Walk Together, Finish Together: Taking On a Challenge Walk as a Group
There's something special about crossing a finish line with the people you trained with. Our UK walking events are built for groups, and entering as a team is simpler than most people expect.
Walk Together. Finish Together.
Whether it's a group of friends, work colleagues, family members or your local walking club, taking on a challenge walk as a team turns a great day into an unforgettable one.
The miles seem shorter, the laughs come more easily, and when the going gets tough there's always someone beside you to keep you moving.
By the time you reach the finish, you'll have shared an adventure that people will still be talking about long after the boots have been cleaned.
Why Challenge Walks Are Better Together
There are plenty of reasons why groups come back to our UK walking events year after year.
Training becomes something to look forward to
It's much harder to cancel a Sunday morning walk when your friends are already waiting at the meeting point. A shared goal keeps everyone motivated, whatever the weather decides to do.
You've got built-in support
Someone will always have an extra flapjack, a spare blister plaster or simply the right words when the hills begin to feel a little steeper than expected.
Fundraising goes even further
Many teams choose to walk for charity and, working together, often raise considerably more than they would individually.
The finish means more
Crossing the line alongside the people you've trained with is one of those moments you'll remember for years.
Did You Know?
Shepherds Walks was founded by a former Northumberland hill shepherd. Every event has been designed by people who know these hills, the trails and the local communities like the back of their hand. More about us here.
How to Enter as a Group
Getting everyone signed up is straightforward.
1. Choose your event
Decide which challenge you'd like to tackle together and pick the date that works for everyone.
2. Decide your distances
Not everyone has to walk the same route.
Some members of your group may be looking for their first challenge, while others might be searching for a bigger test. That's absolutely fine.
3. Book your places
Each participant completes the online entry, selects their preferred distance and pays their own entry fee.
4. Nominate a team organiser
Having one person keeping everyone updated with training walks, travel arrangements and arrival times makes everything much easier. Every group has someone who lives for a spreadsheet. Now is their moment.
5. Turn up ready for a brilliant day
Arrive together, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the adventure.
Local Tip
Registration is busiest early in the morning, and on the Northern Pennine Way Challenge you'll need to be on your transfer bus to the start. Share transport, arrive together with plenty of time, and you'll begin the day relaxed rather than rummaging for your entry number in the car park. Kinder on the environment, too. It's worth checking the Northumberland weather the night before so everyone packs sensibly.
Everyone Can Walk Their Own Distance
One of the best things about our events is that your whole group doesn't need to be at exactly the same fitness level.
At the Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk in the Cheviot Hills, everyone registers together at Linbriggs Farm and is then bussed out to one of three starting points. Whichever route you choose, you all walk back to the same finish at Linbriggs, so the group starts the day together and celebrates together at the end.
| Distance | Starts from | Ideal for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.5 miles | Rowhope Road End | First-time challengers | A climb onto the Border Ridge, over Windy Gyle and down through the Usway Burn valley |
| 18 miles | Chew Green | Regular walkers | Lamb Hill, Beefstand Hill and Windy Gyle, on a quieter stretch of the Pennine Way |
| 23 miles | Byrness | Experienced hill walkers and runners | Around 3,000ft of ascent past the source of the River Coquet - the toughest of the three |
That means one member of your team can take on the full 23-mile route while another enjoys the 13.5-mile challenge, before everyone celebrates together at the finish.
Your Autumn Challenge: The Northern Pennine Way
Our flagship autumn event is the Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk in the beautiful Cheviot Hills. Transport from registration to your start point is included, checkpoints are staffed by a friendly team, and the routes are clearly marked throughout.
Northern Pennine Way Challenge Walk
Saturday 26 September 2026
Registration at Linbriggs Farm, near Alwinton
13.5 miles • 18 miles • 23 miles
Find Out MorePrefer the coast, or fancy something earlier in the year? Take a look at the Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walk and the Coquet Valley Challenge Walk in June, or the Cheviot Round if your group is after something seriously big.
Fundraising Works Better as a Team
Walking together is a fantastic way to support a cause that's important to you.
A few simple ideas can make an even bigger difference:
- Create one shared fundraising page so supporters can follow everyone's progress.
- Post training updates and photos as the big day gets closer.
- Wear matching tops, hats or team colours to make yourselves easy to spot around the course.
You'll be surprised how many conversations start at the checkpoints simply because people recognise your team.
Preparing for the Big Day
The best challenge walks begin weeks before the event itself.
Our free Challenge Walk Training Planner helps you build a personalised training programme all the way to event day. Share it with your group and you'll all arrive feeling confident.
For plotting your training routes, our sister company GPS Training offers a free Ordnance Survey route planner, which is ideal for sharing a Sunday walk with the rest of the group before anyone can claim they didn't know where the meeting point was.
Just as importantly, make sure everyone has comfortable, well broken-in walking boots and quality walking socks. Our own Capricorn Mohair Socks are knitted in Leicester and dyed in Leeds, and are built for exactly this sort of day - warm, hard-wearing and kind to feet over long distances. New footwear the night before, on the other hand, is rarely anyone's best idea.
Good to Know
- Transport from registration to your start point
- Refreshment points around the course
- First aid support
- A finisher's goody bag
- A friendly event team on hand throughout the day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a group discount?
Each walker currently enters individually, but if you're a group of 10 or more, please get in touch and we can look at some options to make life easier for everyone when booking.
Do we all have to walk the same distance?
Not at all. Your group can split between the 13.5, 18 and 23-mile routes and still enjoy the day together, as everyone finishes at the same place.
What's the minimum age?
Participants must be at least 16 years old, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can we bring our dog?
Dogs are welcome on the Coquet Valley Challenge Walk in June, but unfortunately aren't permitted on the Northern Pennine Way or Northumberland Coastal Challenge Walks.
What happens if someone can no longer attend?
Places can be transferred to someone else provided you let us know in writing at least 7 days before the event. A £5.00 administration charge applies, rising to £10.00 if it's less than 7 days. No alterations can be made within 3 days of the event date. Full details are in our challenge walk terms.
Is it a race?
Definitely not.
Some people enjoy running sections, while others walk at a relaxed pace. The atmosphere is friendly, supportive and all about enjoying the journey.
Make This Autumn One to Remember
A challenge walk isn't just about the miles.
It's about the training walks beforehand, the conversations on the climbs, the encouragement when someone needs it, and the feeling of achievement when you cross the finish line together.
So gather your friends, choose your distances and make this autumn an adventure you'll all remember.
Ready to Take On the Challenge?
Round up your team, choose your distance and make this autumn one to remember.