The Category Challenge Walks is a subset of Particular Types of Walks in the UK. Browse through the Brief Records in the Category or look at the broader Category to find a List of the Titles of all of the Challenge Walks Entities which have so far been described in this Directory. Clicking on a Title will link you to the Entity's Full Record.

'A Challenge Event is a walk mostly on footpaths and other Public Rights of Way (PROWs), across open fields and moors, avoiding tarmac as much as possible. The challenge is to the individual, e.g. 30 miles in 10 hours, it is NOT a race. The distances include at least one option over 20 miles - commonly 25, 26.2 ( Marathon) - with walks over 50 miles, e.g. 62 miles (100 kilometres) in 26 hours giving qualification for the LDWA's "flagship" Event, held over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend in a different part of the country each year, namely, a Hundred Miles in 48 hours, with a limit of 500 participants.'

'Service where anyone can view our catalog of fitness events across a wide range of sports, locations and providers (including many charities). We wanted to use a clean and modern layout as well as using simple search options, this way you can bring up what you want to look at with just a few clicks on your mouse ... after all, the less time you take searching for your event the more time you have to get fit!'

'For the last fifty years West Birmingham Hostelling Group and its successor, the Across Wales Walk Association, have organised the Across Wales Walk: an event now recognised as one of the regular classics of the challenge walking calendar ... The Across Wales Walk is open to both walkers and runners. Whilst we welcome those attempting completion in fast times, the event is not a race.' [And note the Section Across Wales Walk: The Hard Truth!] Usually held Early September.

Across Wales Walk Association

'The Anglezarke Amble is a Challenge Walk taking in Rivington, Anglezarke and Turton Moors, through an area known locally as "Little Lake District". There is a choice of distances, either 16 or 24 miles.' Usually held Mid February.

LDWA - West Lancashire

'The annual 100 mile event is the LDWA's flagship event. Held every year in a different part of the country, to coincide with the Late May Bank Holiday, up to 500 people gather to walk 100 miles in 48 hours. In order to enter all these people will have completed a qualifying event beforehand. The first 100 mile event held was the Downsman 100 in 1973. Since then, with the exception of 2001 when foot and mouth closed the countryside, there has been an event every year.'

'Strenuous circular walk for able walkers around Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), including part of the Aran ridge, starting and finishing at the Penllyn Leisure Centre, in Bala. The walk is 20 miles (32 km) long with a total ascent of 4,100ft (1,250m) and is expected to be completed in around 8-10 hours.' Held Early May.

Rotary Club of Bala & Penllyn

'Links together those churches in the Dronfield area which have bells. In particular, the towers at Dronfield, Old Whittington, Norton, Dore, and Hathersage.'

'The hike is a 56 mile circular course, visiting checkpoints in the correct order, within 24 hours starting at 12:00 noon on the Saturday. Open to any person over 18 years on the day of the event, or with approval of parent/guardian and prior arrangement ...' Held Early September.

3rd Hazel Grove Scout Group

'The official web site for Challenge Walks in Northumberland, including the Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk, Cragside Challenge Walk, St Cuthbert's Way Challenge Walk and Kielder Challenge Walk.'

Shepherds Walks

'The only off-road event for runners or walkers that follows a scenic course on sections of the Cheltenham Circular Footpath, Cotswold Way and Winchcombe Way.' Usually held Mid June.

Cheltenham Challenge

'The Community Forest Path (CFP) was devised in association with the Forest of Avon with the avowed intent of leading people out of the city into the countryside ... The original map of the Community Forest Path is now out of print, so these maps, which have more in common with vector diagrams than they do with conventional plans are offered as a substitute, pending a new official leaflet.'

Closer to the Countryside

'Bringing to light a 50 mile hike around the ancient boundary of Dartmoor as stated in the year 1240 ... I'd like to emphasize the walk was not designed as a race; there is no time limit. You may start and finish the walk at points most convenient to you. The submission of a short report at the finish will entitle you to a certificate and the opportunity to purchase a badge.'

Ian & Caroline Kirkpatrick

A Perambulation of the Forest of Dartmoor [Moorland Ramblers] (PDF) | Dartmoor's Ancient Boundary Perambulation [LDWA]

'Consists simply of the coastal path from Weymouth to Swanage, possibly with diversions where the path has fallen away or is dangerous. Anyone expecting a gentle stroll along the cliffs will be in for a shock, but the route has stunning views and is a true classic. The distance is about 32 miles, passing through the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site over some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in England, but including some tough climbs on the way.' Held Late August.

LDWA Dorset

'To call the Elie Chainwalk a walk is not strictly accurate; it is more of a scramble, requiring a healthy spirit of adventure, a good measure of agility and a strong head for heights ...'

James Carron

Walk all the 3000ft Mountains in England  'The English 3000ft'ers comprise 6 Mountains that rise above 915m (3000ft) with at least 30m (100ft) of reascent on all sides. The highest point is Scafell Pike and all are within the Lake District National Park in Cumbria: [1] one in The Eastern Fells area (Helvellyn) - - - : [2] one in The Northern Fells area (Skiddaw) - - - : [3] four in The Southern Fells area (Scafell Pike, Sca Fell, Broad Crag & Ill Crag).'

English 3000s Challenge [adventurecafe]

'The 26 mile Founders Footpaths, originally devised by Tony Youngs, and first walked in April 1995 by members of the LDWA Surrey Group ... The route is used largely, but not completely, for the LDWA London Group's annual Founders Challenge which takes place in October.' Held Early October.

London LDWA | Surrey LDWA

A new challenge event: 'There will be two routes of 24.5 and 13 miles, to be completed in 10 hours from the Burbage Institute, Buxton (SK044729).' Held Early October.

LDWA - South Manchester

'The High Hunsley Circuit was devised by the late Dennis Parker, former Chairman of the Beverley Group of the Ramblers’ Association. The route is easy to follow. From Walkington to Welton Wold Farm it incorporates a part of the route of the Beverley 20 walk (waymarked B20). The section from Brantingham to Hessleskew follows part of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, waymarked with its distinctive acorn symbol.'

East Yorkshire and Derwent Area Ramblers

'Originally conceived ... in 1985 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Ramblers Association. In it's original state it was a one day challenge walk over a 50km route. Ten members of the Group completed the inaugural walk in one day and were the first recipients of the original badge and certificate. It is, however, worth noting that the Hyndburn Group has also done the walk over both two and three days on various occasions.' ALERT Details of this Walk no longer seem accessible via the Hyndburn Ramblers Website. So I have replaced the Link with one to GPS Cycle and Walking Routes. However, note also the Link to the Prospects site below.

Hyndburn Ramblers

Walking Routes [Prospects: Hyndburn's community-owned environmental charity]

'Lakeland Trails are some of the most inspiring trail running and walking events in the UK, all held within the spectacular landscape of the Lake District National Park. Designed for all ages and abilities, our trail courses range from 10km and 14km -18km, all the way through to half and full marathon distances. Each provide well marked, safe and marshalled journeys along environmentally sustainable bridleways and footpaths that take in some of the most incredible countryside in Britain.'

Lakeland Trails

'Longshaw Limber celebrates the Centenary of the National Trust. It takes in some of the best that the Peak District has to offer and yet it starts within 15 minutes of England’s fifth largest city, Sheffield ... This is my log of the Longshaw Limber challenge walk. As promised by the route description I found splendid scenery, haunting moorland, old halls, gritstone edges, a famous village and 4,200ft of ascent! The walk was designed by Paul Pugh.'

Richard Briggs

'The Lyke Wake Walk is still alive and well, and being walked every year by walkers of all ages and nationalities. It is a 42 mile walk from Scarth Wood Moor, Osmotherley, across the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors, ending on the north sea coast at Ravenscar. The challenge is to complete the full walk within 24 hours.'

Lyke Wake Company Ltd

'The National Three Peaks Challenge is a well known phrase amongst the more adventurous. This challenge involves walking the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours ... The three peaks are: [1] Ben Nevis (1,344 m or 4,409 ft), the highest mountain in Scotland; [2] Scafell Pike (978 m or 3,209 ft), the highest mountain in England; [3] Snowdon / Yr Wyddfa (1,085 m or 3,560 ft), the highest mountain in Wales ... Organised versions of the National Three Peaks Challenge are available, while many groups organise their own.'

However, we must note that the Challenge is 'putting increasing pressure on the same localities throughout the summer months, with considerable negative impact on the environment, local residents, rescue services and amenities. The National Parks/Local Authorities and landowners are responding to the impact of this event by discouraging further growth and beginning to operate a stronger management regime for it'.

Three Peaks Challenge Ltd

Three Peaks Partnership | Three Peaks of Great Britain [LDWA]

'Walk from Amesbury which follows footpaths to Old Sarum giving good views across Salisbury to the famous Cathedral spire.  The return route crosses the beautiful Woodford Valley.'

Amesbury Walkers

'This is our own annual challenge event with a choice of three distances - 30, 24 or 14 miles. It is based in Cilcain near Mold and is highly regarded attracting upwards of 100 participants most years.' Held Mid September.

Merseystride LDWA

'The Purbeck Plod was introduced in 1965 and ran yearly through to 2002. Our Group re-introduced the walk in 2008 adding the options of a 25 mile run and a 16 mile walk ... The challenge isn't just in the distance. There are a lot of climbs along the way. On the 25 mile route these add up to about 4,300 feet and on the 16 mile route, they add up to about 2,700 feet.' Challenge now usually held Late June/Early July.

The Ramblers East Dorset Group

'Explores the famous Rhondda Valleys of South Wales. This scenically beautiful route starts in Trehafod, and follows a clockwise circuit visiting Mynydd y Glyn, Mynydd Dinas, Mynydd William Meyrick, The Bwlch and Ferndale before returning to Trehafod via the iconic Tylorstown Tip. The route provides extensive views of the South Wales valleys and the Brecon Beacons to the north. The route has approximately 5000 feet of ascent.' Held Mid May.

South Wales LDWA

'Based on the Celtic myth of Sabrina, a water nymph said to inhabit the waters of the River Severn, we have created a 25 mile circular route called the Sarn Sabrina and a shorter 12 mile route called the Semi-Sabrina. The Sarn Sabrina Walk is both a one day challenge walking event which held its inaugural walk in 2006, and a trail that can be walked over a number of days for you to savour the beautiful views the route encompasses ... ' Held Late May.

L.L.A.N.I.. Ltd

'The Three Peaks Trial is an organised challenge walk arranged each year in March by the Cardiff Outdoor Group. Since 2010 Longtown Mountain Rescue Team provide support with marshalls on all the mountain top checkpoints. The Walk was first held in March 1963 and was designed for less experienced walkers who wanted to test their powers of endurance and skill at map reading. It is now the oldest challenge walk in the UK.' Usually held late March/early April.

Three Peaks Trial [Cardiff Outdoor Group]

'A walk (or run) between a series of unmanned checkpoints. Each has a grid reference together with a simple clue the answers to which you collect on the way round. This not only lets the organisers know you have followed the route(!) but also adds to the enjoyment. The clues are given in sequence and your time starts after you have had time to plot your route on the map ... Bring compass, map case, pencil and maps. You need to be able to read a map! Late finishers will need a torch.' Usually Early January.

LDWA - Surrey

'The walk is split into two sections, southern and northern loops both starting and finishing at Pontypool Active Living Centre in Torfaen. Each loop is just over 25 miles long, so the whole walk can be tackled as two separate day walks or, for the bold, as one figure of eight 50 mile walk. Getting back to your car at the halfway point on the 50 miler gives you the chance to refuel and resupply or change your mind depending on how determined you feel or what the weather is like.'

South Wales LDWA

Usually held Early September.

actionchallenge

'This walk links three of the shapeliest peaks in the Cheviot Hills - The Schil, Windy Gyle and Hedgehope, and involves some 5700 feet of ascent. It is not a walk for beginners and walkers should not underestimate its severity.'

LDWA - Northumbria

'#walk1000 miles is the walking challenge for everyone, created by the UK's biggest-selling walkers' magazine Country Walking, encouraging you to walk a total of 1000 miles in 2016 – or 12 months from when you sign up. That's an average of 2.74 miles a day – you can do it in your lunch hour! It's an honesty-based scheme and you're free to walk wherever and however you like. We're here to provide motivation, routes and advice, to celebrate your milestones and bring you free content and goodies from our partners. Sign up .. '

Country Walking

'A good challenge for any fit walker which also is one of the best walks in Snowdownia. The route ascends all the peaks over 3000 feet starting with Snowdon (Yr Wydffa) and finishing with Foel Fras in the Carneddau.'

The Welsh 3000s Challenge : 'You don't need to be a fell runner. Many people walk this. However, it's extremely tough, and is a big step up from something like the "Three Peaks Challenge". It's only suitable for very fit and experienced mountain walkers.'

UKH and Matt Elliott

The Welsh 3000s Challenge | The Welsh Three-Thousanders [Walking Britain]

'Walk starting at Prestwood and visiting Little Hampton, Hampdenleaf Wood, Dunsmore, High Scrubbs, Coombe Hill, Bacombe Hill, Wendover, part of the Grand Union Canal, Wendover Woods and Lee Common all in the attractive area of the Chiltern Hills ... On completion, if your answers to questions in it are verified as correct, you will be sent, free of charge, a certificate and a badge (while stocks last).' (Note also the 15 mile version.)

Beds, Bucks and Northants LDWA

'Run or walk on Cumbrian Fells: 23, 11.5 or 6.5 miles.' Held Early June.

Rotary Club of Upper Eden

'Takes on the peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, usually in this order, and in under 12 hours. These peaks form part of the Pennine range, and encircle the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.'

Three Peaks Challenge Ltd

Three Peaks Walk (Yorkshire) [LDWA] | North Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge