Even if you’re walking solo, don’t let that stop you from getting involved in these exciting charity initiatives
St John Ambulance
Boost your step count with The St John Ambulance Every Step Counts Virtual Challenge. Not only does it help you to get outdoors and do your bit for your own health, you can also make a positive difference to this amazing charity. As part of the month-long walking challenge, you’ll be able to log your steps, receive regular health, fitness and fundraising emails, plus gain access to the charity’s exclusive Facebook community so you can connect with other St John Ambulance fundraisers. By raising £100 you could train a St John Ambulance volunteer to become an advanced first aider. sja.org.uk
Cats Protection
Sign up for this virtual challenge to climb a huge 5,568 steps to reach the four highest UK summits: Ben Nevis, Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard. Whether you want to do it in days, weeks or months, you can spread it out and tackle your stairs at home one step at a time. Cats Protection helps around 200,000 cats and kittens every year through a network of over 230 volunteer-run branches and 36 centres – by taking on this climb and raising money for the charity, you can help vulnerable cats and kittens get back on their paws. cats.org.uk/4peakschallenge
Time for the Front Line Virtual Challenge
Fundraise for free breaks for NHS staff and keyworkers with the YHA Time for the Front Line Virtual Challenge. Make it as easy or as difficult as you’d like with an activity and duration that suits you – whether it’s a slow outdoor walk with your family or a power-walk up your local landmark. The charity is fundraising to give 900 members of frontline staff and their families a well-earned two-night stay away and all proceeds from your £20 entry fee – or donation – will go directly to the cause. Share your activity using #TimeForTheFrontLine and remember to tag @YHAOfficial. getinvolved.yha.org.uk
The walking challenges you can look forward to in 2021
The Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge, 20th February 2021
Check it out at charitychallenge.com
This tough 35km trek includes 900m of ascent, all based in the heart of Edinburgh. You’ll follow historic waterways, forgotten railways, stop off at castles and palaces and climb to the summit of an extinct volcano! This challenge is a significant test of your endurance and will leave you with a real sense of achievement.
Easter 50 Challenge 2021, Windsor, 10th April 2021
Visit breastcancernow.org
You can walk, jog, or run the looped routes through the Great Park with great views of Windsor Castle, along the Thames Path, and enjoy some of the wonderful surrounding countryside with a 50km full challenge or the 25km route. This Easter Challenge has been set up to help you push yourself further while raising money for a great cause.
Sense Ridgewalk, Wiltshire, UK, 26th June 2021
Find out more at sense.org.uk
Trek a double-marathon by walking 52 miles in 24 hours along Britain’s oldest path, The Ridgeway. You’ll need to train for the various terrains, but you’ll be fully supported by highly-experienced mountain leaders. The Sense RidgeWalk helps to make a huge difference to children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities.
