JTI Big Walk Newlands Corner

Why have we partnered with Charity Challenge?

• Route markings and checkpoint throughout the trek
• Qualified walking leaders and first aid staff on hand to help with any problems
• Packed lunch included to fuel you through the trek

Level of difficulty

The JTI Big Walk is graded as challenging. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, who wish to challenge themselves over approximately 3-5 hours of walking.

Food and drink

A packed lunch will be available to you during the trek. At the halfway checkpoint there will be water available. We would advise that everyone also bring some of their own snacks and reusable water bottle to keep them going during the day.

How do we follow the route?

This route will be clearly marked with Charity Challenge route arrows. You should follow these arrows at all times. Should you have any problems following the route then please stop and call the event emergency number for assistance. This number will be provided to you in your joining details information which is provided one month before the challenge.  

Getting to and from the challenge

The registration point for your challenge is at the Discovery Centre at Newlands Corner. The address is:

Albury Downs, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8SE

Paid car parking is available at the registration point.

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, waterproof and well-worn in boots or walking shoes will be indispensable. The terrain is uneven and can be rough, so it is vital that you use boots or walking shoes with good grip. Sports trainers are not suitable. A full kit list for this challenge can be found here.

Training

The JTI Big Walk is a long, sustained event of 10 miles covering varied terrain. You can expect to be walking for approximately 3-5 hours depending upon your speed. Your training should ensure that you feel comfortable with this level of exercise.

The ideal training for this challenge is, naturally, walking along similar terrain. However, if you do not have the luxury of living near the great outdoors, then the gym or walking in your local area are good places to start.

Most training should be part of an ongoing active lifestyle, but if this is not the case then you should begin training several months prior to the challenge and gradually build up. Remember to use the clothes, equipment and especially the shoes that you will be wearing on the challenge  to get them worn in. The more you exercise before the challenge, the more you will get out of it.

Safety

Charity Challenge considers the safety of all  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 our priority.

Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

• The terrain on the challenge is often muddy and in wet conditions can be extremely slippery. Please make sure that your shoes have good grip. Trainers are not appropriate as they lack grip.
• The weather can change in the day. Please make sure you carry an additional warm layer, waterproof jacket.
• This event includes short sections along roads. Please take care along these sections and keep to the sides of the roads in single file.
• Ensure that you eat lots throughout the day and keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
• If you have any difficulties following the route then please stop and call for assistance.

Toilets

Toilets will only be avilable at the registration point. On the walk facilities are limited to the great outdoors.

Group size

We are anticipating approximately 175 walkers taking part in this challenge. We would encourage all walkers to support each other and to help any walkers who are struggling.

Weather

The weather in the UK can be ‘changeable’ so please keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress appropriately. Please ensure that you carry with you a waterproof and/or a warm layer.

Terrain

The difficulty of this trek should not be underestimated as it includes 10 miles of walking over varied terrain. The route is on good paths and quiet country roads, but it's the variation of terrain that makes this challenge a unique and fun experience.

Challenge timings

Registration for your challenge will begin at 9.30am.

Your trek will start at 10am so please arrive with your bags packed and your boots on.

You can expect the challenge to finish at approximately 3pm.

Please note: Precise details and timings will be made available in your Final Details that are sent out one month prior to the challenge.

Accommodation

Channel Support will be in contact with the Sales Force to provide accommodation details and details of team meetings which will occur the day after the walk.

Health - Medical Conditions

This event is voluntary. If you have any concerns about your health, or a medical condition or are pregnant, please seek advice from a medical practitioner before participating in this event.

Leadership

The event marshals will all hold appropriate walking leader and first aid qualifications and will be there to assist you throughout the trek. Walking leaders will be marshalling sections of the route, so if you are struggling or need assistance please just wait on the route and they will be able to assist you.

Emergencies

You will be given an event specific emergency number to call should you have any emergencies during the trek. Should you have any problems following the route then please call this number for assistance. Please don’t try to relocate yourselves. We would much rather you call the number for us to assist.

Walking leaders will be marshalling the route and so should you need any non-emergency assistance then please just wait on the route and wait for them to reach you.

If you have any questions

If anyone has any questions about the challenge, please email Ellie.smallshaw@jti.com

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.

Medical Support

First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions, and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.

If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.