What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Your challenge leader will have a mobile phone and radios in case of emergencies and the team are trained to deal with any emergency situations. The event is not run as a race though and you will not be expected to walk or cycle at a pace beyond your capabilities. Should you find yourself unable to continue for any reason, you will be transferred back to the start point by safety vehicle.
Your challenge leader will have a mobile phone and radios in case of emergencies and the team are trained to deal with any emergency situations. The event is not run as a race though and you will not be expected to walk or cycle at a pace beyond your capabilities. Should you find yourself unable to continue for any reason, you will be transferred back to the start point by safety vehicle.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Participants will be able to utilise the bathroom facilities in the morning prior to the challenge, as well as between each activity. However, during the challenges such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Participants will be able to utilise the bathroom facilities in the morning prior to the challenge, as well as between each activity. However, during the challenges such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
You will be provided with a buffet breakfast when you arrive for the Adventure Challenge. You will also receive a packed lunch during the day along with snacks and hot drinks during the transition between activities. Upon completing your challenge a well-deserved celebration buffet dinner will be available.
You may wish to bring your own favourite snacks and energy drinks to help power you through the day.
You will be provided with a buffet breakfast when you arrive for the Adventure Challenge. You will also receive a packed lunch during the day along with snacks and hot drinks during the transition between activities. Upon completing your challenge a well-deserved celebration buffet dinner will be available.
You may wish to bring your own favourite snacks and energy drinks to help power you through the day.
This is a one day event, and overnight accommodation is not included.
This is a one day event, and overnight accommodation is not included.
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this challenge should not be underestimated. The terrain on this challenge varies throughout and can be rough at times, so be prepared! The path on the trek is uneven whilst the biking section follows off-road trails and as such can be uneven.
Despite its location in the UK, the difficulty of this challenge should not be underestimated. The terrain on this challenge varies throughout and can be rough at times, so be prepared! The path on the trek is uneven whilst the biking section follows off-road trails and as such can be uneven.
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for warm sunny walking weather and also sudden wind and downpours should they occur.
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We will run UK challenges between April and October, and although the summer months of June-August should be, in general, warmer, sunnier and more stable in terms of the weather conditions, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for warm sunny walking weather and also sudden wind and downpours should they occur.
We employ experienced and fully qualified challenge leaders to accompany and lead you. Our leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group and will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times. They will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers and ‘base camp’ throughout the challenge. Qualified mountain bike leaders and kayak instructors are also employed to guarantee that you are very well looked after at all times and have access to expert advice.
We employ experienced and fully qualified challenge leaders to accompany and lead you. Our leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading expeditions throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group and will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times. They will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers and ‘base camp’ throughout the challenge. Qualified mountain bike leaders and kayak instructors are also employed to guarantee that you are very well looked after at all times and have access to expert advice.
Our maximum group size for this challenge is 150. Depending on the number of people we may need to have separate groups doing the activities at different times.
Our maximum group size for this challenge is 150. Depending on the number of people we may need to have separate groups doing the activities at different times.
During the challenge there will be no opportunity to purchase snacks. You may still wish to take some money with you but we would advise you should need no more than £20.00, excluding your joining and returning home travel costs.
During the challenge there will be no opportunity to purchase snacks. You may still wish to take some money with you but we would advise you should need no more than £20.00, excluding your joining and returning home travel costs.
This challenge will have you biking, kayaking and hiking across the glorious and exciting Oxfordshire countryside, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking and cycling. If you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge. There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the expedition, the more you will get out of it. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Your training should also include some cycle training, preferably including some hills. The biking section of this challenge takes place on off-road trails, but you should gear your training to being comfortable on a bike and have experience of cycling up hills.
For the kayaking, no prior experience is necessary, although if you have the opportunity to go to a local kayaking club then this would help you when you arrive for the challenge. Kayaking requires good upper body strength, so if possible doing some exercises or light weights to build your strength would be advantageous.
This challenge will have you biking, kayaking and hiking across the glorious and exciting Oxfordshire countryside, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking and cycling. If you do not have the luxury of living near the hills, then the stairs at home (or an office block) are a great place to start. Most training should be part of an ongoing lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training 2-4 months prior to the challenge and gradually build up as suggested. Remember to use the walking boots that you will be wearing on the challenge in order to get them worn in, and take the daysack that you will be using during the challenge. There is no substitute for walking in the hills so try if possible to get out on a weekend and train in an area with steep hills. You should progress to training with your boots on from week 4 at the latest, but preferably from week 1. The more you exercise before the expedition, the more you will get out of it. Also see your Charity Challenge Fitness Training notes.
Your training should also include some cycle training, preferably including some hills. The biking section of this challenge takes place on off-road trails, but you should gear your training to being comfortable on a bike and have experience of cycling up hills.
For the kayaking, no prior experience is necessary, although if you have the opportunity to go to a local kayaking club then this would help you when you arrive for the challenge. Kayaking requires good upper body strength, so if possible doing some exercises or light weights to build your strength would be advantageous.
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, you may wish to change kit between each activity. You will be able to leave any extra equipment in the support van. Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable for the trek. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.
The hire kayaks is included in the cost of this challenge. Any safety equipment required for the kayaking will be provided, including helmets and life vests.
Bike hire is not included in the cost. If you wish to hire a bike then please contact andy@charitychallenge.com/ The cost of bike hire is £25.
Equipment of good quality and durability could make the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For this challenge, you may wish to change kit between each activity. You will be able to leave any extra equipment in the support van. Waterproof and well-worn in boots will be indispensable for the trek. The terrain is uneven and can be very rough, so it is vital that you use a strong pair of canvas or leather boots with good ankle support for this challenge, coupled with a pair of good quality walking socks. Trainers are not suitable. The benefits of a comfortable day sack cannot be underestimated - so make sure that you train with this. Other essentials are high quality gore-tex waterproof and windproof jackets and trousers, as well as technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. We would like to emphasize that jeans should not be worn on this challenge. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here. Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners The Outdoor Shop, Outdoor Hire and Cotswold Outdoor.
The hire kayaks is included in the cost of this challenge. Any safety equipment required for the kayaking will be provided, including helmets and life vests.
Bike hire is not included in the cost. If you wish to hire a bike then please contact andy@charitychallenge.com/ The cost of bike hire is £25.
Please NOTE: Bike hire and kayak hire is included in the cost of this challenge.
If you choose to bring your own bike then it is your responsibility to make sure that it is suitable for the terrain covered during the cycle section. It includes ascents and descents over loose terrain and on roads. Road bikes and hybrids are suitable for this challenge.
All kayak safety equipment is provided for you on this challenge and is included in the cost.
You will be paddling two-person, sit-on-top kayaks that are designed to be extremely stable. You will be sharing the kayak with another participant from your group. Full safety instruction is provided by our qualified leaders and these same leaders will accompany you on the water incase of any difficulties.
Please NOTE: Bike hire and kayak hire is included in the cost of this challenge.
If you choose to bring your own bike then it is your responsibility to make sure that it is suitable for the terrain covered during the cycle section. It includes ascents and descents over loose terrain and on roads. Road bikes and hybrids are suitable for this challenge.
All kayak safety equipment is provided for you on this challenge and is included in the cost.
You will be paddling two-person, sit-on-top kayaks that are designed to be extremely stable. You will be sharing the kayak with another participant from your group. Full safety instruction is provided by our qualified leaders and these same leaders will accompany you on the water incase of any difficulties.
This is our hugely popular challenge which is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, but perhaps haven’t taken on a multi-activity challenge before. You will not been to an expert mountain biker or kayaker, just somebody with a willing sense of adventure.
You will be encourage to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
This is our hugely popular challenge which is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, but perhaps haven’t taken on a multi-activity challenge before. You will not been to an expert mountain biker or kayaker, just somebody with a willing sense of adventure.
You will be encourage to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
This event is based in the village of Cholsey, south of Oxford.
You should plan to arrive early, around 7.30am, on the morning of the challenge.
Exact locations, timings and instructions will be sent 1 month prior to the challenge date.
This event is based in the village of Cholsey, south of Oxford.
You should plan to arrive early, around 7.30am, on the morning of the challenge.
Exact locations, timings and instructions will be sent 1 month prior to the challenge date.
You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Your day will begin with an early breakfast, and time to prepare for the challenge ahead.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 8am and you can expect to have completed all 3 activities by 6pm. However, please make sure you have flexible return options as things can over run and we can't be held responsible for any missed trains etc.
Please note that depending on the number of people taking part in this challenge it may be necessary for some groups to complete the challenge in a different order of activities.
You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Your day will begin with an early breakfast, and time to prepare for the challenge ahead.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 8am and you can expect to have completed all 3 activities by 6pm. However, please make sure you have flexible return options as things can over run and we can't be held responsible for any missed trains etc.
Please note that depending on the number of people taking part in this challenge it may be necessary for some groups to complete the challenge in a different order of activities.
This challenge is designed and run as a team event that will see you working together as a team to help support each other through the day.
Whilst the intention is to push each other as much as possible, the aim of the event is to give everyone the best possible chance of completing each activity.
This event will not be waymarked and marshalled. You will be accompanied by challewnge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves.
Throughout the day the group will naturally split into faster and more leisurely paced groups. This will be managed by the group and you will be helped to join a group moving at a pace that you are comfortable with.
This challenge is designed and run as a team event that will see you working together as a team to help support each other through the day.
Whilst the intention is to push each other as much as possible, the aim of the event is to give everyone the best possible chance of completing each activity.
This event will not be waymarked and marshalled. You will be accompanied by challewnge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves.
Throughout the day the group will naturally split into faster and more leisurely paced groups. This will be managed by the group and you will be helped to join a group moving at a pace that you are comfortable with.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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