Lake District Adventure Challenge | Hike, Bike, Kayak for Macmillan

Macmillan Cancer Support Lake District Adventure Challenge

  • Overview
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Essential Info
  • Pics & Vids
  • Dates & Prices

Highlights

  • The Lake District. Bike it. Hike it. Paddle it! For Macmillan Cancer Support 
  • The ultimate way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Conquer the summit of one of the Lake District’s most iconic peaks – Old Man of Coniston
  • Tackle 10 miles of mountain bike trails in Grizedale forest
  • Kayak 2 miles along Coniston Water, the third-longest natural lake in England
  • 17 miles of human powered adventure in support of people living with cancer
  • All bike & kayak equipment all included.

Overview

Tackle all terrains as you bike, hike, and kayak through the heart of the Lake District National Park.

Take on one of the Lake District’s ultimate adventures! Grab your hiking boots and conquer the iconic Old Man of Coniston, tackle the exhilarating off-road trails of Grizedale Forest by bike, and glide across the stunning Coniston Water by kayak. With all bikes, kayaks, and safety equipment provided, you can focus entirely on the challenge. Covering around 10 miles of cycling, 5 miles of trekking, and 2 miles of kayaking, you’ll face craggy ascents, forest trails, and one of the UK’s largest natural lakes.

Organise your own accommodation to suit your comfort and budget and enjoy the friendly support and guidance of locally based Mountain Leaders.

 

Sponsorship packages available

There are two payment options for this trip, both in support of Macmillan.

Full payment option
Day 1

The Lake District Adventure Challenge provides a fantastic way to explore and experience both the well known and some off the beaten track gems of the Lake District National Park. Accompanied by certified and friendly Bike & Mountain Leaders & Kayak Instructors at all times.  

First leg – 10 miles cycling

After a short safety briefing you will be kitted out with your bike to tackle the first leg of The Lake District Adventure Challenge. With the Old Man of Coniston rugged peak looming behind you in the distance you will follow the shores of Coniston Water winding into the impressive Grizedale Forest. With tackling a step climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Old Man of Coniston and the lake which eagerly await. You will then have a sweeping descent before following the scenic route skirting the shores of Coniston Lake and back to base.

Included: Bike hire – mountain bikes provided and will be fitted according to your height and helmets will also be provided and must be worn at all times whilst on your bike.

Distance covered: approx. 10 miles on road and forest track  

Second leg – 5 miles Old Man of Coniston Trek

Arriving back at base, you’ll swap your bikes for boots and begin the ascent of The Old Man of Coniston at 803m. Your climb will start on the quiet country lane which climbs steeply for the first half mile. Following another steady climb you’ll come to Low Water Lake, a great place to stop and take in your surroundings. The path continues up the hillside, zigzagging as it ascends where you’ll notice the remains of old copper workings as the lakeside village of Coniston was originally established to support the local mining industry. The final section will see you trekking a few steep steps before reaching the summit!! From the peak your view will take in the surrounding lakes and mountains and, weather permitting, some of the most extensive views in the Lake District. Following your obligatory photo snap, your descent takes you down the same path before arriving back at base.

Distance covered: Approx. 5 miles

Trekking time: Approx. 2 – 3 hours 

Third and final leg – 2 miles kayaking (weather dependent)

Your final activity awaits at the shores of Coniston Water – a 2 mile kayak. You’ll be kitted out for the water element of your challenge and following a briefing you’ll have the chance for a practice before venturing out onto the lake. This is the perfect well-earned rest for those legs after your bike and mountain climb. Coniston Water is a magnificent glacially formed lake nestled amidst some of the Lake District most spectacular scenery. Weather permitting, you may catch a glimpse of the summit of the Old Man of Coniston and Grizedale Forest which gives an incredible sense of achievement.

On returning to the shores you can celebrate the completion of this epic Lake District Adventure Challenge with your fellow team mates.

Included: Kayak hire – double sit-on-top kayaks, buoyancy aid & paddle

Why go

Homegrown multi activity adventure

This multi activity has been designed to deliver an amazing experience and showcase the some of the most stunning landscapes across the Lake District whilst also giving you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and gain a greater understanding of the mountains, local environment and local communities. Plus you can experience different activities, learn new skills and traverse across the Lake District under your own power with bikes, boots & boats.

Carbon Footprint

We’ve crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of The Lake District Challenge, and plant or protect enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.

What’s the number?
It works out on average at 20kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, leaders, crew and office operations.

The only thing not included is travel to the Lake District. Given that our beloved guests travel from all parts of the UK for this adventure we have no way of reliably knowing their travel plans therefore we’re unable to include an individual number in the figure on display here.

What does the number mean?
To give you a snapshot of the numbers:

  • Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you).
  • A return economy class flight London – New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air over a period of 5 – 10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our adventures are relatively low-carbon by design, and we’re working to develop long term carbon reduction plan. Following much research into climate change organisations, we carefully selected to support the environmental charity, Cool Earth. They’re a sustainable operation and work with rainforest communities across the globe to halt deforestation and it’s impact on climate change. We invest 1% of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects world-wild with Cool Earth.

On a local level in the UK, we’re an ongoing business member of the Snowdonia Society, plus Jim and Sue, together with some of our local leaders, also help the Society with their local projects such as planting native trees in Snowdonia. This is to help preserve the landscape and enhance wildlife habitat here in Snowdonia.

Want to know more?
We believe that with great travel, comes even greater responsibility. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It employs more people worldwide than any other, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs. At Adventurous Ewe we believe that our type of small scale, positive impact tourism can bring benefits to many communities, help preserve the environments we travel to see, and provide real and positive social exchanges. Here is our plan to do our part towards helping reduce factors that we can contributing to climate change as part of Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.

Pre-adventure info

On booking your Lake District Challenge, you’ll receive all the exciting event info via our free mobile travel app.

You’ll have access to your itinerary, trip countdown, live updates, contact info, weather forecasts, know before you go trip info, kit lists and much more at the touch of a button 24 hours a day via your mobile phone. No more unnecessary use of reams of paper to benefit the environment and the need of carrying around documents with you. A’ppy days.

Pre-adventure support

With being a small family business we pride ourselves with providing personal, professional and friendly service for your Lake District Challenge. We appreciate that everyone has different levels of experience and reasons for wishing to embark on this adventure and therefore require varying levels of support and guidance. We’re here to help you every step of the way from the moment you join the flock all the way through to completing the challenge and beyond. Jim and Sue’s knowledge and expertise stems from dozens of years of travelling and exploring the UK in order to fully support you in the lead up to your adventure.

Having hosted this fantastic adventure on numerous occasions, both Jim & Sue are well placed to answer any of your questions, no matter how big or small. 

Adventurous Ewe Leaders & Crew

You’ll be accompanied by certified Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew for each activity of your Lake District Challenge. Our Leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading biking, hiking and kayaking events in the UK. They will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group. Leaders and Crew will carrying full safety equipment and first aid kits with them at all times. Please note, these kits are for emergencies only so please come prepared with your own personal first aid items. The Leaders and Crew will also be in constant radio communication with the vehicle drivers and base throughout your event.

Group size

We pride ourselves in small group travel to minimise the impact on the environment, to maximise your safety and wellbeing and to make your experience more authentic.

The minimum group size for this challenge to run is 10 people and the maximum group size is 40 people.

You’re most welcome to join this adventure as a group of family, friends, colleagues, a private group or as a solo adventurer.

Private groups

If you have a group of over 10 people, we would be more than happy to run a private event for your team, your family and/or friends, your charity or your company.

For any further info or to chat about running a bespoke event, we’d love to hear from you at info@adventurousewe.co.uk or call 01492 588 069.  

Group management

The Lake District Challenge is a team event and is not designed to be individual competitive race. You will be taking part in teams of between 10 people with a dedicated Leader for each leg. We encourage team spirit and support of each other to ensure everyone has the best opportunity to complete the challenge and enjoy the journey along the way too. This event is a fantastic way to meet like-minded people and share an incredible adventure whilst being accompanied and supported by friendly and experienced Adventurous Ewe Leaders and Crew.

Event grading

This Lake District Challenge is graded as a ‘Medium’ challenge and an ideal introduction to multi-activity events. Preparation is key to help you get the most enjoyment and reward from this adventure. A good level of fitness is required.  During the cycling leg you will be travelling on roads and forest cycle trails on a mountain bike. You do not need to have previous mountain biking experience for these trails though please note, there are some challenging hill climbs and gravel sections. For the kayak section you do not need any previous paddling experience. You will receive a full kayak brief and instruction and have the chance to practice your new skills prior to starting your paddling journey. For trekking the Old Man of Coniston, a good level of fitness will really help you tackle some of the steeper slopes. The terrain is rough and rocky in parts.

A training programme will be provided. It’s a fantastic challenge and the sense of achievement is huge on completion of this epic one day adventure in the heart of the Lake District.

Training guide

A bespoke training programme will be provided when join the team for this adventure to help you with your preparations.

We also have exclusive offers with our Training Partners and Communities – Her Spirit and the Bath Kettlebell Society. For more info, please visit our Training and Preparation page.

The more you are prepared, the more you will enjoy the challenge.

Our motto is: Train hard, smile harder and enjoy the journey!

Kit

A full kit list will be provided when you sign up for The Lake District Challenge. Good kit can make the difference between a fantastic event and an uncomfortable one.

Bikes, helmets, double sit-on-top kayaks, paddles & buoyancy aids are provided. Rest assured any equipment that we supply will be hygienically cleaned and sanitised.

Exclusive discount codes for independent UK outdoor retailers will also be provided on registering.

Exclusive kit discount offers

To help you get the very best from your Lake District Challenge we will provide you with an exclusive Adventurous Ewe discount code to use in independent specialist outdoor retailers both online and in store. They offer a large choice of kit that the staff themselves use while climbing, hiking, mountaineering, running, travelling or enjoying expeditions across the globe and they pride themselves on sharing their experience and knowledge of equipment so you can choose the right gear to suit you and this adventure.

Weather

The weather in The Lake District can change rapidly so it is essential that you are prepared for all conditions including rain, wind and heat. In the week leading up to your trip we recommend checking the Mountain Weather Information Service. You will also receive weather updates via our mobile travel app.

Please note, the Leader/s reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time should the conditions require it as your safety and wellbeing is our top priority at all times.  In these circumstances we will make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Accommodation

There is no accommodation provided on The Lake District Challenge to give you the flexibility of booking a suitable accommodation place where you feel most comfortable and within your budget. A list of camping, hostel, B&B and hotel details will be provided upon registration. 

Getting there

You will need to make your own way to the event start point for the Lake District Challenge. The closest train station is Windermere and there are trains available from London Euston. The start and finish point of the event will be in Coniston. Further information will be provided once you have booked onto this challenge.

Food & drinks

Your adventure includes a packed lunch of local produce and checkpoint snacks and drinks. If you have any dietary requirements, please let us know when booking on to this trip. 

Please bring your own water bottles or camelbaks/platypus (or similar) and flasks (if you wish to take a hot drink during your challenge) and pre-fill in your accommodation place and then re-fill at the checkpoints to avoid the need of purchasing plastic water bottles.

Adventurous Ewe Water-To-Go Bottles

The impact of single use plastic is having on our landscape, wildlife and oceans, it is now more important than ever that we all make changes in order to help our planet. We may not be a huge global company but we’re passionate about playing our part and trying to make a huge difference collectively. Together we can dramatically reduce our consumption of single use plastics and support our responsible travel ethos of ‘Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.’

You can make a difference too with taking part in the Lake District Challenge and purchasing one of these environmentally friendly reusable alternative bottles compared to single-use plastic water bottles. Grab a Water-to-Go bottle through Adventurous Ewe and receive a 15% discount. Even better, Water-to-Go will donate a further 15% to our charity partner, Cool Earth. For more info please click here or email us at info@adventurousewe.co.uk to buy your Water-To-Go bottle.

Sponsorship info
Macmillan sponsorship packages available:
There are two payment options for this challenge.
Full payment option
 

 

Stay connected

All your trip info will be sent to you through our mobile travel app which is free to download. You will receive an email from Adventurous Ewe with your personalised log in code for this app.

For the latest and greatest from the land of adventures, simply follow us at:
Facebook: @adventurousewe
Instagram: @adventurousewe
Youtube: Adventurous Ewe
LinkedIn: Adventurous-Ewe-Ltd

You’re most welcome to use the hashtags
#ewecandoit #thisflockrock #adventurousewe

Emergencies

Your Adventurous Ewe Leader/s and Crew will have a mobile phones and radios communications in case of emergencies. The team are trained to deal with these situations. Please ensure you listen to your Leader during these times and refrain from putting any posts on social media during this time. Should you find yourself unable to continue with the trek, your Leader and crew will make the necessary arrangements. Depending on the situation, you will be met by the support vehicle (depending on access) and you will be transferred back to your accommodation or nearby medical facility as required. Your Emergency Contact at Adventurous Ewe HQ is Jim Young on 07747 346 588.

Our environmental charity partner, Cool Earth

We are very excited to have teamed up with leading climate change charity Cool Earth, who share our mission to protect the planet’s precious environment in a sustainable manner. The future of rainforest protection is where everyone makes a difference to climate change! We invest a % of our revenue into supporting critical conservation projects around the world through Cool Earth. You are most welcome to help make a difference too by sparing a few pennies. Please give what you can and help save the world’s rainforests today by clicking here. Just £2.50 will save 10 trees and lock up 10 tonnes of CO2. Together, we can all make a difference in helping preserve this precious and wonderful planet. Thank-ewe.

Departure & Return Duration Availability Deposit Total Cost* (*Total cost includes the deposit)
May 10, 2025
May 10, 2025
1 Days Available £45.00 £175.00 Book Now
Jun 07, 2025
Jun 07, 2025
1 Days Available £45.00 £175.00 Book Now
Jul 12, 2025
Jul 12, 2025
1 Days Available £45.00 £175.00 Book Now
Aug 30, 2025
Aug 30, 2025
1 Days Available £45.00 £175.00 Book Now

What's Included?

Before your challenge:
  • All trip info supplied via our free travel app
  • Personalised support from the Adventurous Ewe team
  • Exclusive discount code for equipment & kit from independent outdoor retailers
  • Multi Activity Training Programme
  • Public liability insurance
  • Risk assessment and emergency management planning.
During your challenge:
  • Cycle & Mountain Leaders and Kayak Instructors
  • Hire bikes and helmets
  • Kayaks, paddles and buoyancy aids
  • Kayak briefing, instruction & support on the lake
  • Full back-up support including first-aid qualified staff and first-aid supplies
  • Entrance permission to national park & lake
  • Snacks, hand sanitiser, water and packed lunch during your challenge
  • Celebratory fizz on completion of your challenge
  • All logistical management, hire and transport of kit and equipment.

 

What's Not Included?

  • Clothing and equipment listed on your Kit List
  • Getting to the start and finish of the event
  • Accommodation & dinner the night before the event. This can be organised at an additional cost
  • Any additional snacks & electrolytes
  • Any expenses incurred with leaving the event early; ie. change of rail tickets, etc.
  • Personal spending money.

 

Sustainable and Responsible Travel

Adventurous Ewe is committed to delivering events in a responsible and ethical manner with sustainability at the core. We respect and aim to operate our adventures and events to benefit local people, their economy and the environment!

Some of the sustainable features embedded in our Lake District Adventure Challenge are:

  • We only operate with small groups which have less impact on local communities and the environment and give you a more authentic experience
  • Using local crew who are qualified leaders and extremely experienced, passionate and knowledgeable
  • We do not use any single use plastic and refill water bottles and flasks to avoid the need to purchase bottled water
  • We recommend  locally owned accommodation wherever possible
  • Encourage our suppliers to adopt more sustainable practices and also choose suppliers who already have greener practices in place
  • We do not use any route markers which are often made from plastic based products and non-biodegradable
  • Where possible, our Leaders collect any rubbish enroute
  • We recycle and reuse wherever possible
  • We always operate by our ‘Leave no trave ethos’ – Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but boot-prints, keep nothing but memories.
  • By taking part in this trip you are helping us support the climate change charity, Cool Earth, and local environmental charity, the Snowdonia Society.
Location
UK
Duration
1 day
Difficulty
Cost From
£175.00
Trip Notes