FAQs

If you are up for the challenge, we would love you to join us on the day. We ask that everyone who takes part is 18 or over and medically fit. Anyone who takes part in the event is responsible for their own safety and welfare. Due to the event's size, we cannot provide additional facilities. 

Simple! Just point them to the UCLH charity Just Giving page!

We’ll walk 32 miles along the Thames Pathway, crossing 26 iconic bridges in support of UCLH Charity. Whether you cross one bridge or all 26, this is your journey. Walk what you can - every step is a story.

Walking a long distance is a big challenge, so please ensure you rest on the days leading up to the event BUT train to undertake long distances in the run-up. Please make sure you train as much as you're able to to ensure you are ready to take on The Great London Bridges Walk.

Wear comfortable shoes, and clothing you have worn before. Only bring what you need - there are shops along the route to top up with water. Bring snacks to keep you going – there will be no official pit stops. You might want to bring plasters, and a fully charged mobile phone, and a battery charger. Your feet are the most important part – ensure you have a change of socks.

Please bring your own filled reusable water bottle. There are water stations along the Thames Path.

In the event of adverse weather conditions, the event will likely be cancelled.

Check the weather beforehand and wear suitable footwear and clothing for all weather types, waterproofs if it is raining, and sun cream and hats if it is sunny. If the event is affected by adverse weather, it may be called off.

Absolutely! You can walk in whatever you feel comfortable wearing. But remember, it's a long walk, and it's likely to get hot, so we advise wearing something underneath any costume you choose that won't rub or irritate your skin.

Unfortunately not – the Thames Path will be busy this time of year.

We need everyone taking part to register as individuals, but you can walk as a team and set up a team fundraising page from the TGLBW Campaign page if you'd like to.

The route itself isn't technically challenging, but it is a fair old distance. Wear shoes you are comfortable with. Avoid hiking boots - they can be unduly heavy and if the temperature is on the warmer side, your feet will sweat more than you'd want.

Consider bringing a pair of walking sandals as well if the weather is looking a bit Mediterranean!

All the money we raise will go to UCLH Charity to fund a full-time clinical nurse specialist, so, to keep costs down, we aren’t sending out a pack or t-shirts – you can get all the up-to-date information in our WhatsApp group.

We operate a dog discretion policy, and you should ensure that your dog can walk the distance you are aiming to cover. If you are planning to walk the whole route, then remember the full day could be around 12 hours, so decide if your amazing doggo can achieve this time on its feet. It'll be a great experience for them but be mindful of exhaustion and injury.

You can walk whatever distance you feel comfortable with, the full distance or just part of the way. You are responsible for yourself in this event as it is organised by volunteers supporting UCLH Charity. If you feel you cannot cross every bridge, you should stop and take care not to cause yourself an injury. 32 miles is a BIG challenge – but taking part matters most. We would like everyone to start together, what happens from that point is up to you and how you feel.

If you use the JustGiving Page, the funds you raise are automatically sent to UCLH Charity. If you need to send in cash or cheques, please email fundraising@uclhcharity.org.uk.

No, you don't have to collect sponsorship money to take part, but we believe in something simple... If around 100 walkers each raise what they can with the help of their friends and families, we can reach our £70,000 target. That’s one more year of life-changing care for those who need it most. And no one walks alone… We’ll be side by side on the day – walking with friends, walking for loved ones, walking because we can.

The UCLH charity runs the JustGiving page. If you, your friends or family would like to donate, go to their page, or if you'd like to raise money for the UCLH charity, you can start fundraising (the orange button) from the same page.

There are toilets along the Thames Pathway, but none are specifically provided for this event.

The Great London Bridges route covers the Thames Path for the most part, but some sections and bridge crossings are not wheelchair accessible and require diversions. The route path will not be printed, so please ensure you have a map to remain safe or use the Google route map on the website to keep you heading in the right direction.

For this walk, we encourage anyone who wants to come along and take part to sign up – but friends and family can meet you at any point along the Great London Bridges Walk to offer support.

No - this is a self-supported event and you remain responsible for your nutrition, hydration and safety at all times.

We will have a number of energy gels available at the start of the race and these will will distributed freely amongst participants at the time on a first come, first served basis.

The full route starts on the south side of Hampton Court Bridge and finishes at Tower Bridge. It is roughly 32 miles long and crosses 26 bridges. To see the route in detail, refer to the Google route map on the website. Remember, you can join us and leave at any point along the route.

Taking part in the event is your responsibility; UCLH charity, Argentum, and LowCarbon will not be responsible for any walkers who join us on the day. As a result, there are no marshals directing walkers, but you can always refer to the Google route map on the website to keep you heading in the right direction.

There will be no first aid provided during the event. The main hospitals in the vicinity of The Great London Bridges Walk are Kingston, Guy's and St Thomas's, and along the Thames Path, there are defibrillators. The Heart Safe website shows your nearest defibrillators: www.heartsafe.org.uk.

Over 32 miles, a really adept and seasoned walker may complete the walk in around 10 hours with minimal break stops, whereas more recreational walkers could find it takes around 12 to 14 hours.

Hopefully we'll have some representatives from UCLH charity and the organising team on hand to welcome you onto Tower Bridge - but this depends on when you get there.

We'll also arrange to meet at a local pub for a finishing drink - more details soon on the WhatsApp group!