The Route
Entre terre et mer.
Between land and sea, The Borderline Challenge route spans 550km from the Atlantic to the North Sea.
This has never before been attempted. As far as we know, no team has ever travelled East to West across the British Isles by human power alone.
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Starting on Ireland's wild Atlantic Coast in Rosses Point, 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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The final leg involves running 115km along the historic Hadrian’s Wall, an iconic route that follows the ancient Roman frontier from the Solway to Tynemouth on the North Sea.
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.
Join Us
If you’re keen to stretch your legs too, we would love for you to join us for a few legs along our journey.
Unfortunately we can’t commit to the exact dates until we learn what the Irish Sea is doing.
However, please fill in any sections that interest you and we’ll be sure to keep you informed.