What Is A Challenge Walk ?

A challenge walk has a fixed route(s), a time limit and is marshalled. The challenge part comes from the nature of the route (distance, terain, amount of accent/decent, the need to navigate from a set of written instructions etc. ) and the time limit. The walk marshalls man checkpoints along the route where they record the time participants arrive (or start in case of the starting point), provide refreshments included and deal with any participants who cannot continue.

Most LDWA local groups put on challenge walks to raise group funds which since the LDWA is a non-profit organisation, are used to provide materials for group activities and ensure sufficient funding is available to put on the next challenge walk event. Occasionaly a challenge walk may be put on to raise funds for a charity. As a result sucessful challenge walks the Dorset LDWA group has made a contribution to a Bridport based youth project and has been able to set aside funds for improvements to the South West coast path.

You can find out about challenge walks across the UK on the events page at www.ldwa.org.uk which list not only LDWA group challenge walks but also some events put on by other other organisations. Event details are also published in the Strider magazine LDWA members receive. The LDWA groups and other organisations have to agree to comply with standards regarding event management, safety and environmental impact before details are published.

Look out for stories about challenge walks in Dorset and surronding counties here on This Is Dorset.