Matching the Challenge: How the Rowing Community is Taking on The Big Row Hike Row

When Ben Gallagher completed his epic 3-day challenge of rowing and hiking across Scotland, England, and Wales, it was never meant to be a solo story. The Big Row Hike Row was designed to be a movement, one that invites individuals, rowing clubs, schools, and organisations across the UK (and even further afield) to match the challenge in their own way.

And that’s exactly what has happened. From rowing clubs organising local endurance events, to individuals lacing up their hiking boots or logging metres on the erg, the rowing community has stepped forward to take part.

Among them is Bryony Jones, whose determination and creativity saw her complete a version of the challenge that is every bit as inspiring as Ben’s original journey.

Why Bryony Took Part

For Bryony, the challenge was about giving something back:

“It is a wonderful opportunity to give back to a sport that has given me so much.”

She first heard about The Big Row Hike Row during the Monster the Loch challenge, where Ben’s story was gaining traction on social media. Having rowed Loch Ness herself, she felt an immediate connection. With her own racing season winding down and just one event left – the European Rowing Coastal Championships – the timing felt right.

“The challenge provided great motivation for my training… although I don’t think extreme endurance is the best training for the ERCC!”

Taking on the Challenge

Bryony decided if she was going to match Ben, she would do it properly – full distances, with real water and real hikes.

• Row 1 – Milford Haven Estuary
  36km in a single day, carefully planned with tides in mind. Starting from Llanion, Pembroke Dock, she rowed to Dale, rested as the tide turned, and rowed back – straight into a headwind.

• Rows 2 & 3 – River Cleddau
  Two early morning rows before work: one to Carew Tidal Mill by Carew Castle, and another up the Llangwm.

• The Hike – Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
  A single combined hike of 48.68km (30.2 miles), from Freshwater East to Saundersfoot and back. With 12+ hours of walking, stunning coastal views, and the memory of Saundersfoot hosting the British and World Rowing Coastal Championships in 2022, it couldn’t have been more fitting.

The Hardest Part

“Definitely the hike… with hindsight it might have been better to split it over 2 days.”

Despite planning carefully, Bryony overshot her distance by 2 miles, meaning her goal of finishing before dark slipped away. Instead, she closed out the challenge walking across the beach in the moonlight – a tough, unforgettable finish.

And the aftermath?

“Pretty much every muscle in my body was hurting for 2 days after the hike.”

The Highlights

Despite the pain, Bryony describes the experience with huge positivity:

• “The weather was amazing on all 4 days of my challenge.”

• “The Milford Haven Estuary was the flattest I’ve ever seen it.”

• “The 12 hours on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path reminded me of the beauty right on my doorstep.”

She’s quick to credit her support crew, who helped on the long Dale row, tracked her progress, and joined her for the final miles of the hike when she needed it most.

“The whole challenge is something I will not forget.”

A National Movement

Bryony’s story is just one example of the creativity, endurance, and community spirit that The Big Row Hike Row is inspiring across the UK. From local rowing clubs adapting the distances to schools finding creative ways to take part, this is about more than one person’s achievement – it’s about a shared effort to raise awareness and funds for inclusive and accessible rowing.

Just like Bryony, you can still be part of the movement. Whether it’s rowing, hiking, running, or a mix of all three – it’s not too late to take part.

Join the challenge. Match the effort. Support the cause.

Find out more and get involved: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheBigRowHikeRow