Bikes, Boots, Boats - Adventure Challenge
- Ages 18+
A triathlon adventure challenge in the beautiful Lake District for homelessness charity Turning Tides.
Date and time
Location
Keswick
Ullswater shore Keswick CA12 United KingdomRefund Policy
About this event
Join us for the Bikes, Boots & Boats Challenge, an exhilarating multi-sport adventure set in the breathtaking Lake District. You'll cycle along Ullswater's shores, paddle it's serene waters, and summit Helvellyn—all to support Turning Tides in their mission to end homelessness.
This fully supported event, led by the expert team at Adventure Element, will push your limits as you:
🚴 Cycle 30 miles along Ullswater’s stunning shoreline.
🛶 Canoe 2 miles across the crystal-clear waters of Ullswater.
🥾 Trek up Helvellyn, the UK’s third-highest peak.
This is more than just a challenge—it’s a chance to team up with friends, family, or colleagues, experience thrilling adventure, and raise vital funds to help people experiencing homelessness.
Event details:
- Dates: May Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd of May
- Accommodation: Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd at the YHA Keswick
- Meals: All-inclusive, including non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
- Equipment: Bring your own bike or bike hire is available, kayaks provided.
- Activities: A full day of hiking, biking and kayaking.
- Team-building experience—go solo or in a team of 2 or 4 and enjoy camaraderie along the way.
- Fundraising Target: £1,200 per participant
- Registration Fee: £150
Challenge Breakdown:
- Cycle: 30 miles split into two 15-mile sections along Ullswater's scenic shores, 3-4 hours.
- Canoe: 2-mile paddle on Ullswater's tranquil waters, 1 hour.
- Trek: Ascend Helvellyn, 11km England's third-highest peak, 4-5 hours.
What’s Included?
✔ Two nights' accommodation (Fri–Sun) at YHA Keswick
✔ All meals, snacks & non-alcoholic drinks (including a celebratory BBQ & medal ceremony!)
✔ Bike hire available or bring your own
✔ Qualified guides, marshals & safety support throughout the event
✔ Fully supported logistics—we take care of everything!
✔ Event t-shirt & professional event photos to remember your achievement
✔ A mix of fun & friendly competition—push yourself or just enjoy the adventure!
✔ Local culture - enjoy an optional trip to the fascinating Derwent pencil museum.
How You’ll Be Supported:
Dedicated fundraising support to help you hit your £1,200 target
Fundraising pack, ideas & motivation from the Turning Tides team
Team-building experience—go solo or in a team of 2 or 4 and enjoy camaraderie along the way.
Qualified guides, marshals & safety support throughout the event
Why Take Part?
Every mile you cover helps Turning Tides provide housing, meals, and support to those facing homelessness.
People without homes walk up to 11 miles every day in search of safety, shelter, and food—this is your chance to walk (or ride and paddle!) in their shoes and make a real impact.
Feel the incredible achievement of completing this challenge while knowing your efforts are changing lives.
All registrants will be required to sign a fundraising agreement on registration. You'll be contacted by the team with the relevant form.
Terms and Conditions appply including those from Adventure Element and the YHA. These can be found on their websites here - Terms & Conditions | Adventure Element & YHA Booking Terms and Conditions | YHA
Fundraising must be at 80% of target by 8 weeks before the event, if you haven't reached this target we'll discuss your options with you, one of these options will be to self-fund the difference. Places cost the charity and have been paid for, any non-attendance or non-fundraising costs the charity.
Frequently asked questions
The accommodation is included in the price, we'll be staying at the YHA Borrowdale. Rooms are dorms and will be separated by gender and age. Check-in is Friday the 1st and check-out is Sunday the 3rd.
Friday's evening meal will be a group meal cooked at the hostel. Breakfast is included on Saturday and Sunday Morning. During Saturday's activity all snacks, lunch, water and a celebratory BBQ are included. Dietary requirements can be catered for if we're told in advance.
This is a tough all day challenge and you'll need to be physically able to cycle, hike and kayak, help will be available to those who've not kayaked before. It is achievable for most active and healthy people. If you have any concerns get in touch.
You're absolutely welcome to join solo but you'll be given a partner for the kayaking portion as it is 2 or 4 person kayaks. There will be opportunity to meet people before the challenge both in person and online. A WhatsApp group will help you to make friends before the big day.
Yes, you can request an upgrade at your own expense to a private room. Get in touch with the fundraising team to arrange this. They're subject to availability.
An optional trip to the Derwent pencil museum on the Sunday morning is included in your ticket, a nice stroll into the town together to do this will be a lovely end to the weekend.
You will be supported on your fundraising journey by Sophie our fundraising officer, you'll receive fundraising advice, ideas and top tips. In person meetings will help you get the most of your fundraising. You'll be pleasantly surprised that simply talking of the challenge will bring in a flurry.
You'll need either your own bike or we can help arrange hiring one. All mechanical support is included. Kayaks, life vests and dry bags are also included. A team will meet you with your bag and any extra equipment needed between activities. You'll need your own hiking boots and suitable clothing.
Organized by
Turning Tides provides a range of homeless support services in West Sussex, covering Adur and Worthing, Littlehampton, Horsham District and Mid Sussex. Every year we accommodate over 200 homeless people in our 20+ properties across the county.
We deliver effective and sustainable services, striving to achieve complete pathways out of homelessness. We are constantly developing and equipping ourselves with the range of options that meet the diverse needs of our clients – to ensure we can fully empower them to achieve sustainable fulfilling lives.