A view of the White Cliffs and English Channel from the end of the walk at Capel-Le-Ferne

North Downs Walk Challenge

12th September 2010, 10 am start

Enjoy the beautiful North Downs Way with this great challenge whilst raising money for our children.

What's the walk like?

You will walk just over 17 miles from Wye to Capel-Le-Ferne along the North Downs Way National Trail. Along the way you'll see stunning views from the Wye Downs to the White Cliffs at Capel-Le-Ferne.

You'll also see the:

Wye Crown
Devil's Kneeding Trough
Folkestone Millennium White Horse

You can see some photos from the walk at the bottom of the page.

Can anyone take part?

Age restrictions - You must be over the age of 16 to take part. All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult who must also be a participant.

Health and Fitness - You must be in good health and should have a reasonable level of fitness. Walking for 17 miles isn't easy and the route includes several steep climbs. Unless you regularly walk this type of distance you will need to train in the build up to the walk. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness you should see your GP before signing up for this challenge.

Sponsorship - We will send you more information on sponsorship in your welcome pack but as a rough guide you should be aiming to raise at least £100.

What is the entry fee and what do I get in return?

The entry fee is £15 and covers the cost of putting on the event. This means that every penny you raise in sponsorship will go directly to help our children.

When we have received your entry form and entry fee you will be sent a welcome pack which includes information on:

preparing for the walk
collecting sponsorship
what to expect on the day
the Countryside Code (read online by clicking here)

Then on the day of the walk, each walker will receive*:

Ordnance Survey mapping of the route

*As of 31st August we are unable to provide entrants with a North Downs Walk T-shirt as these must be ordered in advance.

A little something extra - What could be better after walking 17 miles than a trip to the spa?

We have a limited number of sensory spa vouchers courtesy of Bannatynes Health Club, Ashford. These will be given to participants who sign up on a first come first serve basis. You must complete the walk in order to claim the voucher.

It's just a little treat from us to say thanks for the support.

How should I prepare for the walk?

Health

You must be in good health and should have a reasonable level of fitness. The 17 mile route includes several steep climbs and unless you regularly walk this type of distance you will need to train in the build up to the walk. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness you should see your GP before signing up for this challenge.

Training

Walking 17 miles isn't easy. You will need to build up to this distance by doing regular exercise - three times a week is a good target. If you are a member of a gym you might like to discuss this with an instructor or trainer. If you aren't then don't worry as there are many lovely places to walk all around Kent.

As part of your welcome pack we will send you information on walks of different lengths in your area. But if you wanted to have a search around yourself then we suggest you start by looking on the Explore Kent Website. This contains a huge amount of information on all sorts of activities in Kent including guides for dozens of walks.

Equipment

The main aim of this challenge is to have fun. Nobody wants to end up with an injury or soaked to the skin because they didn't pack a waterproof. Ensuring that you are properly prepared is the best way to avoid problems.

We have compiled a list of essential items which you need to bring on the day. We have also made a short list of items which you might consider bringing.

Essential Clothing and Footwear:

Sturdy, waterproof, well fitting walking boots
Thick walking socks
Walking trouser or shorts (please don't wear jeans)
T-shirt, preferably one made of a breathable material (avoid cotton products)
Fleece top
Waterproof jacket and trousers (should be waterproof rather than water resistant/repellent)
Sun protection - Hat and glasses

Essential Equipment:

Comfortable day pack
Food - You will need to provide your own lunch
Water
Mobile Phone (ensure the battery is fully charged)
Whistle - to attract attention if something goes wrong
Sun cream
Map case or see-through plastic bag to keep your map dry.
Compass
Watch
Pencils and notepad
A little bit of money

Optional Equipment:

Walking poles
GPS device
Camera

Other important information

Transport - Please be aware that this is not a circular route and that participants need to make their own travel arrangements. We would discourage the use of cars as parking spaces may be scarce. Further information about travel options will be provided in your welcome pack.

Insurance - The Caldecott Foundation will only provide Public Liability Insurance. Each walker is responsible for organising their own personal insurance if required.

Dogs - Walkers are welcome to bring their dogs along for the walk. All dog owners should read and abide by the Countryside Code. You can read this online on the Natural England website by clicking here.

Free spa trip anyone?

What could be better after walking 17 miles than a trip to the spa?

It's just a little treat from us to say thanks for the support.

How do I sign up?

Entry Form + Terms and Conditions
download PDF file

Download our entry form and terms and conditions. Then, to secure your place on the walk, post your completed entry form to the following address with your £15 entry fee:

Fundraising Department
Caldecott House
Hythe Road
Ashford
Kent
TN25 6SP

When we have received your form we will send you a welcome pack with information on preparing for the walk, collecting sponsorship and what to expect on the day.