Walk it or Run it
– The Mary Jones Challenge Walk – in 1 day
23rd May 2026
Get ready for this super charity challenge, along one of Wales’s most iconic routes. This charity challenge will incorporate a walk that will weave its way from the foothills of Cadair Idris all the way to Bala. To that end, we invite you to lace up your walking boots and take on this inspiring adventure, all the while supporting the wonderful charity, Dignity.
Who Can Take Part?
Whether you’re a seasoned walker or taking on your first big challenge, the Mary Jones walk is for everyone. We will be leading this event with qualified leaders who will be able to offer people the options to run, walk or just take it easy and see how far you get. Even if you have never walked anything like this sort of distance before, we implore you to take part and give it a try. (If it helps to know, there will be a support vehicle on call throughout the event).
On the day …
With an 0720 start, participants and leaders will meet in Bala to be transported by bus to the walk’s start point. The 40 minutes or so that the journey takes may make for a sombre time to reflect on the enormity of this task, but with good preparation and a positive attitude, this challenge might just be attainable!
Once you arrive in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant there’ll be a team photograph and then the walk will begin! As you work out your own best pace, groups will form dynamically in the first few miles. Along the way we will have a support stop for water and snacks, and later at around the 20 mile mark we will serve you a hot dinner.
Should the task become just untenable, we will also have a support vehicle on hand to magic you back to Bala.
Entry Fee
Price per person: £100
- Coach travel from Bala to the walk start
- Walk led by qualified leaders
- Support vehicle
- Refreshments, and a cooked dinner en route
- All paces (runners included) catered for
The Route
The route is linear and will start in Llanfihangel-y-Pennant in the foothills of Cadair Idris, and leads you through 28 miles of spectacular countryside of the old county of Meirionnydd, from an enchanting valley at the foot of Cadair Idris to the shores of Llyn Tegid in Bala. It follows public footpaths, bridleways, and byways, and some main roads too. It is beautifully scenic, and though there is a lot of height gain through through the day, it is really pleasant to follow.
To support you on the day qualified leaders will be on hand to navigate the way and help you maintain progress at a pace that best works for you.
The story behind this walk
In 1800, 15-year-old Mary Jones walked 25 miles from Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, across the Welsh mountains, to Bala to get a Bible from Revd. Thomas Charles. According to the legend, she saved six years to be able to afford the Bible. Thomas Charles was so touched by her determination that he helped to establish Bible Society four years later.
Mary Jones was a significant figure in Welsh nonconformism and recognised as a national icon by the end of the nineteenth century and there is a memorial obelisk erected over the ruin of the cottage where she lived.
Please remember this is a fundraising challenge too …
This is an exclusive event to raise funds for Dignity and all participants will have a target to raise £500. Participant spaces on this event are limited and so only individuals committed to raising funds should book. Dignity reserves the right to cancel any bookings in the event that no reasonable endeavours have been made to raise funds. After booking on this event, each participant will be allocated a personal JustGiving fundraising page and will be contacted by Dignity who will offer support on how best to raise funds.
Why get behind Dignity?
Dignity is a movement of volunteers, missions and churches working together to help people know Jesus and fight disadvantage in all its forms.
Dignity serve people in poor, rural communities outside the scope of the church. Dignity has seen evangelism bringing people to Jesus; teaching, friendship and community leading to discipleship; and acts of kindness and love transforming communities.
What do I need to bring?
A long day on the trail can require you to have some suitable kit to get you through the journey. Below are some guidelines, and upon booking we will send you a full set of details including a kit list.
Essential
Small day-sack, lined with a waterproof dry-bag/sack
Waterproof coat
Sun hat
Comfortable footwear (boots, trainers, shoes)
Personal 1st aid kit and personal medications
1.5 litres of fluids
Packed lunch plus plenty of snacking food
Fully-charged phone
Good to have
Walking shoes / approach shoes
Walking poles
Spare socks
Legs of steel and an iron will!
Don’t bring/wear
Jeans
Cotton shirt
Wellington boots
Timberland boots
Learn more here about footwear and all things feet:
A personal first-aid kit should include any personal medication and blister plasters. More ideas of what you could be carrying in your first aid kit can be found here.
Learn more – first aid for the outdoors:
- Never be lost – What3Words app
- Recommended First Aid Kit for the Outdoors
- Five Items of Essential First Aid Kit for the Outdoors
- What to do in an Emergency Outdoors
- Heat exhaustion
- Hyponatraemia
Any more questions?
In April we will be sending out to all registrants a full set of joining instructions with further details, but if you have any burning questions please message Will using any of the Contact Us boxes and he will be in touch.
