Challenges and Events
 Once you have completed your challenge why not buy a personalised memento of your achievement. |
The information in this section may give you some ideas. It is not a definitive list of what is happening this year but is a selection of challenge ideas and events across several outdoor pursuit categories.
It also provides links to activity companies, charities and event organisers so that you can obtain further information. Who knows what you can achieve with a little help and advice.
Don't forget that once you have completed your challenge, You Did It provides personalised mementos to help you celebrate your achievement and recall your memories.
Click on the activity that interests you
Walking/Hillwalking
 |
National Trails (England & Wales) National trails are long distance routes which wend their way through some of the finest landscapes of England and Wales. There are 15 in total covering some 2500 miles (4000km). The first trail was the Pennine Way which opened in 1965. The routes vary in distance from the Yorkshire Wolds Way at 79 miles (126km) to the challenging South West Coast Path at 630 miles (1008km) - you don't have to do it all in one go! Some also require a higher level of fitness because of the terrain. The full list is as follows:- Cleveland Way, Cotswold Way, Glyndwrs Way, Hadrian's Wall, North Downs Way, Offa's Dyke Path, Peddars Way, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Pennine Bridleway, Pennine Way, The Ridgeway, South Downs Way, South West Coast Path, Thames Path, Yorkshire Wolds Way. If you want to find out more about them visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk |
 |
Long Distance Routes (Scotland) Scotland's equivalent of the National Trails, includes the very popular West Highland Way (95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William). Find out more at www.highland.gov.uk |
  |
National Trail Adventure Holiday Organisers There are several companies that organise accommodation and luggage transfer along these routes so that you can just concentrate on the trek (if that is not effort enough!) Details of these are as follows:- www.contours.co.uk | www.macsadventure.com |
Other Routes
There are many other routes/trails in the UK which can be considered as challenges.
These are some of the more popular ones:-
 |
Beacons Way - a spectacular 100 mile (161km) walking route through the Brecon Beacons National Park including South Wales' highest mountains. Drover Holidays - www.droverholidays.co.uk |
 |
Wainwright's Coast to Coast - this 190 mile (304km) Wainright devised journey starts at St Bees Head in Cumbria and passes through the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors on its way to Robin Hood's Bay on the east coast. www.wainwright.org.uk |
 |
Rob Roy Way - A seven day walk across the Southern Highlands of Scotland taking in some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Starting from Drymen on the West Highland Way it goes north east to finish in Pitlochry, a distance of 79 or 92 miles (129 or148 km) depending on the route you take. www.robroyway.com |
 |
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge - This challenge takes in the peaks of Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough which form part of the Pennine Range. This is a 25 mile route with the aim of completing it within 12 hours. www.3peakswalks.co.uk |
 |
Scottish Munros - There are 284 of these mountains, which have to be over 3000ft to qualify as a Munro. According to the Scottish Mountaineering Club over 3000 hill-walkers currently have their names recorded as having climbed all the summits - if you want to add your name to the list you will need to find plenty of time. www.scottishsport.co.uk |
 |
Snowdonia Way - this trail covers some 140 miles (220km) across the mountains of Wales, including Snowdon and other spectacular summits. www.celtrail.com |
 |
Cambrian Way - a 274 mile (440km) coast to coast trail from Cardiff in the south to Conwy in the north, crossing remote and scenic parts of Wales. www.cambrianway.org.uk |
 |
Lake District - there are many opportunities to attempt challenges in this part of the UK, the National Park being a centre for outdoor activity. www.lakedistrictoutdoors.co.uk |
 |
You may want to attempt the four 3000 ft peaks of Scafell, Scafell Pike, Skiddaw and Helvellyn. www.mountain-adventures.co.uk |
|
...or how about all 214 fells described in the 7 volumes of Wainwright's "A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells" www.wainwright.org.uk |
 |
There is also the Bob Graham Round, covering 42 Lakeland peaks, a distance of 74 miles (118km) with an ascent of some 28500ft. www.bobgrahamround.co.uk |
 |
National Three Peaks Challenge - A popular challenge for the adventurous, involves climbing the 3 highest peaks in the UK within 24 hours (Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon). Such a challenge requires a high degree of organisation and has been adopted by several charities as a fundraising event. There are also a few adventure companies who include the challenge in their programmes. www.mountainandglen.com |
| UK Four Peaks Challenge - If the National Three Peaks Challenge isn't tough enough this adds another peak, Slieve Donard in Northern Ireland. | |
 |
Welsh 3000's Walking Challenge - This involves climbing all 15 of the peaks above 3000ft in Wales. www.welsh3000s.co.uk |
Charity Challenge Events
If you are looking to take part in an organised event there are many run by both national and local charities. Many of these take place within the UK, the more popular ones include events such as the London Marathon, Three Peaks 24 Hour Challenge and various 10k Runs. If you fancy taking part in a challenge further afield, there are several charities which organise events overseas. Examples of these include Climb Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp Trek.
The advantage of a charity challenge is that all of the organisation is done for you and you get the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. In return you agree to raise money on behalf of the charity.
You will usually receive a certificate or medal on completion of the challenge event but if you would like a personalised memento featuring a photo of yourself why not have a look at the You Did It products.
You can obtain more information on the variety of challenge events and when they are taking place by visiting the charity websites.
Here are a few who regularly organise events:-
 |
Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust - www.anthonynolan.com |
 |
British Heart Foundation - http://www.bhf.org.uk |
 |
British Red Cross Society - http://www.redcross.org.uk |
 |
Cancer Research UK - www.cancerresearchuk.org |
 |
Heart Research UK - www.heartresearch.org.uk |
 |
Macmillan - www.macmillan.org.uk |
 |
Marie Curie - www.mariecurie.org.uk |
 |
Multiple Sclerosis - www.mssociety.org.uk |
 |
Save the Children - www.savethechildren.org.uk |
 |
Scope - www.scope.org.uk |
 |
Wateraid - www.wateraid.org.uk |
Overseas Challenges
 |
If you fancy attempting a challenge overseas (as though there aren't enough in the UK) but don't want to take part in a Charity Event, there are companies who specialise in overseas adventures.
These are some of the companies you could consider:- www.colletts.co.uk |
 |
and if you are over 50... www.primeadventures.co.uk |
Outdoor Pursuit Centres
   |
Very often the courses that Outdoor Pursuit Centres run can offer you the challenge you are looking for complete with expert tuition. They usually cater for not only the beginner in adventure activities but also for those looking to develop their skills and perhaps gain leadership qualifications. Courses may include climbing, mountaineering, canoeing, sailing, mountain biking, orienteering, caving etc. www.pyb.co.uk | www.activity-scotland.org.uk | www.peakpursuits.co.uk/ |
Team Building Outdoor Activities
 |
Many of the Outdoor Pursuit Centres also cater for companies and groups who wish to enrol employees in team building activities in an outdoor challenge environment. The following are also providers of this type of activity:- www.riverdeepmountainhigh.co.uk |
If you would like a personalised memento featuring a photo of yourself taking part why not have a look at the
products.
Long Distance Walkers Association
 |
Long Distance Walkers Associationorganise long distance walking events in locations across the UK and across various terrain. Their website contains a lot of information if you are wanting to attempt a long distance trek, together with details of your nearest group. www.ldwa.org.uk |
Walking Magazines
The following two magazines are dedicated to the walking community - Trail and Country Walking. They include many articles on walking in the UK together with information on equipment, fitness, diet and accommodation providers. If you are planning a walking challenge why not buy a copy. It may give you an idea of what is involved.
Books
 |
There are a whole host of books and maps available covering walks, treks and challenges across the UK. If you want a book covering a particular area, then why not visit Amazon's website and use their search facility at www.amazon.co.uk |
Equipment
Having the right equipment is vital. You need to be aware that the weather in the UK can change very quickly particularly in the hill and mountain regions, where the altitude and wind chill factor can reduce the temperature. This makes the conditions feel very different to those at lower levels.
Comfortable breathable clothing worn in layers so you can add or take off in response to the changes in your body temperature, is advisable (it's amazing how hot you get when you start to go uphill!). You will also need waterproof outerwear, jacket and overtrousers, for those days when the weather decides not to follow your wishes.
Of course your feet are like the wheels on a car, your only contact with the ground, so it is important to ensure that they are comfortable by having good fitting footwear. The type of footwear you need depends upon the terrain but in general strong, stout boots/shoes with a good tread and which are preferably waterproof, are recommended. (Tip: when you go to buy walking boots/shoes ensure your feet are warm before you try them on as your foot size can increases with activity)
The size and type of rucksack you require again depends on what you are doing. If it is just a daysack you require, you will still need to be able to accommodate your waterproofs, additional clothing layers, water, food and first aid accessories. Also ensure your rucksack has a waterproof cover (it is no use staying dry yourself if your rucksack contents are wet).
There are many retailers selling outdoor clothing but you may like to look at the following websites:
 |
www.cotswoldoutdoor.com |
Fitness Training
 |
Whatever challenge you decide to attempt, it is important that you are fit enough to do it. That way it will be less demanding and therefore more enjoyable. The level of fitness required depends on the activity you engage in. It is therefore difficult to give any specific advice. The specialist magazines often contain articles relating to fitness training for the activity or sport they cover and the websites of the outdoor pursuit centres and oudoor activity organisers sometimes include information. A good source of information on fitness can be found at:- www.realbuzz.com |
Running
 |
Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k or 5k Runs... there are so many to choose from. For the more popular events e.g. London Marathon, Great North Run, you will find that many of the leading charities organise entries to them for those wishing to fundraise (see Charity Challenge Events for website details). Other sites that provide a list of events or information on how to prepare for a distance run are:- |
Triathlons
 |
If running a marathon is not a sufficient enough challenge, you could attempt a triathlon. On its website the British Triathlon Federation includes a lot of interesting information for newcomers to the sport (click on the 'About Us' section) together with details of events. |
Cycling
 |
Your first port of call for information on cycle events should be the website of British Cycling. This is the governing body for cycling in Britain, covering Road and Track, Mountain Biking, BMX, Cyclo Cross and Cycle Speedway. The website provides a unique coverage of the sport and contains a mine of information together with up to date news of what is happening in the cycling world. www.britishcycling.org.uk |
 |
For those interested only in Mountain biking you could look at the website of the International Mountain Biking Association www.imba.org.uk |
As with walking, there are a number of recognised challenge routes, such as the End to End Cycle Ride (Lands End to John o'Groats), the C2C (Cumbrian Coast to North Sea coast) and the Lon Las Cycle Route (Holyhead to Cardiff).
 |
If you want further information on possible routes visit the Sustrans website. Sustrans is the co-ordinator of the popular National Cycle Network. Details of long distance routes can be found in the 'Get Cycling' section of their website. www.sustrans.org.uk |
 |
The C2C route is especially popular and there is a website telling you everything you need to know if you are attempting the ride. www.c2c-guide.co.uk |
 |
If you are looking for suggestions on routes and rides both nationally and locally, then Every Day Cycling has the information, including details of both organised and self-guided routes and events. There is also an interesting feature on the website, which allows you to personalise information to your own requirements. www.everydaycycling.com |
 |
However if you are just seeking an organised event then Bike Events is the UK's largest organiser of fund raising and recreational rides. www.bike-events.com |
Charity Cycle Rides
 |
Organised events are also many run by both national and local charities. Many of these take place within the UK, the more popular ones include events such as the London to Brighton Bike Ride. The British Heart Foundation organises a programme of cycle ride events www.bhf.org.uk |
If you fancy taking part in a challenge further afield, there are several charities which organise events overseas. Examples of these include the London to Paris Bike Ride and the Vietnam Cycling Challenge.
The advantage of a charity challenge is that all of the organisation is done for you and you get the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. In return you agree to raise money on behalf of the charity.
You will usually receive a certificate or medal on completion of the challenge event but if if you would like a personalised memento featuring a photo of yourself taking part why not have a look at the You Did It products.
You can obtain more information on the variety of challenge events and when they are taking place by visiting the charity websites. Here are a few who regularly organise events:-
|
Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust - www.anthonynolan.com |
|
British Heart Foundation - http://www.bhf.org.uk |
|
British Red Cross Society - http://www.redcross.org.uk |
|
Cancer Research UK - www.cancerresearchuk.org |
|
Heart Research UK - www.heartresearch.org.uk |
|
Macmillan - www.macmillan.org.uk |
|
Marie Curie - www.mariecurie.org.uk |
|
Multiple Sclerosis - www.mssociety.org.uk |
|
Save the Children - www.savethechildren.org.uk |
|
Scope - www.scope.org.uk |
|
Wateraid - www.wateraid.org.uk |
Cycling Magazines
If you want to check out the latest news on fitness advice, bike tests, product reviews and ride guides the following magazines are dedicated to the cycling communit:-
- Cycling Weekly - Britain's biggest selling cycling magazine
- Mountain Bike UK (MBUK) - UK's leading mountain bike magazine
Equipment & Fitness Training
 |
If you haven't attempted a long distance cyle ride before, it is often worthwhile getting advice from those who have. Information on preparing for a ride can be found on the CTC (Cycling Tourist Club) website. Go to the 'Go Cycling - Getting Started - Organised Rides' section. If you join the CTC you will receive copies of their magazine - Cycle |
Cycling Adventure Holidays
There are several companies who organise cycling holidays at home and overseas, either on a group or self-guided basis, catering for all standards of cyclist. Here are a couple to look at:-
 |
|
 |
Specialists in unique Scottish mountain bike journeys |
Climbing
 |
If you are interested in climbing, the British Mountaineering Council website contains a lot of information - www.thebmc.co.uk The BMC is the representative body for the sport and exists to protect the freedoms and promote the interests of climbers, hillwalkers and mountaineers. Details of climbing events, including climbing wall and bouldering activities, are included on their site combined with important information on issues such as fitness, safety and equipment. |
Please Note
The information in this Challenge Ideas and Events section is given in good faith as an aid to help you find out more information about potential challenges and their requirements. You Did It Limited can not be held responsible or liable for any claim or loss arising from the use of any information provided, in particular the information provided on the link websites.