The evolution of Walking With The Wounded's Cumbrian Challenge

This year marks Walking With The Wounded’s 15^th anniversary and the 13^hanniversary of the Cumbrian Challenge, our flagship fundraising weekend set against the backdrop of Grasmere in the Lake District.

Since it was founded, the Cumbrian Challenge has welcomed thousands of dedicated supporters to the Cumbrian Fells and raised over £2.5 million to support veterans and their families. The Cumbrian Challenge began as a small fundraising event and has since grown into the cornerstone of our annual events calendar.

The inaugural Cumbrian Challenge launched in 2013 and saw 100 teams (around 400 people) take to the hills. Among them were teams from our North Pole and Everest expeditions, as well as a team preparing for the South Pole expedition. Funds raised supported WWTW’s First Steps Programme which later formed the foundations of our Employment Programme.

In 2014, the event moved to Grasmere, where participation grew. One memorable team included forecasters from the Met Office who reported on the weather as they climbed 1,800 metres over the hills above Grasmere.

Over the years, the Cumbrian Challenge continued to grow and in 2025 we had a record-turnout with over 800 people taking on the Fells in support of veterans and their families, collectively raising over £500,000.

The Cumbrian Challenge is a highlight of the year. Staff from across the organisation head to the Lake District to support the event, from welcoming people at the registration desk, helping to manage the carpark and campsite, rallying people along the routes as they climb the hills, awarding medals to the quickest teams and sharing the success of the event with local media. It is a weekend that brings the charity together.

The event welcomes a diverse community of supporters, from those currently serving and veterans to corporate supporters and long-standing fundraisers. Participants choose from three walking routes across the Fells, united by camaraderie, teamwork and coming together for a great cause.

Funds raised during the weekend go towards WWTW's Employment, Mental Health, and Support Care Coordination programmes. These vital services ensure that veterans and their families receive the tailored, life-changing support that they need to rebuild their lives.

From the very beginning the Cumbrian Challenge has been shaped by the generosity of our corporate sponsors. In 2013 Helly Hansen supported the inaugural event, followed by further backing in 2014. In 2015, Arqiva, Virgin Money Giving, Glenfiddich, and BAE Systems joined as key supporters.

Since then, the event has been supported by organisations including Esri UK, Vodaphone, Artemis, Sunbelt Rentals, Gasway, FDM, Aegis London, Keswick Brewing, Choose Cumbria, Generator Power, B&J Metals, Safe & Sound Security Solutions, Heineken, Morson Group, Mountain Hardwear, Buff, Newcastle Building Society, DXC Technology and Craghoppers.

We are grateful for the commitment and generosity of our corporate partners over the past 14 years. Their support has helped to shape the Cumbrian Challenge into the flagship fundraising event is it today.  

Thanks to the dedication of WWTW staff, volunteers, corporate partners and participants, the Cumbrian Challenge event continues to transform lives, one step at a time.