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Walking Challenge Events

 

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Ultra Challenge

Explanation of the Difficulty Rating.

  1. Easy: Suitable for beginners with basic fitness levels. Generally flat, short, and well marked routes.
  2. Moderate: Requires a moderate level of fitness. May include some inclines or uneven terrain but is manageable for most people with regular exercise habits.
  3. Challenging: Demands good fitness levels and some experience. Includes significant distance, elevation, or technical sections.
  4. Difficult: Requires a high level of fitness and experience. Includes long distances, steep inclines, and potentially challenging weather conditions.
  5. Very Difficult: Suitable for highly experienced and fit individuals. Includes extreme distances, challenging terrains, and potentially hazardous conditions.

Three Peaks Challenge

Distance: 23 miles (37 km)

Location: Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England), Snowdon (Wales)

Best Time to Do It: June to September

Difficulty: 5

Reason: Involves climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. Requires excellent fitness, navigation skills, and preparation.

About: Climb the highest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. It’s known for its challenging nature and spectacular views, attracting many charity events.

Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The challenging terrain and steep ascents require a high level of physical fitness.

West Highland Way

Distance: 96 miles (154 km)

Location: Milngavie to Fort William, Scotland

Best Time to Do It: May to October

Difficulty: 4

Reason: Long distance with varied terrain including mountains and moors. Demands good endurance and preparation.

About: Offers stunning views of lochs, glens, and mountains. It’s popular for its scenic beauty but requires good preparation due to its length and varied terrain.

Accessibility: Generally not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility impairments due to rough and uneven terrain. Some sections may be manageable with assistance.

Coast to Coast Walk

Distance: 192 miles (309 km)

Location: St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire

Best Time to Do It: May to September

Difficulty: 4

Reason: Traverses three national parks with significant distance and varied landscapes. Requires good navigation and physical endurance.

About: Traverses three national parks with varied landscapes and cultural heritage. Requires good navigation skills and endurance.

Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The varied terrain and length of the walk make it suitable only for those with good physical fitness.

South West Coast Path

Distance: 630 miles (1014 km)

Location: Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset

Best Time to Do It: April to October

Difficulty: 5

Reason: The UK’s longest national trail with rugged coastal paths, frequent ascents, and descents. Demands excellent fitness and endurance.

About: The UK’s longest national trail, known for its coastal views and diverse wildlife. It’s a major undertaking but highly rewarding.

Accessibility: Generally, not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The rugged terrain and frequent elevation changes require significant physical effort.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Distance: 84 miles (135 km)

Location: Wallsend to Bowness on Solway

Best Time to Do It: May to October

Difficulty: 3

Reason: Moderate distance with some elevation. Suitable for those with good fitness and an interest in history.

About: Follows the remnants of the Roman wall, offering a mix of history and scenic beauty. It’s less strenuous but offers a unique cultural experience.

Accessibility: Some sections are accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments, particularly around visitor centres. However, most parts have uneven terrain and will require assistance and are not advised for those with mobility impairments.

Pennine Way

Distance: 268 miles (431 km)

Location: Edale in Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish Border

Best Time to Do It: May to September

Difficulty: 5

Reason: Long distance with challenging terrain including moors and mountains. Requires excellent fitness and endurance.

About: The UK’s first national trail, known for its rugged beauty and challenging terrain. It’s a serious test of endurance.

Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments. The challenging terrain and long distance are suitable only for those with excellent physical fitness.

Thames Path

Distance: 184 miles (296 km)

Location: Kemble in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier in London

Best Time to Do It: Year round

Difficulty: 2

Reason: Relatively flat and accessible, but the length can be challenging for some. Suitable for most people with regular exercise habits.

About: Follows the River Thames through varied landscapes, including rural countryside and urban areas. It’s accessible and offers a mix of experiences.

Accessibility: Largely accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments, especially in urban sections. Some rural parts may have uneven surfaces.

The Monsal Trail

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.7 km)

Location: Derbyshire, Peak District

Best Time to Do It: Year-round

Difficulty: 1 (Easy)

Reason: A flat, well-maintained path along a disused railway line. Suitable for all fitness levels, offering beautiful views of the Peak District.

About: a flat, well-maintained path along a disused railway line, the Monsal Trail is accessible for all fitness levels. It offers stunning views of the Peak District and passes through several old railway tunnels and viaducts.

Accessibility: Accessible for wheelchairs, prams, and those with mobility impairments. The flat, well-maintained path is suitable for all.

The Malvern Hills

Distance: 9 miles (14.5 km)

Location: Worcestershire and Herefordshire

Best Time to Do It: Year-round

Difficulty: 1 (Easy)

Reason: Gentle slopes and clear paths make this an accessible walk. Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

About: The Malvern Hills offer gentle slopes and clear paths, making them accessible for walkers of all abilities.

Accessibility: Some paths are accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments. However, some areas may have steep sections or uneven ground. For trails that are wheelchair and pram accessible, go to the trails at Earnslaw Quarry car park and Black Hill car park.

Box Hill Circular Walk

Distance: 8 miles (13 km)

Location: Surrey Hills, near Dorking

Best Time to Do It: Year-round

Difficulty: 2 (Moderate)

Reason: The walk includes sections with moderate inclines and descents, which may require a reasonable level of fitness.

About: This circular walk starts and ends at Box Hill, taking you through woodlands, open fields, and along the River Mole. It offers stunning views from Box Hill and interesting features like Stepping Stones and the Old Fort.

Accessibility: Not accessible for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility impairments. Moderate inclines and uneven terrain require a reasonable level of fitness.