Last updated 26 February 2022
What Challenge Events do you organise?
Can I just come along to a walk or do I have to join first?
How do I find out about events?
Do I need to enter in advance?
Can I use the Standard Entry Form (SEF) for every event?
Can I advertise my event in your Events Diary?
What is an LDWA Group Social Walk?
Have we answered your question?
A. A Challenge Event is an organised walking event with a set route and checkpoints on the way around. These are usually at least 20 miles in length but some offer shorter versions too. Most Challenge Events have route descriptions to help you find your way. You will find regular checkpoints normally every 5 miles or so where you will be given refreshments and a chance to rest if required. Events differ so check carefully what is on offer. It is worth noting the 'time limit' of a challenge event you are considering as this may well influence your final decision in respect of putting in an entry.
LDWA Local Groups organise challenge events and so do other organisations such as the Scouts and numerous charities. We list both LDWA and non-LDWA challenge events alike. LDWA Challenge Events are open to non-members but usually cost more to enter than they do for members. If you plan to do several Challenge Events then why not join us as you will soon save your subscription?
Q. What Challenge Events do you organise?
A. LDWA-organised challenge events are usually at least 20 miles in length but some offer shorter distances too. The flagship LDWA Hundred is held every year on the second bank holiday in May. (Yes, that's right; people do walk 100 miles in one go, without sleep. You could end up being one of them!)
Q. Can I just come along to a walk or do I have to join first?
A. You don't have to be an LDWA member to take part in a Challenge Event, although it usually saves money so it is worth joining if you plan to do several in a year. Most challenge events these days are pre-entry, but there are still a handful that offer entry on the day.
You may want to try a few Social Walks before you join. It is usually worth contacting the walk leader in advance to let them know you are coming. You will be welcome and there is no fee. Social Walks are listed online here.
Q. How do I find out about events?
A. Our challenge event and social walk pages list all activities that have been notified to us and meet our criteria. If you need more information about a particular activity, have a look at the LDWA challenge event and social walk websites or contact the organiser.
A. Where an event states 'SEF acceptable' you may use a Standard Entry Form, available to download here. Some events have their own entry form, which will either be available from the event website or from the event organiser, but SiEntries and similar operations are becoming increasingly popular as a mechanism for entering a challenge event.
Q. Do I need to enter in advance?
A. Please enter in advance if you can! Some events do not allow 'on the day' entries. If an event states a deadline for entering then this is strictly adhered to and no late entries will be allowed. This is normally the case in longer distance events, such as the Hundred, which cannot cater for last-minute entries.
If an event does allow 'on the day' entries, expect to pay more than early entrants. You also run the risk of the event being full so it is worth entering in advance if you can. Conversely, you also run the risk of the event not happening at all if you do not enter in advance, as organisers need a minimum number of entrants for their events to go ahead.
Q. Can I use the Standard Entry Form (SEF) for every event?
A. Only if you can see 'SEF acceptable' in the detail about the event. Some events have their own entry forms for good reasons, e.g., because they have particular kit you need to carry or because you need to give team information. Please stick to what the organiser has asked for!
Q. Can I advertise my event in your Events Diary?
A. Yes, if your event meets our requirements for a long distance walking event. Click on this link for further details. It is a free service.
Q. I am a bit new to walking and I do not know if I could keep up with everyone else. Can I do a challenge event?
A. The 'challenge' is a personal one; it is not a race. You walk at your own pace and can stop for rests at checkpoints. If you think you can manage the distance then why not give it a go?
Q. What is an LDWA Group Social Walk?
A. An LDWA Group Social Walk is a day walk led by a member of one of our local groups. Everyone walks together and follows the leader so there is no need to navigate. These are usually about 20 miles and walked at a fairly moderate pace, although you will find it brisker than you may be used to while your stamina improves. You might need to take a packed lunch or at least some snacks and plenty of water with you. The leader will decide where to stop on the day, usually at elevenses, lunch and mid-afternoon.
Some local groups also offer shorter evening walks in the summer. Why not contact them and find out more?
Some groups organise overnight walks and longer walks, which can be useful training for night and endurance events.
A. Wear what you would normally put on for a day's walk. Some Challenge Events have kit lists, in which case you should make certain you have everything on that list with you on the day.
Q. Have we answered your question?
A. Each section of this website contains separate Frequently Asked Questions pages, so if you haven't found what you want here please try one of the following:
If you still cannot find the answer to your question then please contact the relevant member of the National Committee.
