10 OF THE BEST
Remember that New Year Resolution to get in shape? It's not too late! Why not try an endurance event, a personal challenge or a fun day out - and raise some vital charity donations at the same time?
Charity Challenges
TREK SNOWDON BY NIGHT
2 DAYS/1085M
1 Combine an unforgettable experience with a real sense of achievement on a moonlight trek to the summit of Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales. On your descent see the sun rise over mountain slopes and the stunning, rugged landscape of Snowdonia National Park. Experienced leaders guide the challenge, with full support throughout. There's dinner before you ascend and a slap-up celebration breakfast at the finish (various dates, May-August). discoveradventure.com/challenges/snowdon-by-night
DELOITTE RIDE ACROSS BRITAIN
9 DAYS/1,000 MILES
2 Push yourself to the limit and make memories to last a lifetime on one of the UK's greatest twowheeled challenges. Join hundreds of other cyclists from Land's End to John O'Groats on the ultimate British bike ride - nearly 1,000 miles in nine days through marvellous landscapes. There's full support en route - food, mechanics and medics - leaving you to focus wholly on making friends – and the road ahead (5-13 September).
rideacrossbritain.com
JUMP FOR JOY IN PITLOCHRY
132 FEET
3 Here's a highland fling with a difference!
Head to Perthshire and this special bungee jump platform 132 feet above the beautiful River Garry, near Pitlochry. Take a leap and (try to) enjoy spectacular views of the historic Pass of Killiecrankie, a dramatic gorge surrounded by ancient trees. Jump experts Highland Fling Bungee works with charities of any size and cause and offers jumps all year round.
bungeejumpscotland.co.uk
JURASSIC COAST TREK
25KM/50KM/100KM
4
Embark on an historic trek along the spectacular sites of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door along the Jurassic Coast - a World Heritage Site since 2001. Starting at Poole Harbour, this walking challenge takes in Portland Bill, Chesil Beach and the famous cliffs at West Bay. There are three trek options to choose from – 25km, 50km, or push yourself to the limit with the full 100km challenge (16-17 May).
jurassiccoastchallenge.com
LAKE DISTRICT FIVE PEAKS CHALLENGE
14 MILES
5
Here's a weekend to treasure: why not tackle five of the Lake District National Park's most demanding peaks. Challenge yourself to 14 miles of walking across dramatic crags and moorland, the Langdale Pikes towards England's highest peak, Scafell Pike. There's full support and qualified mountain leaders to show the way (April, August & September).
charitychallenge.com
CHARITY SKYDIVE
7,000/10,000/15,000FT
5 2020 is a leap year, so no better challenge than a tandem skydive in aid of charity. As a specialist first-time skydiving centre, Salisbury-based GoSkyDive are perfect for fundraisers who have never jumped before. They work with hundreds of charities across the UK, so, go ahead and jump into an enthralling experience you'll remember for years (throughout the year).
goskydive.com
WALK THE ISLE OF WIGHT COASTAL PATH
FULL, HALF OR QUARTER ISLAND
7
Great challenges need great settings - and few are better than the Island's coastal path - with white cliffs, sandy beaches, stunning views and an undulating coastal path to really test you. The Full Challenge starts at Chale, in the south, and at 106km and 2,000 metres climb - makes it a tough one! The 2 Day Full Challenge Option enables rest at half-way in Cowes, with the whole route in daylight. (2/3 May 2020) For a much slower pace, you might also enjoy 2-17 May, Isle of Wight Walking Festival - two weeks of stunning guided walks around the Island.
isleofwightchallenge.com
DEVIZES-WESTMINSTER CANOE RACE
17 MILES
8
Pitch your strength and wits against other water babies in a memorable canoe challenge - The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Starting in Devizes, in Wiltshire, competitors paddle 125 miles along the Avon Canal and River Thames. Over 70 locks will need to be navigated en route, and a 17-mile stretch of Thames tidal water (10-13 April).
dwrace.co.uk
RIVER DART 10K SWIM
10,000M
9
Join swimmers in the UK's longest established ultra swimming challenge, along the River Dart from Totnes to Dittisham. It's the watery equivalent of the London Marathon and at 10,000m, nearly a third of the length of an English Channel swim (5-6 September).
outdoorswimmingsociety.com
LONDON TO BRIGHTON ULTRA CHALLENGE
25KM/50KM/100KM
10
Put your best feet forward from the capital to the coast on a trek from Richmond to Brighton over the North and South Downs. There are great views en route to the south coast, full support throughout and even the chance to camp midway. Walk, run - or even hop - the Full (100km), Half (50km) or Quarter (25km) Challenge (23-24 May).
ultrachallenge.com