Challenging & Exciting Times!

Taking part in challenges and expeditions are a fantastic way for people to raise money for the charity of their choice, while testing themselves to the limit both mentally and physically. With so many different types of challenges to choose from, it's good to know that not all challenges have to take a huge amount of time or involve going overseas. In fact, there are many brilliant challenges taking place right here in the UK! 

Whether you have a day, a weekend or a few weeks, a fantastic charity challenge or expedition is waiting for you!

1-Day Challenge:

This is ideal for those who are looking to take part in a challenge but are unable to do a weekend or multi-day challenge due to time constraints. It is also great for those looking to really push themselves throughout the day (or night!) to then be rewarded with a feeling of euphoria, pride and happy exhaustion at the finish line, followed by a fantastic sense of achievement as you head home!

1-Day challenges can be great to do as a group of friends, families, colleagues or individuals looking to do something physically challenging, rewarding and enjoyable.

1-Day Challenge Ideas:

• Beat the Sun - a fantastic 1-day pairs challenge walking 34 miles on one of the iconic long distance trails in the UK between sunrise and sunset.
• Snowdon - Climb the highest mountain in England & Wales in a day
• Welsh 3000s – Reach the summits of the 15 mountains over 3000ft in Snowdonia in under 24hrs! (This can also be done as a two day challenge)
• Erddig 10k – a 10k, 5k & 2km Fun Run
• Lights Out - An evening’s walk up Moel Famau in North Wales
• Yorkshire 3 Peaks - Trek 30km over the classic 3 Peaks in under 12hrs
• London to Brighton - 1 Day cycling from the capital to the coast.

Weekend Challenges:

Weekend challenges are a great way to experience a challenge over a couple of days without taking too much time from your home/work life. They are a great way to get to know the other participants, share laughs over a sandwich at a summit, swap stories over a snack and enjoy the experience together. These can include hiking and cycling challenges where you can either camp or stay in a hotel overnight, providing a time to rest/celebrate at the end of the day!

It is a fantastic feeling to wake up on a Monday morning knowing that you have taken part in a rewarding challenge, and when the question “What did you get up to at the weekend?” comes up you can reminisce all those fantastic memories!

Weekend Challenge Ideas:

• UK 3 Peaks – Climb the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales all within 24 hours
• Coast to Coast (Ireland) - 2 days cycling from Dublin on the East coast to Galway on the West coast of Ireland.  
• Coast to Coast UK (Morecambe to Whitby) - 2 days cycling 115 miles from coast to coast.

Multi-Day Challenges:

Multi-Day challenges are ideal for those who have a bit more time on their hands and are keen to take part in a challenge that takes place over a few days. These can involve hiking in the mountains, walking coastal paths or, cycling across the country. You could even cycle from the UK to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam! 

Having the challenge spread across a number of dates really allows you to get into the swing of it whist testing you both physically and mentally. You will have time to get to know the other participants during the day and recuperate over an enjoyable meal at night.

Multi-Day Challenge Ideas:

• London to Paris Cycle - cycling 178 miles over 3 days and through 2 countries.
• London to Amsterdam – Brussels - 4 days cycling 260 miles through 3 capitals (5 days including travel)
• Summit to Sea - cycling 185 miles over 3 days from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to Marbella on the coast. (5 days including travel)
• Coast to Coast (Scotland) - 3 days from East coast to West coast of Scotland.
• Hadrian's Wall - 1 to 5 day itineraries trekking along the wall from Carlisle to Newcastle

Long Expeditions:

If you are looking to take part in an epic challenge that is often a once in a lifetime adventure to destinations across the globe, our expeditions are exactly what you are looking for. Whether you want to trek Kilimanjaro, climb Elbrus in Russia or walk the Great Wall of China, these overseas expeditions can take anything between 1 – 3 weeks.

If you are feeling really adventurous you could even trek in relatively unexplored areas of the Himalaya, climbing previously unclimbed peaks. Whatever your ideal destination our overseas challenges are a great way to experience different countries and cultures whilst achieving your goals, dreams throughout a once in a lifetime experience. 

You will often find that the other people on your expedition will become lifelong friends as you share the incredible adventure together and help raise money for very worthwhile causes.

If you are looking for an overseas expedition that involves an adventure whilst also providing an opportunity to experience the local culture, wildlife and surroundings, then expeditions such as our Mt Elgon Trek would be ideal for you. Not only will you climb the oldest solitary peak in Africa, but also have time to visit local community projects and see Uganda’s amazing wildlife.

Expedition Ideas:

• Great Wall of China
• Elbrus
• Mt Kilimanjaro
• Everest Basecamp
• Iceland Trek
• Unclimbed Peak, Nepal

Do you want to do a challenge but fancy doing something a bit different?

With years of experience leading and planning expeditions and charity challenges in the UK and across the globe, Expedition Wise have the knowledge and expertise to plan tailor-made challenges for companies, charities and individuals. 

If you would like to discuss any charity challenges you would like to do as a group, company or charity please do not hesitate to contact us on 01978 750636 or email info@expeditionwise.com to discuss further.

For more information about our Challenges & Expeditions please also see www.expeditionwise.com.

Keep up to date with our adventures! Follow us on Twitter & find us on Facebook!

Choosing a Charity Challenge

What’s your dream? Is it to summit Africa’s highest peak, or are you looking for a diverse challenge which takes you on a journey through different cultures? Perhaps you have always wanted to complete the UK 3 Peak Challenge or immerse yourself in the historical Hadrian’s Wall Trek; with so many to choose from the choice really is yours, but where do you begin?

Cycling Charity Challenges

Choosing a Charity Challenge can be extremely daunting, but knowing that you definitely want to do one means your half way there. Firstly, you need to think about time constraints, such as time off work, or away from the family, which will determine whether you choose a challenge that is shorter rather than a long one. 

You also have to factor in the destination, are you happy to travel far overseas involving a flight, or would you prefer a UK based challenge, where flying is not involved? Such challenges could also include our 'London to Paris' or 'London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge'.

Kilimanjaro Trek

Charity Challenges are all about testing yourself and pushing through your own preconceived limits. However, you need to be realistic; if you absolutely detest camping then maybe a trek where you will be regularly sleeping under canvas, is not for you. If the thought of riding a bike for days fills you with absolute horror, you may want to give the Cycle Challenges a (excuse the pun) swerve.

Once you have your heart set on a challenge and understand the commitment, it is time to think about the fundraising target. Are you aiming to raise a substantial amount which will involve a lot of time, motivation, effort and innovation, or are you looking to start off with a less demanding charity fundraising target? Either way, every amount will help your chosen cause, and the charities themselves will be so thankful for all your hard work and fundraising efforts.

Though the fundraising target can be overwhelming to begin with, as long as you are committed, enthusiastic and organised you will no doubt smash your target. For Fundraising ideas see our ‘Fundraising tips’ blog post later on in the month. 

Remember to give yourself plenty of time and be organised, as this will help ensure you reach your fundraising target.

One very important thing not to forget is training and preparation for the event. Always give yourself plenty of time to get physically ready for the challenge, as this will help you get mentally prepared as well. The actual Challenge can be daunting enough, but if you feel you have trained and prepared as much as you possible can, it will enable you to approach it with confidence.

This includes being up to date with any medication/jabs you may need for an overseas challenges.

The most important thing to remember to do on the actual challenge is to enjoy it! Though there may be times where you are finding it incredibly tough and overwhelming, keep your focus on why you are doing the challenge and let this motivate you to keep going! There will be people with you experiencing the same thing, so help support and encourage each other and share the incredible experience together.

Dolomites Cycle Challenge 

Let’s not forget also that there is no such thing as a silly question, so should you have a query or enquiry then do please ask. Here at Expedition Wise we are very happy to answer any questions about your chosen Charity Challenge and look to support you along the way.

With all this in mind, have a look at the Charity Challenges we offer and join us on a future Expedition Wise Charity Challenge!Find out more www.expeditionwise.com 

A very busy summer

Well it has been a fantastic few months for us here at Expedition Wise with teams quite literally across the whole of Europe challenging themselves on foot and bike.

In July the JDRF Global Cycle Challenge team set off from the pretty village of Vaz on the edge of the Dolomite mountains with the route and challenge laid out before them.  The group set off to tackle the first day, a mere 120km with 2800m of climbing.  This was followed by 102km and 2200m on day 2 and a gentle final day of 116km and 3200m.  So over the entire 3 day challenge route the group had cycled nearly the same height as Everest!  In addition to this they also have to date raised an phenomenal $260,000 for JDRF which is truly amazing.

Also during July, back here in the UK we ran a number of challenges including a team raising funds to support Walkabout were taking on the demanding 3 peaks challenge which encompasses the 3 highest points in Scotland, England and Wales which adds up to an equally astonishing 26 miles and over 3000m of ascent. The Transaid team enjoyed some stunning views during their Snowdon memorial climb, followed but some equally fantastic food and drink afterwards.  We are especially proud of the Investec Ashes Cycle Challenge that visited all the grounds used in the Ashes series, culminating at Lords the day before the completion started.  This covered some of the best countryside in the UK and covered over 330 miles.  We were joined but some truly brilliant cyclists, which included the cricketing legend Mike Gatting who say a little about the event here.

Then this last month saw Brian lead a small team to successfully summit Elbrus in Georgia, one of the 7 summits.  The team had to struggle with several days of poor weather and heavy snow fall which saw a number of avalanches high on the mountain.  A number of teams decided to descend but with Brian keen eye  noticed a chance of a weather window so they grabbed this with both hands and reached the summit in the early morning and were safely back down at the base for dinner.  We will be returning next year so please get in touch if you would like to join us.

Finally we have just had our last London to Paris event for the year to come home after more fantastically challenging weather, this didn't dilute the amazing cycling through the Hampshire countryside then down through the rolling fields of Northern France via Dieppe and into the bustling capital of Paris, finishing beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower.  Well done to everyone who took part. 

There is no rest for the wicked though as we still have several more cycle challenges taking place this month as well as the epic Brutal, a double iron man distance triathlon!

100% success for London 2 Paris!

Our season of cycling events all kicked off on 7th June with our first London to Paris ride.  

With 40 participants representing charities including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Princess Alice Hospice, Cornwall Hospice Care we enjoyed a rather dramatic ride out from the edges of London at York House toward the south coast with thunder storms on the horizon.

But everyone worked really hard and enjoyed the rural roads leading through the home counties.

 The weather for day 2 was kinder and the teams got to enjoy the sights and sounds of Northern France and very quickly got into the swing of cycling in France.

With the miles racking up quickly spirits were high and even though there were a few punctures, 8 for one rider alone, the smiles were plentiful as they kept the wheels spinning and edged closer to Paris.

The final ride into Paris was as magical as ever, with a few laps of the city passing the honey pot attractions of Champs Elysees and L'Arche De Triomphe finishing up beneath the iconic Eiffel Tower.

A supreme effort from everybody and a great first cycle event for the year so why not join us on 23rd August for our next open event and experience it all for yourself.