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WHICH ONE ARE YOU?
THE CHALLENGE
Are you seeking a unique endurance challenge, fundraising opportunities, personal achievement milestones or self-discovery? Embarking on this remarkable trail presents a test of physical and mental stamina, as it stretches from the Belgian coast to the Swiss border. The demanding terrain and varying landscapes require individuals to push their limits, fostering a profound sense of accomplishment when milestones are reached. Completing the Western Front Way is a massive achievement, one to inspire friends, family and colleagues. Moreover, the Western Front Way provides an ideal platform for fundraising endeavours, enabling individuals to support relevant causes while undertaking their personal challenge. Those that tackle the Western Front Way finish with lasting memories and a great sense of personal fulfilment.
We have designed the overall hike and bike trails into stages so that you can choose to do the whole trajectory or as manageable options according to your schedule and destination. You may want to come back at another time of the year to try another stage.
The hike and the bike trails are similar but not identical, due to terrain and accessibility. The app offers content for both trails but they vary dependent on where and how you choose to travel.
What You’re Saying…..
“It’s certainly a challenge but incredibly rewarding.” – Euan M, completed the WFW by bike
“What a trip. Will stay with me forever!!” – Georgia Y-S, completed the relay run
CYCLE THE WESTERN FRONT WAY WITH COMBAT STRESS
In September 2023 we partnered with Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health for their September challenge!
Combat Stress fundraisers were able to virtually cycle the distance of the First World War front lines from Nieuwpoort (BE) to Kilometre Zero (CH).
While cycling, users could use the Western Front Way app to gain a deeper understanding of life along the WWI front lines. It was a great way to enhance the ride and be inspired with stories, letters, locations and facts as they pedalled. Fundraisers received emails throughout the CycleSeptember Challenge, linking their distances to the places they covered on the Western Front Way.
LEWIS MOODY BIKE RIDE
The Lewis Moody Foundation chose the Western Front Way to raise funds for those living with and alongside individuals with life altering brain tumours. The 7-day cycle challenge took riders along the length of First World War trench lines from Switzerland to the Belgium coast to coincide with the Rugby World Cup 2023. Not only did cyclists see and hear incredible stories of endurance and courage, they passed historic monuments and memorials that includedKilometre Zero, Notre Dame de Lorette, Vimy Ridge, Thiepval Memorial to the Missing and Verdun alongside those for the fallen rugby players and sportsmen of the First World War.
The ride was supported by Freedom Trails and the Western Front Way teams, included hire of gravel bikes and the opportunity to watch a world cup game in France. They raised over £65’000 for the foundation.
You can explore the route via the Western Front Way app.
GOT A QUESTION
LET US HELP
Our FAQ will list start & end points, bivouac regulations, bike transport tips and more....
HIKE IT OR BIKE IT
Iconic Sites
- Kilometre Zero
- Chemin Des Dames
- Hartmannswillerkopf
- Butte de Montsec
- Verdun
- Menin Gate
- Vimy Ridge
- Maison Blanche German Cemetery
- Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
- Sir John Monash Centre
- Thiepval Memorial