The Big Row

The Big Row 2025: The Big Row Hike Row

The Big Row is Love Rowing’s annual fundraiser raising funds for inclusive and accessible rowing projects across the UK – because rowing is for everyone!

3 Challenges, 3 Nations, 3 Days

Starts 22 September 2025

Support or Join the Challenge!

This year, Ben Gallagher, Ambassador for Love Rowing, is taking on the ultimate test of endurance, resilience, and determination — and you’re invited to be part of it.

From first light in the Highlands of Scotland to sunset in the valleys of Wales, Ben will row the three largest lakes/lochs and hike the nearest tallest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales — all in just 3 days. Think Beach Sprints meets Mountain Marathon… or a triathlon with a twist of water and altitude.

Ben’s Challenge

Scotland – Monday 22 September – Total Distance 49.94kms

Row half of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus
Hike Meall Fuar-mhonaidh (13.64km hike / elevation 699m)
Complete the 36.3km row along the full length of Loch Ness

England – Tuesday 23 September – Total Distance 34.22kms

Row 18.08km on Lake Windermere
Run through Ambleside
Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe (16.14km hike / elevation 873m)
Finish the day in Rydal

Wales – Wednesday 24 September – Total Distance 30.8kms

Row 6km across Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
Summit Aran Fawddwy (18.8km hike / elevation 906m)
Final the 6km row back across Llyn Tegid before sunset

Match the Challenge!

Want to row, hike, and climb alongside Ben (virtually and in your own way)? Now you can between 22nd September and 5th October.

Individuals, teams of 3, or groups can:

Match 1 OR all 3 of Ben’s legs
Choose indoor rowing, water-based rowing, hiking, walking, running — or combine them!

Whether you’re a gym-goer, seasoned rower, adventurer, or just up for a new challenge — this is for you.

Ideas to Get Involved:

Rowers – Go solo or team up to match Ben’s rowing distances. Add hiking, walking or climbing to your training – or recruit someone new to the team!

Hikers – Add an indoor row to your next mountain or trail adventure and create your own hike-row combo.

Gym lovers – Pair rowing machine sessions with local walks or hill climbs. No lake required – just commitment!

Schools & Clubs – Create a team and take on one or more legs of the challenge. Get your community involved and raise vital funds.

Workplaces & Corporates – Run a team challenge to boost staff wellbeing, raise money for Love Rowing, and bring your team together for a meaningful cause. Compete internally or with partner organisations, log your distances, and celebrate success at every level.

The Challenge Is On:

Will you or your team row-hike-row Scotland, England or Wales… or conquer all three?
Who can complete it the fastest?

Who will raise the most to support inclusive rowing?

Ben’s Story

From Special Forces to World Rowing Podiums

In 2019, Ben suffered life-changing injuries while serving in the British Army. He was shot multiple times and received severe blast injuries. The recovery was long — both physically and mentally — but through sheer resilience and an introduction to rowing, Ben found purpose again.

From winning Invictus Games gold, to World Indoor Rowing Championships, Ben has shattered limits. Now, he’s on a mission to give back and make rowing accessible for everyone.