We’ve always known the Take a Hike team were something special. As the kind-hearted souls behind our annual Hike Towards Healing, they’ve created more than just walking routes, they’ve nurtured a safe, reflective space where our community can come together, process, and heal. With their gentle guidance, open hearts, and quiet strength, they’ve helped us all take steps, literally and emotionally, towards something lighter.
But now, Ben and Gareth are lacing up their boots for something even more gruelling.
On 17 July, they will set off on a multi-day challenge in support of The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, covering an epic 112 miles over 4 days. That’s 28 miles a day!
The Journey
- Day 1 sees the incredible pair tackle 28 miles circling Kielder Reservoir
- Days 2 and 3 will be focused on making steady progress – just them, the terrain, and whatever the weather brings.
- Day 4, however, is your chance to get involved! The final stretch, from Blaydon to Tynemouth, is open to everyone in the EPT community.
It winds its way through Newcastle city centre and follows the railway line, and finishes on the coast, making it ideal for people to join for a section, then hop on the train back to their starting point. Whether you walk a mile or the full stretch, your presence will lift tired spirits and help celebrate what’s been achieved.
RECOMMENDED stretches for those who want to join Ben and Gareth for a few miles are:
- Wylam to Blaydon (5 miles)
- Blaydon to Newcastle (5.5 miles)
- Through Newcastle along the Quayside from Dunston to St. Peters Basin (3.5 miles). You can then walk back into Town for the train).
A longer option would be Newcastle Central to Tynemouth. The WALK is approx 11 miles.
While Ben and Gareth would love for as many people as possible to join the final leg from Blaydon to Tynemouth, it’s important to note that this will be the end of a very long and physically demanding challenge for the Take a Hike team.
They won’t be in a position to wait for anyone to arrive or respond to messages on the day. To help everyone stay in the loop, Ben will share their location and progress as much as possible via Instagram and Facebook Stories, so if you’re hoping to join along the way, please keep an eye on their socials for live updates.
We know the team will be digging deep at this stage, and simply having supporters along the route will be a huge boost – whether you walk beside them or cheer them on from the sidelines.
Meet the team
After a lengthy career as a project manager for branding and design companies, Ben turned is attention to his active interests, having retrained as a Sports Therapist. Now also a Hiking Guide, he is regularly found in the mountains, sleeping in his van to get “just one more peak before sunset”. Through Take A Hike, Ben also provides monthly, free to attend “Men’s Wellbeing Walks”… short social walks, primarily in the north east of England, that create a supportive safe space for men to walk and talk about whatever’s on their mind.
With a degree in Sport & Exercise Development and other health-related qualifications, Gareth currently works, by day, as a driving instructor and for Take A Hike at all other times. As he spends the majority of his day sitting in the car, he’s always keen to get moving when not at work by heading for long walks or to the gym. Alongside work for Take A Hike, Gareth plans and leads walks for a local community hiking group of over 1000 members.
If you would like to donate to this amazing challenge to support Ben and Gareth you can here.
On behalf of all of us at The EPT, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to Take a Hike. Your care, compassion, and commitment mean the world to us and the people we support. We’re cheering you on every step of the way.
Feeling inspired?
If your business or community group is moved by this story and would love to take on a group hike in support of The EPT, Take a Hike offers guided packages that are as thoughtful and inclusive as the people behind them.
We would be absolutely delighted to connect you – whether you’re a team of ten or two, a hiking novice or seasoned trailblazer. Just drop us a message, and we’ll help you take those first steps.
For those looking to support in different ways we have lots of inspiration on our fundraising page or contact kerri@ectopic.org.uk
