Is there anything better than getting outdoors on an adventure? Perhaps if exploring in the fresh air is all for a good cause. Taking on a challenge for charity is a brilliant way to push your limits in a beautiful landscape, all while raising money for a cause close to your heart. There are exciting events out there to suit everyone, from hikers to swimmers and kayakers. Here’s a list of 10 charity outdoor events and challenges happening in the UK in 2025 to get you started.
10 of the best adventure charity events in the UK in 2025
London to Brighton Bike Ride, South East, June 2025: This speedy but friendly cycle is a classic. Cover 55 miles from the city to the sea, all supporting the British Heart Foundation. This route is on tarmac – if you’re more of a muddy mountain bike type, try the London to Brighton off road mountain bike version, which takes on some tough climbs and technical terrain over 61 miles.
Isle of Wight Challenge, Isle of Wight, May 2025: Fancy an island adventure? Hop over to the Isle of Wight to join thousands of hikers and runners taking on different distances ranging from 10 to 66 miles for the mental health charity Mind, all against a beautiful backdrop of cliffs and wild seafront.
Snowdon Sunrise Challenge, Wales, Various dates: If you’re a morning person you can get an amazing charity hike under your belt before most people are even out of bed. Climb Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) at sunrise to support a range different charities – you’ll start out under the stars and watch the sun come up on the summit before making your way down again for a well-earned brekkie.
Edinburgh Marathon, Scotland, May 2025: Eyeing up your first marathon this year? Or searching for a new jogging challenge? London may be the classic 26.2 mile city challenge but Edinburgh is an arguably more beautiful run – you’ll head through the historical centre and then run along the ocean’s edge to reach Musselburgh and a hero’s welcome, all for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Adventure Triple Challenge, Lake District, April 2025: Bike, boat and boots! Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just can’t sit still and and love a multi sport day in the outdoors, you’ll love this Adventure Triple Challenge in the lovely Lake District. Hop on your bike for a 31-mile cycle, then tackle a two-mile paddle on Ullswater and finish it all off with a tough but rewarding 7.5-mile summit of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest peak, all to support the Rainbow Trust, who support families with seriously ill children.
Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, Yorkshire, Various dates: This classic challenge is one for experienced hikers who want to push their fitness. You’ll stand tall on the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres), usually in this order, and in under 12 hours, encircling the head of the valley of the River Ribble, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This version raises money for the NSPCC.
Great North Swim, Lake District, June 2025: The Arla Great North Swim is the biggest open water swimming event in the UK, with a brilliantly buzzy atmosphere. Dive into Lake Windermere and complete one of six distances to raise money for WaterAid, who provide clean water sources around the world.
Gower Peninsula Challenge, Wales, July 2025: Test your walking mettle by picking your own distance from 10-100km along South Wales’ golden beaches and green cliffs, supporting British Heart Foundation. The basecamp for this event is in the grounds of historic Penrice Castle.
Race the Sun, Dorset, September 2025: New for 2025, this rip-roaring dawn-to-dusk triple challenge for team of two or four people will involve biking, hiking and paddling along the beautiful Jurassic Coast in a race against the setting sun, all while raising money for different charities.
