Open Challenges

We are delighted to announce that we are now taking registrations for 2025 and 2026 open challenges!

If you love venturing and discovering new places, then taking on an overseas open challenge is an amazing way to fundraise for your local Hospice, whilst accomplishing something remarkable. 

Whether you are a fitness fanatic or would like to experience something new, Southern Area Hospice Services have a challenge for everyone.

From bike rides through Europe to picturesque treks within the UK and beyond. Could you conquer a challenge whilst raising vital funds for Southern Area Hospice Services?

Signing up to an open challenge and helping to raise crucial funds will make a difference to local patients and families, who are facing some of the toughest times of their lives.

Choose your challenge:*  

Everest Base Camp

This world-renowned trek for charity takes us from Lukla through the world’s highest mountain range and encompasses the most breathtaking scenery you can imagine. 

You haven’t seen mountains until you’ve seen the Nepalese Himalayas! Eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks are found in this region and we can assure you the memories of this charity challenge will last a lifetime.

This specially designed itinerary will maximise our chance of success and the trekking is taken at a measured pace in order for us to acclimatise sufficiently. You will experience amazing, motivational and securing support from our local guides – our crew are simply the best around incorporating traditional Sherpas who are from the Everest region. Their generous and loving support will motivate you to push on to reach and achieve your goal.

Minimum Sponsorship

Dates available 13 - 30 November 

Registration Fee £349 + Min Sponsorship £5,160

London to Amsterdam Cycle

Bike over 300 miles through 4 countries over 4 days, and make memories to last a lifetime!

The London to Amsterdam Cycle covers approximately 335 miles, starting with a ride through the Kent countryside before heading to the coast to Calais. From there, you will head for the beautiful city of Bruges, known for its medieval architecture and cobbled streets. Your next day takes you on to Breda, a charming Dutch city with a rich history and culture. Finally, you will reach the finish line in Amsterdam, known for its canals, museums, and nightlife!

This challenge offers stunning scenery and an opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Along the way, you can enjoy local cuisine, see historic landmarks, and experience the unique atmosphere of each city. It’s the perfect adventure for anyone who loves cycling and wants to meet likeminded adventurers while pushing their boundaries!

Minimum Sponsorship

Dates available 17th - 21st September 2025

Registration Fee £149 + Min Sponsorship £2,150

London to Paris Cycle

You’ll spend 4 days in the saddle, cycling 309 miles from capital to capital. Your journey begins in London with the route taking you through glorious English countryside as you cycle from Kent to Dover, before crossing the Channel to Calais. Once across the water, you start cycling ‘French style’, remembering to keep to the right!  You’ll cycle along quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns with views of the rolling green hills of Northern France, passing the war memorials and cemeteries of the Somme.

A spectacular finish awaits you as you reach the home stretch around the Arc de Triomphe and along the Champs Elysées, before reaching the piece de resistance, the Eiffel Tower, which marks the finish line. The days in the saddle may be long but the sense of achievement you’ll feel crossing the finish line and the euphoric atmosphere as you celebrate your achievements in this magnificent capital, the saddle soreness soon wears off!

Dates: 23rd-27th July   /   10th-14th September 2025

Minimum Sponsorship

Registration Fee £149 + Min Sponsorship £1,900

3 Peaks Challenge

With a target trekking time of 15 hours (the equivalent available trekking time for the traditional 24 hour challenge) or less and a maximum available trekking time of 18 hours, you’ll climb around 9,500 feet and have walked approx. 22 miles. It’s no wonder this charity challenge is the most highly regarded trekking challenge in the UK!

A tough challenge, yes, but with support and exceptional care and encouragement you can conquer this classic charity challenge.   You’ll be driving the team through the night, guiding each member up each mountain and even giving the occasional hug and high five when required.  Join the team and tick this classic UK challenge off your list.

Dates: 25-27 July   /   5-7 September  2024

Minimum Sponsorship

Registration Fee £95 + Min Sponsorship £920

Hadrian’s Wall Trek 

Hadrian’s Wall was built in AD122 on the orders of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and stretched from the East to West coasts of Britain, from Bowness on Solway in the West to Wallsend in the East. It is the most remarkable Roman monument in the country and quite unique throughout the former Empire. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which cuts through Northumberland National Park, Hadrian’s Wall attracts trekkers from all over as it offers great challenging walks, filled with a stunning backdrop and history. It’s a perfect location for a UK charity challenge!

When will you plan your invasion? An amazing experience with fantastic support awaits – everything from a tented village to exceptional guides and glorious food! Join the team and ‘step back in time.

Dates: 27 - 29 June 2025

Minimum Sponsorship

Registration Fee £95 + Min Sponsorship £600

Ben Nevis Trek

This challenge takes you into the heart of the breath taking Western Highlands in order to conquer the highest peak in Britain set at 1,345m above sea level.

Your trail to the summit is technically easy, but trekking Ben Nevis is a challenge – stamina and determination are a must! The stunning views of the highlands will be with you all the way and provide a fantastic backdrop to one of the most sought after charity challenges in the UK!

Most have not experienced the beauty of the Scottish Highlands so this is a special journey – don’t underestimate the fun and camaraderie on this UK weekend challenge. 

Dates: 26 - 28 September 2025

Minimum Sponsorship

Registration Fee £95 + Min Sponsorship £700

*Please note there are a range of open challenges available to take part in that are not listed above.

For more information regarding any open challenges please contact Aisling in Fundraising on 028 3026 7711 or by emailing hickeya@southernareahospiceservices.org

Please use this form to register your interest in joining an open challenge for Southern Area Hospice Services.