Cat & Fiddle 55-mile Cycle Challenge
Sunday 5 October 2008

We are delighted to invite you to take part in the seventh annual Cat & Fiddle 55-mile Cycle Challenge along with cycling legend Sean Kelly.

Starting from Brian Rourke's Cycle shop in Stoke-on-Trent the route goes through Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and the beautiful Peak District National Park, including the infamous Cat and Fiddle climb (7 miles long).

Some riders do the course in under 2hrs, some take all day but all receive a big welcome from Brian Rourke's and the CF Trust at the finish line followed by sandwich, cake and a cuppa! This is not a race, it's a fun run!

Entries are now open online  so why not book your place today or, if you'd prefer an entry form, please Contact Us below.

Last year 1,293 cyclists took part - please feel free to check out photographs taken at purepix.co.uk.

Since this event was started in 2002 it has raised a staggering £187,000. Our special thanks as always go to Brian Rourke and his colleagues for staging this brilliant event, to Sean Kelly for his ongoing support and many other invaluable volunteers. We are also very grateful to every cyclist who has taken part in the event.

Ben Nevis Weekend Challenge
11-13 July 2008

Ever considered conquering Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, standing proud at over 4,406-ft?

In return for a minimum sponsorship pledge of £350, your Ben Nevis Challenge weekend includes all this for FREE:

• Transfers between Glasgow Central Train Station or Glasgow International Airport and Fort William
• 2 nights BB&D accommodation in Fort William
• Packed lunch for your Saturday Ben Nevis walk
• Expert guidance to the summit
• Celebrations on the summit and after the descent
• A Cystic Fibrosis Trust representative to ensure all goes smoothly

 

This is a challenging walk but there's no technical climbing involved and everyone should conquer Ben Nevis at least once in their lifetime!

Dates and further details about the 2008 Ben Nevis Challenge will be available very soon. In the meantime you can register your interest by clicking on “Request Info” below.

Congratulations to everyone who conquered Ben Nevis in 2007. We have uploaded a few photos from both weekends. Photos from the July weekend can be found here and there are photos from the September weekend here and on the Ptarmigan Treks website.

If you are interested in taking part in this fantastic challenge, please contact us now for more details

Hadrian’s Wall Challenge
19-21 September 2008

Hadrian's Wall once marked the northernmost border of the Roman Empire, stretching 75 miles across northern England from Wallsend on the River Tyne to the shore of the Solway Firth. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and as of 2003 a National Trail.

Why not follow in the footsteps of a Roman Centurion and join us for this fantastic weekend of hiking along the Roman wall? In two days of walking you will cover over 25 miles along the more complete section of the wall between Chesters Fort and Birdoswald Fort. The Backdrop for the weekend will be the stunning scenery of the Northumberland National Park.

In return for a minimum sponsorship pledge of £425 your Hadrian's Wall Challenge includes all this for free:

• Transfers between Haltwhistle Station and your accommodation at Once Brewed Youth Hostel
• Two nights BB&D
• Packed lunch for each day's walk
• Experienced guides to lead your trek along the Roman wall
• A Cystic Fibrosis Trust representative to ensure all goes smoothly

This is a challenging hike but most people should be able to complete the two days of walking. Although a large distance is covered, the terrain is not too hilly making it a suitable challenge for walkers of all abilities.

Interested in joining us for this great weekend? Please contact us now for more details!

Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
20-22 June 2008

The Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge is a classic trek set in the heart of the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park. The 25-mile circular walk joins up three of the highest peaks in Yorkshire - Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough - a total ascent of over 1,500m!

As an added incentive and an extra challenge, complete the route in under 12 hours and you will be invited to join the exclusive Three Peaks of Yorkshire Club!

In return for a minimum sponsorship pledge of £395 your Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge includes all of this for free:

• Transfers between Skipton train station and your accommodation at Malham Youth Hostel
• Two nights BB&D
• Packed lunch for your walk
• Experienced guides to lead your Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge
• A Cystic Fibrosis Trust representative to ensure all goes smoothly

This is a tough, challenging trek. Not only does the route cover a long distance in just one day, it also involves a considerable amount of ascent - steep in places. Having said that, there is no actual climbing involved and with sufficient training, most people should be able to complete this challenge.

If you would like to take part in the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, please contact us now for more details.

Everest Base Camp Trek
8 November - 26 November 2008
28 March - 15 April 2009
7 November - 25 November 2009

Regularly voted one of the best treks in the world, Everest Base camp is a real adventure! Trekking amongst the breathtaking scenery of the Nepalese Himalayas, your route will pass through various mountain villages allowing you to soak up the culture and meet the friendly locals.

The route takes you via the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through beautiful valleys, dense forests and across glacial rivers before reaching the renowned viewpoint of Kalapatar, on the approach to Everest Base Camp, with fantastic views of the world's tallest mountain. There will also be time to explore the colourful capital to Kathmandu.

Interested? Then contact us now for details.

Brazil Trek and Kayak Challenge
18-28 June 2008

Brazil is the fifth-largest country in the world, dominating the South American continent, and offering a huge diversity of landscapes, cultures and wildlife.

This exciting new challenge combines trekking through the rainforests of the Serra da Bocaina National Park with sea-kayaking on the tranquil waters of the Bay of Paraty. What a great way to explore this fascinating country! At the end of your journey, you will celebrate the completion of your challenge in Rio de Janeiro, with a chance to explore this vibrant city.

Interested? Then contact us now for details.

Kilimanjaro Trek, Tanzania 
22 August – 31 August 2008
26 September – 5 October 2008
3 October – 12 October 2008 (few places remaining)
6 February - 15 February 2009
13 March - 22 March 2009

The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Mt Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5,896m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty African plains; huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit, spectacular views and beautiful ice formations are the reward for pushing your limits both physically and mentally.

This trek takes the less-trodden Machame route, allowing you to camp and fully appreciate the splendour of your surroundings and the clear mist skies. The terrain changes as you ascend the mountain, passing through thick forest, moorland and scree en route to the highest point of the crater, Uhuru Peak.

This is a challenging trek at altitude, climbing one of the most impressive, most well-known mountains in the world. In return for a minimum sponsorship pledge you can take part in this fabulous event.

Interested? Then contact us now for details

China Trek
25 September – 5 October 2008

The Great Wall of China is the world's longest man-made structure, stretching over 6,352 km. Join us on the challenge of a lifetime as we trek along a section of the Great Wall. You will also get a chance to take part in a massive 400ft zip slide and visit the impressive capital city, Beijing.

China is a beautiful country steeped in tradition, history and mythology. For those with a passion for culture and a sense of adventure China leaves an indelible mark on all who go there.

Interested? Then contact us now for details

Iceland Trek
16-24 August 2008

With its striking mix of wild volcanic landscape dotted with streaming lava fields, icecaps, glaciers, waterfalls, bubbling hot springs and geysers, the stunning Icelandic landscape is one you will never forget.

Join us on this trek through some of the most spectacular wilderness areas in Europe. You will meet new friends whilst raising funds for a cause close to your heart. It really will be the trip of a lifetime!

Interested? Then contact us now for details

140-ft Abseil at Manchester United FC
Saturday 20 September 2008

Dare you abseil with us from the North Stand of Old Trafford, home to the current Premier League and European Champions, Manchester United FC?

You don't have to be a Red Devil to experience the adrenalin rush of this 140-ft free air abseil, so why not get together with family, friends and colleagues to take part in what will be a truly exhilarating event at this fantastic, world-famous stadium! You're welcome to wear your own club colours, be they red, blue, black or white etc. in fact, why not abseil in fancy dress?

You'll get a unique and spectacular view of the stadium whilst helping the CF Trust to support over 8,000 young people and their families across the UK living with Cystic Fibrosis.

In return for your FREE abseil place, we ask you to pledge to raise at least £140 for the CF Trust, that's £1 for every foot abseiled - this target includes a £15 booking fee which you are entitled to reimburse yourself with once you reach, and hopefully surpass, the £140.

Plus, for everyone that raises £500 or more in sponsorship, you will be entered into a draw to win a signed Manchester United football.

Places will be very limited and allocated on a first come first served basis so don't delay and book online today.

Peru Trek
12-21 September 2008

Immerse yourself in ancient Peruvian culture and explore the remote Lares region of the Peruvian Andes.

You will experience diverse scenery as we trek through traditional Andean villages and along high remote mountain trails before visiting Machu Picchu, one of the most important archaeological finds in the world. For those of you with a love of landscape, a passion for history and a sense of adventure look no further and come trek with us!

Interested? Then contact us now for details

Vietnam Cycle
4 - 16 November 2008

For those of you in search of the challenge of a lifetime, Vietnam won't fail to leave an indelible mark on you and will provide you with memories that will last forever.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by Vietnam's natural contrasting beauty - from the patchwork of bright green rice paddies to the rugged mountains and white sandy beaches you can't help but be bewitched by its traditional charm!

Interested? Then contact us now for details

Cuba Cycle
February 2009

From vibrant Havana to the relaxed, rural western province, to the dazzling beaches and clear blue seas of the Gulf of Mexico, Cuba offers you an extraordinary experience that will not be forgotten.

This cycle, set in a beautiful location, will not only offer you the chance to experience a trip of a lifetime, it might even change your life! Meet new friends and raise funds for a cause close to your heart!

Interested? Then contact us now and we will send more details as soon as they are available.

Sahara Trek
March 2009

Imagine the feel of the desert underfoot as you trek through mesmerising landscapes beyond your wildest expectations and dramatic sand dunes as far as the eye can see.

Trekking the Sahara Desert will provide you with an unbelievable experience which you will never forget.

Interested? Then contact us now and we will send more details as soon as they are available.

Coast to Coast Cycle Ride
Friday 11 – Sunday 13 July 2008

The Coast to Coast Cycle Ride runs from Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coastline to Sunderland on the North-East coast, crossing the Pennines along the way. Join us for three days of cycling as we take on the full 140-mile route.

This really is a classic ride and all keen cyclists should complete it at least once in their lifetime.

We will start bright and early on the Friday morning (although there is accommodation available for the Thursday night for those that need it) and we will arrive in Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

In return for a minimum sponsorship pledge, you will get accommodation for the Friday and Saturday nights, all meals from breakfast on Friday to lunch on Sunday, refreshments along the route, support vehicles for the ride and a Cystic Fibrosis Trust representative to ensure all goes smoothly.

Half of the ride will be along quiet country lanes which will not be closed to traffic, so riders should all be confident cycling on roads.

Interested? Then contact us now and we will send more details and a registration form.