Training and safety

Train in the walking boots you intend to wear at the event, to give them a chance to break in. Also wear the rucksack you intend to wear on the day, filling it with clothes and water bottles to get you used to carrying that extra weight and adjusting the straps so it's comfortable to wear.

We're rarely short of rain, so when the heavens open grab your waterproof coat and trousers and head out to test that they will keep you dry if it rains during your trail. On the day, if you don't start the trail wearing them, we advise keeping your waterproofs at the top of your rucksack so they are easy to get to if rain is forecast, or if you want an extra layer of warmth.

We don't all live on the doorstep of hills and rolling countryside and, while you should still plan to get two or three walks under your belt before Beating the Trail, there's still lots you can do to keep on top of your training. Avoid the lift at work and start taking the stairs (two by two if you can manage it!).

Where practical, walk to and from the local supermarket or shops, rather than taking the bus or driving in - just think of the money you'll save on parking and carrying those bags back home will get you used to walking with extra weight.

Take photos and video as you train and post them on your Facebook, Twitter and JustGiving page. It will encourage you to train and raise awareness of your commitment, which might inspire people to sponsor you.

Hill walking experience is helpful for all of our events. In addition, swimming, cycling and jogging, or any regular exercise, will help to prepare you for your event.

If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, chest problems or are pregnant you should not attempt the walks. If you are in any doubt about your level of fitness, please contact your GP for advice.

The minimum age for Beat the Trails is 14 years. Walkers aged 17 years or under must be accompanied by a responsible adult walker. If the adult walker has to retire early from the trail, due to injury or failing to reach a checkpoint in time, the minor must also retire from the trail.

Our delivery partner and their team of guides will help you along the route and ensure you stay on course.

In order to create a pleasant event for all walkers, numbers will be limited. You will venture along dedicated routes and public rights of way, that have been created to ensure there is minimum damage to the area and to ensure that there is no undue impact on the environment.

Double check the registration time for your event, which will be highlighted in your essential information pack. For health and safety reasons we run a strict check in time and anyone who arrives after registration is closed will be unable to take part.

Whether you're staying in accommodation close by or commuting from home, plan your journey to make sure you arrive on time, accounting for potential traffic and picking up any members of your team on route.

When you arrive you'll be checked in by one of our amazing event volunteers and given further items needed such as maps and identification bands. Have your mobile number ready. If we don't already have it on our registration list we'll need to make a note of it. Our mountain guides will check through your kit to make sure you have everything you need and then you'll be ready to Beat the Trails.

Have an amazing trail - it'll be tough at times, but you've trained for this moment – enjoy every second! We'll be waiting for you at the finish line to check you back in and celebrate your success, including receiving your Beat the Trails medal.

If you run into difficulty or have to retire early from your trail, just let one of our mountain guides know who may be walking with you, or at any of our checkpoints along the route. We'll facilitate your return to base, but note sometimes this may require you walking on further to a point where we can pick you up, or retracing your steps to a previous checkpoint.

Please don't bring your sponsorship money with you. We'll ask you how much you've raised and keep a record of it but we're not able to process any money on the day. Please refer to your essential information pack on how to bank your sponsorship.