Adventure Triple Challenge 2026

"Bikes, Boats & Boots" - A Lake District triple team challenge of cycling, canoeing and trekking set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District's natural beauty.

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Join Rainbow Trust’s Adventure Triple Challenge!

'Bikes, Boats & Boots'

A transformative day of cycling, paddling and trekking through the Lake District.

Supported by Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, this epic challenge invites teams of two or four to conquer:

  • A 21-mile cycle through Ullswater’s stunning landscape
  • A 2-mile paddle across Ullswater in kayaks or linked canoes
  • A 10.6-mile summit hike to the peak of Helvellyn, England’s third-highest mountain

Team spirit, fresh air, breathtaking views - all while fundraising to support families caring for children with a serious illness.

Along the way, you’ll be immersed in the Lake District’s most iconic scenery from rolling fells, shimmering waters, and panoramic mountain views. Each stage of the challenge offers a new perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the sweeping cycle routes to the calm of Ullswater’s waters, finishing with the exhilaration of standing atop Helvellyn. It’s a journey that will test your stamina, strengthen your teamwork, and leave you with unforgettable memories.

Why This Challenge Matters

By joining this event, you help Rainbow Trust deliver emotional and practical support to families at their most vulnerable. Every mile you cover goes towards making life a little easier for children living with serious illness.

Event Summary

  • Registration fee: £50 per person
  • Team formats: 2 or 4 participants (minimum age 16; under 18s require accompanying adult). Please see below for relay options. 
  • Duration: You’ll spend approximately 8–9 hours completing all three phases
  • Location: Glenridding / Ullswater, Lake District National Park, Cumbria

Please note, the registration for this event will take place the night before (8th May 2026) at the Event Hub. Exact timings are TBC, but this is typically between the hours of 6pm-8pm.

Fundraising

With different team sizes available, we’ve set minimum fundraising commitments to keep things fair and simple:

  • £1,000 per team of 2 (£100 registration fee)
  • £1,500 per team of 4 or Relay2 (£200 registration fee)
  • £2,000 per team for Relay4 (£300 registration fee) 

Larger Teams and Relay Options

Take on the course with a larger team with one of our exciting relay options - designed to let you share the challenge while pushing your limits.

Relay2 

Team Size: 4 - 6 people
Take on the course in pairs! With two teammates on the route at all times, you’ll work together to cover every stage of the challenge. Transitions happen at our Basecamp in Glenridding, where you’ll tag in fresh legs. How you divide the distance is up to you - strategy is part of the fun.

Relay4

Team Size: 6 - 12 people
Double the teamwork, double the momentum. With four teammates on the route at all times, this option is perfect for larger groups who want to tackle the challenge together. You’ll tag in and out at Basecamp in Glenridding, keeping the energy high and the pace strong. Like Relay2, you decide how to share the distance - flexibility is in your hands.

  • Perfect for groups who want to take on the challenge together
  • Flexible stage splits to suit your team’s strengths
  • Basecamp transitions for maximum support and strategy

Benefits of Taking Part

  • Raise vital funds to help Rainbow Trust provide crucial services to families coping with serious childhood illness
  • Connect with teammates or friends in an unforgettable outdoor adventure
  • Push your limits, improve fitness, and explore one of the UK’s most iconic landscapes
  • Feel the satisfaction of crossing multiple challenge disciplines in one day

Ready to take on the challenge?

Register today and cycle, canoe and hike your way to making a real impact with Rainbow Trust. Together, we can support families when they need it the most. 

We will provide you with:

  • A welcome pack with guidance for event 
  • A t-shirt to wear on the event day
  • Snacks and water on the day at basecamp
  • A medal when you finish to mark your epic achievement
  • Expert guidance and technical support throughout the day 
  • Health and safety briefing covering all the FAQ’s and last-minute questions you may have

 

 

 

Event details

  • 9 May 2026
  • Ullswater, The Lake District
  • Minimum fundraising: Varies depending on team size
    Cost: £50 registration fee per person

    What's included

    • Pre-event online safety briefing
    • A training plan and event preparation guidance 
    • Bike racks and bike mechanic on-site 
    • Parking at event hub
    • Bag shuttles
    • Equipment transitions
    • Fully route marked with marshalling support and first aid 
    • GSM tracker
    • Canoe hire
    • Dry bag hire
    • Light breakfast
    • Packed lunch and snacks
    • Finishers medal
    • Alcoholic or soft drink at the finish line
    • Rainbow Trust t-shirt and Rainbow hair
    • Team awards
    • Bike and helmet hire available on request - £47

    A full kit list will be available upon sign up.

    Frequently asked questions

    • Who can take part?

      Ideal for teams of two or four (aged 16+). Under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult. No previous experience is required - just a willingness to train.

    • How long is the challenge?

      The event will start at approximately 7am, and we anticipate the fastest team may finish at 1.30pm/2pm. The average team may finish at 4pm, and a slower team may finish at 6pm. 7pm is the cut off time.

      You’ll cycle 21 miles, paddle 2 miles, then hike 10.6 miles to Helvellyn summit. Expect an 8–9 hour event including breaks and transitions.

    • What kit do I need?

      Bring a road or hybrid bike (your own or hire via our partner), helmet, waterproofs, walking boots, layers, sun protection, snacks and reusable water bottles. A full kit list will be provided upon signing up.

    • What’s not included in my registration fee?
      • Accommodation, please see our list of suggestions under the FAQ’s
      • Travel to the event location
      • Bikes, you must supply your own bike and helmet. If you wish to hire a bike this can be organised, the bike will be available at the event hub.
    • What happens in the event of bad weather?

      Our team includes qualified marshals and first aiders who evaluate route safety throughout the day. We’ll adjust the itinerary if needed to prioritise your safety -severe weather = scenario adjustments or postponement.

    • Can I use an electric bike?

      Yes you can.

    • What is the bike terrain?

      The route is all on road, apart from the section from Glenridding up to Greenside mines (3km) which is on a broken road that is quite gravelly in places. The best bike for this event would be a gravel bike, hybrid or mountain bike. You can use a road bike, it has been done before, but there are a few bits of lane in this section that would need to be walked.

    • What support will I receive?

      You’ll get a downloadable training guide, route maps, safety briefing, kit list, nutrition advice, and marshals/support staff throughout the day.

    • How do I get to the event by public transport?

      Please see this link, for information on accessing Ullswater by train or coach.

    • How will my fundraising make a difference?

      Funds raised support Rainbow Trust’s key services - offering emotional and practical support to families with children facing serious illnesses. Your efforts help change real lives.

    • How does fundraising work?

      You’ll get access to online fundraising tools, branded fundraising pages, materials, and Rain­bow Trust support. You can collect sponsorship before and up to one month after the event.

    • Where should I stay?

      It is completely up to you where you stay the night before and if you stay the night of the event. Please see below a list of some local hotels or B&B’s.

    • What does the finish look like?

      We welcome back all finishers with our famous Rainbow Arch! You’ll receive a medal for your achievement and a complimentary alcoholic or soft drink. 

    • What happens at transition one?

      At Glenridding you will transition from the bike to the boat. You can rack your bike before getting ready for the canoe phase. Water refills, refreshments, toilets and changing rooms are all available. After the canoe it’s back on the bike to cycle to the start of the hike phase – Greenside Mines.

    • What happens at transition two?

      Once at Greenside Mines, you’ll rack your bike, change kit and be given a packed lunch to take on to the mountain. Upon completion of the out and back hike, you’ll get changed and back on your bike, cycling back to the events hub, your transition bags will be transported back to the event hub for you and will hopefully arrive before you.

    • Is there a safety briefing?

      Yes, all participants must attend an online safety briefing 2 weeks prior to the event.

    • When do I need to arrive?

      Between 6pm-8pm the night before the event, where you will need to register at the event hub close to the event starting point. Full address details will be shared closer to the time. 

      You will be given your event pack, inclusive of event number, safety pins and waterproof transition bag. All kit that is needed for the boat and boot phases needs to be put in the transition bags when registering. These bags will be transported to transition areas ahead of event.

      For the morning of the event, arrival is from approximately 7am.

    • Do I need to take part in a team?

      Yes, this event is for teams of 2, or 4. If you would like to take part in the event but need a teammate, please let us know, as we will try to pair you up.

      Ready for adventure? Register your interest now!

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