The Link Challenge 2027

The Link Challenge is not just a route - it’s an adventure!

Back for its 6th year, the Link Challenge covers just over 20 miles of varied terrain that connects Bury’s historic villages through a network of trail paths, woodland tracks, and open moorland. Along the way, you’ll pass iconic landmarks and sweeping green spaces that showcase the very best of the area.

This is a true endurance challenge: expect tough climbs and mud (lots of it!), but also incredible views from Holcombe Moor.

The Link Challenge starts and ends in Burrs Country Park and makes its way through the villages of Nangreaves, Holcombe, Hawkshaw, Affetside, Ainsworth, and Greenmount.

A Challenge, Together

Like all of our events, this is not a race.

It’s about the shared experience - you’ll be surrounded by like-minded people, all taking on the same challenge and we encourage you to make this a social experience.

Our friendly guides will be out on the route, hiking and running alongside participants, offering support, motivation, and the occasional well-timed pep talk.

However, if you want to push ahead on your own, you’re absolutely free to do so - the fastest course time is 3 hours and 24 minutes!

What’s Included

• A unique Sunnywood finisher memento

• Regular checkpoints with well-stocked aid stations (food & drinks)

• Secure parking at the start/finish location

  
  

Kit Requirements

All participants are expected to carry:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers

• Spare warm layer

• Hat and gloves

• Capacity to carry at least 1 litre of water

• Reusable cup for aid stations

• Fully charged mobile phone with OS Maps installed

• Power bank (recommended if using your phone for navigation)

• Compass

• Whistle

• Survival blanket or bivvy bag

• Basic first aid kit (blister care and personal medication)

• Suitable trail shoes or boots

• Personal snacks/food

  
  

The Route

The Link Challenge mostly follows (but not always) the Village Link route which is well marked.

Route links are provided below.

Full details and final GPX files will be shared in the week leading up to the event.

The Village Link Route

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Event Schedule

Saturday 20th March 2027

7:15am onwards – Registration opens (please do not arrive earlier)

8:00am – Hikers start

8:30am – Runners start

Please allow enough time to park, register, and attend the safety briefing before your start time.

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As a non-profit, charitable organisation, dedicated to using the outdoors to enrich lives, the proceeds from all our adventures help fund and sustain our youth service and other community activities that promote the benefits of embracing the outdoors. 

Help fundraise for The Sunnywood Project here: https://localgiving.org/charity/thesunnywoodproject

With the emphasis on exploration to improve physical, mental and social wellbeing and less about competitive times or distances, our adventures are all led by a qualified, knowledgeable and experienced team who will provide encouragement, support and humour along the way. 

If you haven’t joined us before, check out this video to get a sense of what we’re about - we look forward to you joining us for The Link Challenge! 

EXPLORE. LEARN. GROW.