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.

No departures found for 2018

Sat 26 May 2018

In association with Hays Recruitment

Hays Recruitment
Action for Children

OVERVIEW

What to expect

ITINERARY

What you will do

COSTS

Ways to pay

ESSENTIAL INFO

All you need to know

Everything you need to know

This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.

Group Size

Emergencies

Safety Advice

Toilets

Food & Drink

Accommodation

Terrain

Climate

Leadership

Why book with Charity Challenge?

Money

Training

Clothing and Equipment

Kayak Equipment

Level of Difficulty

Getting there

Challenge Timings

The team event concept

Group Size

Our maximum group size for this challenge is 50. Depending on the number of people we may need to have separate groups doing the activities at different times.

Group Size

Our maximum group size for this challenge is 50. Depending on the number of people we may need to have separate groups doing the activities at different times.

Emergencies

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 the safety vehicle.

Emergencies

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 the safety vehicle.

Safety Advice

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:
•    The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
•    The weather can vary enormously during the course of your challenge. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
•    Always wear the safety equipment provided to you for the kayaking section.
•    We employ qualified instructors and leaders for each activity. Please listen carefully to the instructions given.
•    You will be accompanied on the water at all times whilst undertaking the kayak section.
•    This is an all day challenge. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

Safety Advice

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:
•    The terrain on the challenge is often rocky and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your walking boots have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
•    The weather can vary enormously during the course of your challenge. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
•    Always wear the safety equipment provided to you for the kayaking section.
•    We employ qualified instructors and leaders for each activity. Please listen carefully to the instructions given.
•    You will be accompanied on the water at all times whilst undertaking the kayak section.
•    This is an all day challenge. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.

Toilets

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!

Toilets

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!

Food & Drink

You will be provided with a packed lunch during the day along with snacks during the transition between activities. You may also wish to bring your own snacks to help power you through the day.

Food & Drink

You will be provided with a packed lunch during the day along with snacks during the transition between activities. You may also wish to bring your own snacks to help power you through the day.

Accommodation

This is a one day event, and overnight accommodation is not included.

Accommodation

This is a one day event, and overnight accommodation is not included.

Terrain

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 and can be wet and boggy.

Terrain

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 and can be wet and boggy.

Climate

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.

Climate

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.

Leadership

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 kayak instructors are also employed to guarantee that you are very well looked after at all times and have access to expert advice.

Leadership

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 kayak instructors are also employed to guarantee that you are very well looked after at all times and have access to expert advice.

Why book with Charity Challenge?

•    Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators, we include everything from the moment you arrived including a packed lunch, snacks during the challenge and a celebration drink at the finish.
•    Hire of kayaks is included in the cost.
•    The very best Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
•    Fully qualified kayak instructors who can also provided expert instruction to guide you through this activity.
•    Trek along a section of the historic Ridgeway national trail and the Thames path.
•    Kayak along the mighty River Thames.

Why book with Charity Challenge?

•    Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators, we include everything from the moment you arrived including a packed lunch, snacks during the challenge and a celebration drink at the finish.
•    Hire of kayaks is included in the cost.
•    The very best Leaders, who are fully qualified, highly experienced, knowledgeable and fun. They will do everything to help you complete the challenge and have a great time doing it.
•    Fully qualified kayak instructors who can also provided expert instruction to guide you through this activity.
•    Trek along a section of the historic Ridgeway national trail and the Thames path.
•    Kayak along the mighty River Thames.

Money

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.
Insurance
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.

Money

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.
Insurance
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.

Training

This challenge will have you kayaking and trekking 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.
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.

Training

This challenge will have you kayaking and trekking 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.
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.

Clothing and Equipment

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 of kayaks is included in the cost of this challenge. Any safety equipment required for the kayaking will be provided, including helmets and life vests. You do not need any specific clothing for the kayak section, so swimming costumes are not required. We recommend that people complete this section in the same clothes that they will use for the trek to reduce the amount of time spent changing. You may wish to bring a spare change of clothes, just in case!

Clothing and Equipment

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 of kayaks is included in the cost of this challenge. Any safety equipment required for the kayaking will be provided, including helmets and life vests. You do not need any specific clothing for the kayak section, so swimming costumes are not required. We recommend that people complete this section in the same clothes that they will use for the trek to reduce the amount of time spent changing. You may wish to bring a spare change of clothes, just in case!

Kayak Equipment

Please NOTE: Kayak hire is INCLUDED in 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 instructors and these same leaders will accompany you on the water in case of any difficulties.

Kayak Equipment

Please NOTE: Kayak hire is INCLUDED in 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 instructors and these same leaders will accompany you on the water in case of any difficulties.

Level of Difficulty

This challenge 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 be to an expert kayaker or trekker, just somebody with a willing sense of adventure.
You will be encouraged to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
•    Trekking approximately 20km, approx. 5 -6 hours.
•    Kayak for 1.5km along the River Thames, approx 2 hours.

Level of Difficulty

This challenge 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 be to an expert kayaker or trekker, just somebody with a willing sense of adventure.
You will be encouraged to take part as a team, helping each other through the challenge.
•    Trekking approximately 20km, approx. 5 -6 hours.
•    Kayak for 1.5km along the River Thames, approx 2 hours.

Getting there

Exact locations, timings and instructions will be sent 1 month prior to the challenge date.
The event will be based in the village of Cholsey, just south of Oxford.
You should plan to arrive early for a 10am start, on the morning of the challenge.

Getting there

Exact locations, timings and instructions will be sent 1 month prior to the challenge date.
The event will be based in the village of Cholsey, just south of Oxford.
You should plan to arrive early for a 10am start, on the morning of the challenge.

Challenge Timings

You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Your day will begin with registration, followed by a full safety briefing to prepare you for the challenge ahead.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 10am and you can expect to have completed both 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.

Challenge Timings

You will be sent precise timings and locations 1 month prior to the start of this challenge.
Your day will begin with registration, followed by a full safety briefing to prepare you for the challenge ahead.
The challenge itself commences at approximately 10am and you can expect to have completed both 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.

The team event concept

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.
The trekking route will not be waymarked or marshalled. You will be accompanied by challenge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves as a race.
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.

The team event concept

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.
The trekking route will not be waymarked or marshalled. You will be accompanied by challenge leaders at all times, therefore it is not suitable for people wishing to complete the challenge by themselves as a race.
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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ATOL protected

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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