After 10 days, more than 183.7 miles on foot, over 400,000 steps, and in excess of £10,000 raised for the Surrey 2030 Festival, the Thames Path Challenge has officially been completed.

The challenge saw a dedicated team of Surrey Freemasons take on the incredible journey from the Thames Barrier to the Thames Source in Kemble, raising funds and awareness in support of the Surrey 2030 Festival.

Over the course of the expedition, walkers navigated changing terrain, long distances, difficult weather conditions and physical exhaustion, all while demonstrating remarkable determination, resilience and team spirit.

The final stage of the challenge concluded at the iconic Thames Source marker in Kemble, bringing to an end an unforgettable ten-day journey that became about far more than simply walking miles.

Along the route, participants shared experiences, supported one another through difficult moments and created friendships and memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

As the team moved further upriver, the Thames gradually transformed from the familiar river seen in London into the much smaller waterways and streams near its source.

Along the route, the walkers passed through a number of historic locations including Oxford, Newbridge, Lechlade and Cricklade, with supporters joining various stages of the walk to encourage the team along the way.

The challenge also highlighted the tremendous spirit of support across Surrey Freemasonry, with walkers, support crews, volunteers and supporters all playing their part throughout the expedition.

From logistical assistance and route planning to daily encouragement and fundraising support, the success of the challenge was very much a collective effort.

Particular recognition must also be given to those who undertook the physical challenge itself over multiple consecutive days, pushing through fatigue, injury and difficult conditions to ensure the team reached the finish line together.

• 183.7 miles completed, plus additional mileage caused by diversions and route changes
• Over 400,000 steps walked across the ten-day challenge
• Approximately 24,000 calories burned
• 45 non-tidal locks passed
• 138 bridges crossed
• 180 surviving WWII pillboxes along the GHQ Line encountered
• More than 45 litres of water consumed
• Around 80 electrolyte tablets used during the expedition
• Total elevation climbed equivalent to Ben Nevis
• Over £10,000 raised in support of the Surrey 2030 Festival, including a proposed £2,500 donation from Weybridge Lodge presented to Bro. Julian Tidmarsh and W Bro. Ben Connolly on behalf of the Thames Path Challenge

The Thames Path Challenge perfectly captured the spirit of the Surrey 2030 Festival, friendship, determination, teamwork and charitable support, while demonstrating what can be achieved when people come together behind a shared cause.

The Surrey 2030 Festival would like to thank everyone who took part, donated, supported or followed the journey over the ten days.

Every mile walked and every contribution received helps support the Province’s wider fundraising efforts as Surrey Freemasons continue working towards the Festival’s £3 million target by 2030.