Bookmark Chilterns Challenge

Take on a trek and change a child’s story

Step out of the city and into an unforgettable experience. We are inviting you to join us in completing Chilterns Challenge – a breathtaking trek through the English countryside on Saturday, 18^th October 2025.

We’ll trek along a section of the River Thames, pass through quaint Oxfordshire villages and even walk along a stretch of the Ridgeway – Britain’s oldest road. And, with both 21km and 42km options, you can choose the challenge that best suits you.

Register your interest with Rachel Marsh at fundraising@​bookmarkreading.​org or visit our booking website for more details.

What does the challenge involve?

Chilterns Challenge offers two distances – a marathon (42km) and a half-marathon (21km) – to ensure as many people as possible can be involved, including friends and family!

The marathon distance departs and ends in the village of Goring, just south of Oxford and easily accessible from London. The half-marathon distance event will join the full marathon trekkers in the village of Nuffield and also finish in Goring.

This challenge is perfect for those who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind. You’ll traverse varied, undulating terrain across Oxfordshire and part of the Chiltern hills. Over the course of the 42km route, you’ll ascend over 700m.

Why does it matter?

At Bookmark Reading Charity, our vision is simple: we want every child to read. We partner with schools in the UK’s most disadvantaged areas to build a love of reading and give children the skills they need for a fair chance in life, through our flexible, volunteer-led reading programme and our diverse range of school partnerships.

Reading isn’t just about books. It’s being able to read a road sign, a birthday card or a job application. In England, 7.1 million adults struggle to read, making many aspects of life much harder.

By taking on Chilterns Challenge, you’ll be supporting us in spreading the joy of reading to as many children as possible.

What’s included?

As part of the challenge, you’ll receive 

• A high quality route including major landmarks and undiscovered highlights
• Experienced, highly supportive guides
• An engraved medal on completion
• A packed lunch, snacks and frequent water breaks along the route
• Members only benefits and discounts at a wide range of clothing equipment suppliers including Outdoorshire, Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Needs, Snow + Rock
• A Charity Challenge buff

… and much more! Check out our website for further details.

How to register

Entry to the Chilterns Challenge costs £165 per person (self-funded), plus a minimum fundraising target of £150 to support us in our work.

You can register your interest by contacting Rachel Marsh at fundraising@​bookmarkreading.​org by 24^th September 2025, or by visiting the challenge’s website.

Take on the Chilterns Challenge and help every child read with confidence!