Tackle the full 16 mile marathon from Hampton Court to Putney. . . or pick up the route at Richmond Bridge to complete the 8 mile challenge. Make a donation or raise sponsorship from friends and family.
Watch our fab video to get motivated to join the fundraising walk fun! Click on the play button above.
Bring the family, have a great day out with the Bolingbroke Community and RAISE MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL!
See our “how to” guide below to make a donation via Just Giving or to set up your personalised fundraising page in just two minutes! Send the link to your family, friends and colleagues so they can sponsor you.
The PA will be providing the traditional half way cake stall and refreshments to fuel our hungry walkers for the final push.
Route map and FAQ below.
ALL ABOUT THE SPONSORED WALK
TO JOIN THE EVENT
We’d love to know who is coming along, so please register via this link to let us know you’ll be there. But if you don’t get round to it and can join on the day, that’s fine too.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DONATION OR SET UP A FUNDRAISING PAGE
Visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/LEGENDARYSponsoredWalk2021
To donate directly without sponsorship
1. Select the blue button on the right ‘Give now’. Check the gift aid box to add 25% at no cost to you.
To set up a sponsorship page to share with friends and family
1. Select the orange button the right ‘Start fundraising’
2. JustGiving will then create a personal page for you with some suggested text. Feel free to edit it to make it more personal - your sponsors will love to hear your motivation for this challenge - and then publish
3. Share your link on Facebook and via email with friends and relatives. Your sponsors can claim Gift Aid to add 25% to their donation at no cost to them.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR FUNDRAISING WALK PARTICIPANTS
The walk is not supervised. Walkers are responsible for their own navigation, health and safety along the walk and their transportation to and from the walk route. Children must be accompanied.
START OF THE WALK
16 mile walk: 9.30 am, Hampton Court train station – we recommend getting the train from Clapham Junction at 08.45 (please check the train times on the day).
8 mile walk: 12pm, Thames Path at Richmond Riverside - look for the Bolingbroke PA team and refreshment stall on Water Lane, North of Richmond Bridge. We'll be on the Thames Path either by the White Cross and Slug and Lettuce pubs or at the beginning of Cholmondeley Walk just a little further along the path in the Putney direction (exact location will depend on how busy the area is on the day).
Parking can be challenging in Richmond, so we recommend travelling by public transport. Nearest station is Richmond with services to/from Clapham Junction.
What if I miss the start? We hope everyone can start in a group - it's more fun with friends! One of the organisers will wait at Hampton Court station until 9.45am then set off. If you arrive later than that, If you arrive later than that, you'll have to find your own way at the beginning, but look out for Bolingbrokers along the way. From Hampton Court station, cross the bridge to the north of the river, then cross back when you reach Kingston Bridge. Other than that, just follow the river!
If you're starting at Richmond (8 mile walk), there'll be someone at the refreshment stall until 1.30pm.
WALK FINISH
Leader’s Gardens, Putney Embankment. Look for the park, playground and cafe on the right just after you cross a small bridge on the approach to Putney. If you get to the Duke's Head pub, you've gone too far! Estimated finish 2-4pm. Please arrange transport home or take the no 37 bus back to Clapham Junction.
FUNDRAISING WALK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Bolingbroke PA fundraising walk? A popular Bolingbroke fundraiser that ran for several years prior to COVID and which we’re delighted to get back on the schedule. Participants walk a 16 mile or 8 mile route along the Thames Path, enjoying the sights and sounds of the riverbank. Ask family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you and raise money for our school at the same time. It’s great fun day out with the Bolingbroke community and a physical challenge to conquer!
Who can take part? Any pupils, parents, carers, staff members of Bolingbroke Academy, their partners and families are all welcome. Both adults and children are encouraged to raise sponsorship! Children must be accompanied. The route is flat, so it’s suitable for a range of mobility levels, although the distances are challenging and you should be sure you are fit enough to take part and have help if you need it.
How do I get involved? Register here, then set up your sponsorship page following the “how to” guide here. After that you just need to get yourself to the start point of your choice (16 mile or 8 mile) at the right time.
Does it matter how much money I raise? Not at all! If you raise £1 or £1,000 it’s the taking part that counts! The PA appreciates any efforts made to fundraise. We ask that all participants make a donation or collect sponsorship from family and friends.
Can children do the walk on their own? No. Children must be accompanied at all times. The walk is not supervised.
What do I need to wear / take with me? Walking shoes or trainers which are worn in (to avoid blisters), plenty of water to drink, snacks, a raincoat and/or suncream (check the weather), money for your return transport.
How long will it take? Slow and easy or as fast as you can – everyone will walk at the pace they choose. It’s not a race. We estimate the 16 mile route will take 4-6 hours and the 8 mile route 2-3 hours.
Will the walk still go ahead in bad weather? Yes! The terrain is flat, in an urban setting and unlikely to be made unsafe by seasonal weather. We will follow advice from the authorities in an extreme weather situation.
What will I see along the way? You’ll see the Thames evolve from the leafy outer reaches of London to more urban Putney. You’ll see all the activity on the river itself and on the riverbank. There will be wildlife and nature to observe as well as a wealth of interesting and historic buildings. Take a look at the route map below.
How will I know the route? Will I get lost? The route is along the Thames Path, which is well signposted and follows the river apart from one short stretch. We recommend that you walk in a pair or group so that you can help each other out. Solo adults can team up at the start.
What if I am unwell during the walk or want to give up? Everyone needs to be able to get help for themselves and get themselves to/from the event at any point along the route. You’ll be given a number to call in an emergency, however participation is at your own risk.
