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The

Borderline

Challenge

   Cycle 225km - Swim 35km - Cycle 175km - Run 115km   

Raising funds for mental health in agriculture by doing something a bit silly in September 2025

Day 5

Sleep….

The Borderline Challenge Cycle

Day 1

Sligo to Donaghadee

The Borderline Challenge Swim

Day 2

Donaghadee to Portpatrick

The Borderline Challenge Cycle

Day 3

Portpatrick to Gretna

The Borderline Challenge Run

Day 4

Gretna to Tynemouth

  • Starting on Ireland's wild Atlantic Coast in Sligo, the route begins with a challenging bike ride across the north of Ireland. This 225km stretch combines coastal scenery with rugged terrain, taking us through small towns (including Enniskillen where our Mum grew up) and rolling countryside. We'll navigate through demanding climbs and unpredictable weather as we head east towards Donaghadee on the Irish Sea. This leg will be a test of endurance and will set the stage for the intense physical demands that lie ahead.

  • The next leg is a 35km swim across the North Channel from Donaghadee to Portpatrick, Scotland. Known for its cold temperatures, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, the North Channel is one of the most challenging open water swims in the world. We will navigate jellyfish, rough seas, and fatigue, relying on both mental and physical strength to reach the Scottish coast. This swim is often attempted by elite swimmers only, underscoring the scale of the challenge.

  • After the swim, the journey continues with another cycling leg, crossing the beautiful but unforgiving terrain of southern Scotland. This 175km route passes through the remote Galloway hills, featuring steep climbs, winding roads, and dramatic landscapes. The wild scenery and rural stretches of southern Scotland make this a physically demanding and scenic part of the challenge. This leg connects the journey from the Irish Sea to Hadrian’s Wall, setting up the final stage of our route.

  • The final leg involves running 115km along the historic Hadrian’s Wall, an iconic route that follows the ancient Roman frontier from Carlisle to Tynemouth on the North Sea coast. The rugged terrain of this stretch adds to the difficulty, with varied elevations, narrow paths, and the challenge of cumulative fatigue. The Wall symbolizes a journey through history and resilience, bringing the Borderline Challenge to a powerful close as we reach the North Sea, having crossed the British Isles entirely by human power.

Crossing Ireland and Britain by pedal, paddle and pootle!

Donate

We are doing The Borderline Challenge in aid of the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institute (RABI) and their efforts to improve mental health provision in rural communities.

With your help, we aim to raise £10,000 in support of this incredible cause.

Partnerships

In order to make The Borderline Challenge happen, we are self-financing the whole endeavour, including the North Channel crossing.

If you’re able to provide sporting equipment, contribute to our expenses or help us to engage with potential partners. We would love to hear from you!

Equally, if you’d just like to send on a kind word, we very much appreciate that too.

theborderlinechallenge@gmail.com