One river, three disciplines, one continuous push. Tyne Head to the North Sea under human power, in around twenty-five hours.
The story continues
The Wall for Nepal finished at the Tyne. This one follows the Tyne itself, from its beginnings high in the Pennines all the way to the sea.
At 19:00 on Tuesday 19 January 2027, Joe sets off from Tyne Head. He runs through the night to Haltwhistle, swaps his running shoes for a white-water kayak at first light, paddles down the South Tyne to Wylam, then gets straight onto a bike and rides east past Newcastle to Tynemouth and the North Sea.
Run, kayak, bike. Source to sea. One continuous push, in January.
The journey
These are operational targets, not fixed appointments. January river conditions will decide the real pace: water levels, weather and hazards are assessed continually through the day, and safety takes priority over the clock.
01
Tyne Head to Haltwhistle
Overnight, Tuesday into Wednesday
Joe leaves Tyne Head in darkness and follows the South Tyne. The whole of the first stage happens overnight, in January.
02
Haltwhistle to Wylam
First light, Wednesday
The longest and most technically demanding section. Joe enters the South Tyne at sunrise and paddles down to where it becomes the Tyne.
03
Wylam to Tynemouth
Wednesday afternoon and evening
Out of the river and straight onto a bike, east through the heart of the North East, past Newcastle and along the lower Tyne to the coast.
Why the Tyne
The Tyne is part of the identity of the North East. It begins among the remote hills of the Pennines, travels east through Northumberland, Newcastle and Gateshead, and reaches the North Sea. Communities grew around it. Industry developed beside it. Ships were built on it.
The North East is home. Nepal has become another home, after more than twenty years of expeditions, friendships and working alongside people in the Himalayas. This challenge connects them.
Two challenges, one purpose
Every donation matters, whether it is £5 or £500. If you cannot donate, share the challenge, tell your friends and colleagues, or get your business involved.
Target smashed
£10,351
raised for Nepal by 177 supporters
Target
£10,000+
104% of the way there
Target smashed. Every pound after it still goes to Nepal.
