Everything you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Allianz & Mind Partnership
We're supporting Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, and SAMH in Scotland.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, promote understanding and provide support directly to those who need it most. Mind has a network of over 140 local Minds across England and Wales which offer specialised services based on the needs of the communities they support. Every year, one in four people will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of them are still struggling. Mind believes that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Their mission is simple - Mind won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
Allianz & Mind Partnership
We're supporting Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, and SAMH in Scotland.
Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness, promote understanding and provide support directly to those who need it most. Mind has a network of over 140 local Minds across England and Wales which offer specialised services based on the needs of the communities they support. Every year, one in four people will experience a mental health problem. But hundreds of thousands of them are still struggling. Mind believes that no-one should have to face a mental health problem alone. Their mission is simple - Mind won’t give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect.
Why book with Charity Challenge
- Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators we include everything from hostel accommodation, breakfast and plenty of lunch and snacks whilst on the trek.
- The very best Mountain 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.
- The highest quality Lake District 5 Peaks experience on the market!
Why book with Charity Challenge
- Everything included from the moment you arrive. Unlike other operators we include everything from hostel accommodation, breakfast and plenty of lunch and snacks whilst on the trek.
- The very best Mountain 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.
- The highest quality Lake District 5 Peaks experience on the market!
Level of Difficulty
The Lakes 5 Peaks challenge is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who wish to push themselves in a wild and remote region of one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. You can tell your supporters that on your Lakes 5 Peaks Challenge you will be:
• Trekking for around 10 hours in a single day.
• Covering 14 miles (22km) of mountainous terrain.
• Trekking without support, carrying all your food and water for the entire day.
• Ascend more 1500m in a single day. That’s more ascent than Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain!
• Summiting 5 of the highest hills in the Lake District, Scafell Pike (978m) Great End (910m) Ill Crag (935m) Allen Crags (785m) and Rossett Pike (651m)
Level of Difficulty
The Lakes 5 Peaks challenge is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind and who wish to push themselves in a wild and remote region of one of the UK's most iconic landscapes. You can tell your supporters that on your Lakes 5 Peaks Challenge you will be:
• Trekking for around 10 hours in a single day.
• Covering 14 miles (22km) of mountainous terrain.
• Trekking without support, carrying all your food and water for the entire day.
• Ascend more 1500m in a single day. That’s more ascent than Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain!
• Summiting 5 of the highest hills in the Lake District, Scafell Pike (978m) Great End (910m) Ill Crag (935m) Allen Crags (785m) and Rossett Pike (651m)
Clothing & Equipment
This challenge takes place in a remote and mountainous environment, away from roads and immediate access to vehicle evacuation. It is therefore extremely important that you come prepared with the correct kit for this challenge. Please ensure that your waterproof jacket is able to keep you dry when subjected to rain for several hours at a time, and that you also have waterproof trousers as legs get just as wet as tops. Footwear should also be waterproof and most importantly should have good grip. Sports trainers are not appropriate for the terrain of this challenge. We also ask you to ensure that you bring with you a warm layer, along with a hat and gloves.
Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Cotswold Outdoor.
Please be aware that because of the environment that this challenge takes place in our leaders may ask to see the vital parts of your kit. Participants found without kit marked on the kit list will not be allowed to take part in the challenge.
Clothing & Equipment
This challenge takes place in a remote and mountainous environment, away from roads and immediate access to vehicle evacuation. It is therefore extremely important that you come prepared with the correct kit for this challenge. Please ensure that your waterproof jacket is able to keep you dry when subjected to rain for several hours at a time, and that you also have waterproof trousers as legs get just as wet as tops. Footwear should also be waterproof and most importantly should have good grip. Sports trainers are not appropriate for the terrain of this challenge. We also ask you to ensure that you bring with you a warm layer, along with a hat and gloves.
Once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Cotswold Outdoor.
Please be aware that because of the environment that this challenge takes place in our leaders may ask to see the vital parts of your kit. Participants found without kit marked on the kit list will not be allowed to take part in the challenge.
Training
This challenge is a great adventure that will have you trekking up and down five peaks in the Lake District over one day, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, 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.
Training
This challenge is a great adventure that will have you trekking up and down five peaks in the Lake District over one day, therefore requiring a moderate to good level of fitness. The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, hill walking. However, 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.
Money
You may wish to bring some cash or a credit card to pay for food and drinks at the hostel on Friday night.
If you are driving to the start of the trek then you will also need to have some loose change for the car park. Prices vary for parking, but you can expect it to cost around £8 for a day ticket.
During the trek there will be no opportunities to purchase anything.
Money
You may wish to bring some cash or a credit card to pay for food and drinks at the hostel on Friday night.
If you are driving to the start of the trek then you will also need to have some loose change for the car park. Prices vary for parking, but you can expect it to cost around £8 for a day ticket.
During the trek there will be no opportunities to purchase anything.
Insurance
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. Therefore the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation. You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Insurance
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. Therefore the main thing that you will not be covered for is cancellation. You can see our cancellation policy within our terms and conditions here. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
Group Size
Our minimum group size is 30 and the maximum is approximately 50. There will be one challenge mountain leader for approximately every 10-15 participants.
Group Size
Our minimum group size is 30 and the maximum is approximately 50. There will be one challenge mountain leader for approximately every 10-15 participants.
Leadership
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading challenges throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
Leadership
We employ experienced and fully qualified mountain leaders to accompany and lead you. The mountain leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading challenges throughout Britain and overseas. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. They will be carrying full safety equipment and mountain first aid kits with them at all times.
Climate
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We 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 all weathers, including warm and sunny temperatures as well as wind and sudden downpours.
Climate
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! We 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 all weathers, including warm and sunny temperatures as well as wind and sudden downpours.
Terrain
The majority of this challenge takes place over mountain paths within the Lake District, which, although uneven underfoot, are fairly well maintained and regularly used. However, there are a couple of small sections where you will be climbing down over rocks and using your hands to help you up and down. These sections are very few and far between, but may be termed a slight 'scramble'.
Terrain
The majority of this challenge takes place over mountain paths within the Lake District, which, although uneven underfoot, are fairly well maintained and regularly used. However, there are a couple of small sections where you will be climbing down over rocks and using your hands to help you up and down. These sections are very few and far between, but may be termed a slight 'scramble'.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers at the Lake District National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment.
Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience. We believe that acting responsibly should add to your enjoyment of the challenge so we won’t lecture you about not dropping litter. Instead we’d like to encourage you to support ‘Fix the Fells’ who maintain the excellent footpaths we will be walking on. For more information about Fix the Fells please visit their excellent website by clicking here.
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area.
For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Responsible Tourism
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. On this challenge in particular, we always liaise with the rangers at the Lake District National Park to make sure that we minimise our impact on the local environment.
Our leaders care passionately for the environment and will be keen to talk to you about how you can do your bit to conserve the local area and enhance your experience. We believe that acting responsibly should add to your enjoyment of the challenge so we won’t lecture you about not dropping litter. Instead we’d like to encourage you to support ‘Fix the Fells’ who maintain the excellent footpaths we will be walking on. For more information about Fix the Fells please visit their excellent website by clicking here.
We would also like to encourage all our participants to spend a little extra time in the local area. Why not consider booking an extra night in a local B&B, and go out for a meal in one of the excellent local pubs after the challenge? Not only will you be able to celebrate your achievements but you will also be putting more money back into the local area.
For extra information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages, where you will be able to view a list of the other projects that we currently support.
Challenge Timings
Please note that Final Details regarding the precise challenge timings will be sent to you 1 month prior to the event.
You will need to arrive at the hostel on Friday evening in time for your safety briefing with your leaders at approximately 8pm.
On the day of the challenge you can expect an early start at 6am and you can expect to finish the challenge by 6pm.
Please note: Delays can happen and so please have flexible travel plans after the challenge.
Challenge Timings
Please note that Final Details regarding the precise challenge timings will be sent to you 1 month prior to the event.
You will need to arrive at the hostel on Friday evening in time for your safety briefing with your leaders at approximately 8pm.
On the day of the challenge you can expect an early start at 6am and you can expect to finish the challenge by 6pm.
Please note: Delays can happen and so please have flexible travel plans after the challenge.
Getting There
Your accommodation is in the town of Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District.
Precise directions will be provided one month prior to your challenge.
The location of the trek is in Langdale, a 20 minute drive from Ambleside. All participants are responsible for getting themselves to the start of the trek on Saturday morning.
Getting There
Your accommodation is in the town of Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District.
Precise directions will be provided one month prior to your challenge.
The location of the trek is in Langdale, a 20 minute drive from Ambleside. All participants are responsible for getting themselves to the start of the trek on Saturday morning.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in the YHA Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Accommodation is provided in same-sex dormitories with shared washing facilities.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in the YHA Ambleside in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Accommodation is provided in same-sex dormitories with shared washing facilities.
Food & Drink
A cold breakfast buffet is provided on the morning of the trek.
A packed lunch and snacks are included during the trek. We strongly encourage you to bring additional sweets and snacks if desired.
Dinner on the Friday evening is not included.
Drinking of alcohol the evening before is strongly discouraged for your own health and safety during this tough challenge.
Food & Drink
A cold breakfast buffet is provided on the morning of the trek.
A packed lunch and snacks are included during the trek. We strongly encourage you to bring additional sweets and snacks if desired.
Dinner on the Friday evening is not included.
Drinking of alcohol the evening before is strongly discouraged for your own health and safety during this tough challenge.
Toilets
During the challenge toilet facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Toilets
During the challenge toilet facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
Safety
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 on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• The ascent of Scafell Pike is particularly steep and does involve the use of your hands to a small extent.
• The section of the challenge over towards Scafell Pike and Ill Crag follows a particularly rocky footpath and extra care should be taken over this section.
• 12 hours is a long time to be out on the hills. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Safety
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 on the summits of the hills can be very different to down in the valleys. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket and trousers and a hat and gloves.
• The ascent of Scafell Pike is particularly steep and does involve the use of your hands to a small extent.
• The section of the challenge over towards Scafell Pike and Ill Crag follows a particularly rocky footpath and extra care should be taken over this section.
• 12 hours is a long time to be out on the hills. Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety on each peak and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within 10-12hrs. If we find that you are unable to trek at all, then we will arrange for you to be collected and taken back to the hostel.
Emergencies
Your leading team are trained to deal with emergency situations in remote areas and will be carrying a mobile phone and radios in case the emergency services need to be contacted. The event is not run as a race and you will never be encouraged to walk at a pace ‘beyond your ability’. There will always be a wide variety in people’s walking abilities which will be carefully managed by the leader team. This team will always keep the group together for maximum safety on each peak and set a sensible pace for all to achieve this challenge within 10-12hrs. If we find that you are unable to trek at all, then we will arrange for you to be collected and taken back to the hostel.