Trailwalker

The 3 stages

• Sign up

  Assemble a team of four plus at least two support crew. Whether you choose to walk with friends, family, or colleagues, register today and make this the year you become Trailwalker strong!

• Train and fundraise

  Trailwalker is a monumental team challenge that requires mental and physical preparation, but don’t worry – you'll be supported all the way. Alongside training, fundraising is a fantastic team-building activity!

• Take part

  After registering in person on Friday, you and your team will set off early the next morning. Along the 100km route, there are 9 manned checkpoints where you’ll meet your own support crew. The trail ends at Brighton Racecourse, where you’ll receive status as a Trailwalker.

Timetable

Friday evening

• 16:00 | Teams assemble and register at Queen Elizabeth Country Park
• Enjoy the atmosphere, fuel up at the army field kitchen and set up camp for the night
• Support crews prepare and ceremonial traditions take place

Saturday

• Hot breakfast from the field kitchen
• 06:00 | Start waves begin
• You'll meet your support crew along the way
• Checkpoint 7 | Hot meal

Sunday

• Morning | Most teams reach the finish line
• Arrive to a hero's welcome with the Gurkha pipers, a medal and a delicious Nepalese Gurkha curry!

Support crew

One or two people (ideally two)

Role

Support crews meet their team at each checkpoint along the route. They carry extra kit (ie. wet weather gear and warm clothing), provide additional food, replenish water supplies, and most of all, motivate and encourage their team. It will be an epic adventure and a big achievement for the crew too, as they support you physically and emotionally for the full 100km.

Vehicle

The vehicle must be no larger than a 12-seater minibus (2.5m × 5.5m). You’ll need enough space for the whole team (in case of drop-outs) as well as for the support crew and equipment.

Corporates

Empower your team and make a difference - why your business should join Trailwalker:

Are you searching for an unparalleled team-building experience that creates a lasting impact? Trailwalker is your opportunity to engage employees in an inspiring challenge while supporting a great cause.

This challenge is more than just a test of endurance; it’s a physical and mental test that fosters camaraderie, resilience and problem-solving skills – invaluable attributes in the workplace.

• Corporate Social Responsibility

  Demonstrate your commitment by supporting a well-respected charity.

• Team-building

  A unique team challenge that will foster lifelong memories and a sense of shared achievement.

• Brand visibility

  Opportunities to promote your company’s involvement in a charitable event through online and offline channels.

• Support a worthy cause

  Funds raised from Trailwalker help us provide vital support to Gurkha veterans and their families in Nepal.

Fitness level

A 100km walk is achievable for most people, but you will need to dedicate time to train, especially as a team. Most teams will plan long weekend walks alongside some shorter evening sessions plus you will receive a Trailwalker training guide.

The Relay

Introducing the brand new Trailwalker Relay! Divide and conquer the 100km route across the South Downs between a team of 6-12 participants.

Trailwalker stands apart from all other endurance races as a team trial – camaraderie and resilience are the beating heart of the event. The Trailwalker Relay fosters that team spirit, breaking the breathtaking 100km route across the South Downs into four sections. Teams of between 6 and 12 participants can join forces to conquer the historic challenge.

Highlights

• Assemble

  Relay teams must have a minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 participants, plus 2 support crew. Nominate your team captain.

• Register

  Complete the team registration and pay the registration fees. Individual participants and support crew must then complete their personal registrations.

• Strategise

  Decide how you will divide the distance. Participants can swap in/out at Checkpoints 3, 5, and 8. There must always be at least 3 team members on the course.

• Train

  How much of the route you intend to complete and your preferred pace will determine how much training you need to do.

• Fundraise

  Each team member is encouraged to set a fundraising target of £300, but your whole team is responsible for reaching your collective fundraising goal.

• Prepare

  Ensure all personal details are up to date via your registration dashboard, and everyone has the essential kit ahead of the event weekend!

GPX route

The route is displayed on the map above.

Overview

Trailwalker covers some of the most beautiful countryside in England, following the historic paths of the South Downs Way over rolling chalk hills and past stunning sea views.

Map

Event HQ

Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Gravel Hill
Horndean
Hampshire
PO8 0QE
UK

Camping

Free camping at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park and Brighton Racecourse is included.

Included

• Printed route guide, bespoke t-shirt, and medal
• Four hot meals, including the famous Gurkha curry at Brighton Racecourse
• Free camping at the start and finish lines
• Toilets across the course, and showers at the finish
• Fully signed route
• Manned checkpoints, with water supplies and parking for support crews
• Encouragement all the way from the Brigade of Gurkhas and incredible volunteers!

Tips from participants

Train as much as you can – on your own, with your team or with friends. Even if you are already fit and active, you need to get used to the time on your feet. I highly recommend getting a good pair of walking poles – helps keep you steady on the rough trail and a godsend when you’re tackling the big hills. Remember to take lots of photos – it’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Heather Hitchins, Trailwalker 2022 - GWT Platinum Jubilee Team

Have good walking/trail running shoes and if you’re getting new ones, make sure you break into them well before the event. Train on the routes where you will most likely be walking through the night, so you’re familiar with the path. Have good communication with the rest of your team and your support crew before and throughout the walk. Checklists for each checkpoint helps a lot, so your support crew know what you expect.

Anju Gurung, Trailwalker 2019 – Team Spitfire

Set a realistic target – to get the whole team to the finish in under 30 hours is a massive achievement. Anything quicker is a bonus! Work out a plan based on the time to complete each stage, at a steady pace that everyone is comfortable with, and don’t forget to include rest time at checkpoints. Expect to slow down after 50km and remember the weather may play an important part.

Chris Green, Veteran of 8 Trailwalkers 2015 to 2023 – The Pukka Burhos

Choose your team, initiate your fundraising, and start your training early. Build your training up slowly and steadily, and make sure you train with your support team at least twice before the event!

Piers Lawson, Trailwalker 2019 – Team 24 Hour Dal Bhat Power & Trailwalker 2022 – GWT Platinum Jubilee Team

We are all married to current or ex-Gurkha officers. We really understand the important work that GWT does in Nepal and are all passionate about supporting you. It’s been a pleasure to fundraise, and hope we can nudge our total up a bit further before the weekend! 

Team Memsaheb Madness, Raised over £6000 for Trailwalker 2023

The Gurkha Welfare Trust

A fundraising target of £1200 per team (£300 per person) is recommended.

Trailwalker teams fundraise for The Gurkha Welfare Trust which provides vital support to Gurkha veterans, their families and communities in Nepal, enabling them to live with dignity.

About the charity

The team of dedicated staff journey into the hills of Nepal to deliver essential financial and medical aid to the most vulnerable pensioners. They also work with local communities to provide access to clean water and education.

Fundraising support

An online fundraising page will automatically be created at the point of registration, and we will provide lots of hints and tips along the way to help you reach your goal.

Fundraising ideas

• Cook up a storm

  You don’t have to wait until the Trailwalker finish line to enjoy a Gurkha curry! Host a Nepali curry night, and ask for donations in exchange for a ticket to your exclusive supper club.

• Become the Quizmaster

  Invite your friends, family, and colleagues to a local pub or community centre for a quiz night. Test their general knowledge, and include a special Nepali-themed round for double points!

• Flex your sales patter

  Sell your unwanted items via an online platform or at a car boot sale, and de-clutter your home at the same time! Nothing to spare? Ask local businesses to donate items for a raffle or auction.

The difference your sponsorship makes

• £300

  could fund 1000 metres of pipeline needed to bring clean water to a community, improving sanitation.

• £1200

  could provide a pension for one year, a lifeline for many vulnerable Gurkha veterans and their widows.

• £200K

  could pay to build a school, complete with classrooms, a library, and toilets. The aim is to complete two projects of this scale every year.

Team registration deadline - 30 August 2026

Personal registration deadline - 6 September 2026

Entry fees