From First light Monday 22nd September to Sunset 24th September: Veteran and Para Rower Ben Gallagher Takes on The Big Row Hike Row to Break Records and Barriers in Rowing
On 22–24 September 2025, veteran, explorer and para rower Ben Gallagher, Ambassador for Love Rowing, will take on the extraordinary Big Row Hike Row Challenge: Rowing across some of the UK’s largest lakes and lochs and summiting nearby mountain peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales – all in just three days.
Ben will cover approximately 115km of rowing and hiking, climbing more than 2,400m in elevation and pushing through three nations in a continuous endurance effort.
Think Beach Sprint Rowing meets Mountain Marathon. Or a triathlon with a twist of water and altitude.
The Challenge: Three Nations, Three Days
Monday 22 September. Total: 49.94km in Scotland.
- Row half of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus
- Hike Meall Fuar-mhonaidh (13.64km / 699m elevation)
- Complete the 36.3km row along the full length of Loch Ness
Tuesday 23 September. Total: 34.22km in England
- Row 18.08km on Lake Windermere
- Run through Ambleside
- Hike the Fairfield Horseshoe (16.14km / 873m elevation)
- Finish the day in Rydal
Wednesday 24 September. Total: 30.8km in Wales.
- Row 6km across Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
- Summit Aran Fawddwy (18.8km / 906m elevation)
- Row 6km back across Llyn Tegid before sunset
Rowing for Inclusion and Impact
The challenge raises funds for Love Rowing, the charitable foundation of British Rowing, which is dedicated to making rowing more inclusive by:
- Delivering accessible rowing programmes for disabled people including supporting wounded, injured, and sick veterans
- Expanding access to communities who face barriers to sport such as young people from lower-socioeconomic backgrounds.
“This challenge is about testing my own limits, but more importantly it’s about opening doors for others,” said Ben Gallagher. “Rowing has shaped my life, given me purpose and community, and I want more people — especially those who may feel sport is not for them — to have that opportunity.”
Ben Gallagher’s Story
A veteran and former Special Forces soldier, Ben Gallagher served over 16 years in the British Army before sustaining life-changing injuries and complex trauma on active duty. His recovery journey has been one of resilience, courage and reinvention. Today, Ben is an explorer, para rower, athlete, and ambassador, competing in endurance challenges and advocating for greater inclusion in sport. Ben is currently a World and National Champion on the indoor rowing machine.
A National Movement of Support
Rowing clubs, organisations and individuals across the UK will be joining in virtually, matching Ben’s miles on rowing machines, the water, and hikes of their own. Rowing clubs like St Paul’s School Boat Club, City of Cambridge Rowing Club, Queen’s Park Chester Rowing Club and Inverness Rowing Club are joining in! Dryrobe® and Irwin Mitchell are taking this on as a corporate social responsibility and employee wellbeing opportunity.
The Big Row Hike Row challenge is supported by British Rowing, Welsh Rowing, Scottish Rowing, Crew Room, Dryrobe®, and Swift RacingUK. We also want to thank Josh Raper Media, Inverness Rowing Club, Maidenhead Rowing Club, Windermere Rowing Club, Kia, Beastie Boats, Lochside Hostel, Bala Sailing Club, the National Trust – Fell Foot, Eryri National Park and Graythwaite Adventure and many volunteers who are making this happen.
“This is about more than one man’s journey,” said Nick Steel, Co-chair of Love Rowing. “It’s about a movement to make rowing truly for everyone – and Ben’s courage and determination is helping us build that momentum.”
How to Get Involved
✅ Donate & Support: https://loverowing.enthuse.com/cf/the-big-row-hike-row
✅ Follow Ben’s Journey: https://www.instagram.com/loverowing_brcf/
✅ Join Virtually: Row or hike (or move your way) your own miles and share with #BigRowHikeRow. Register to match the challenge here: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/TheBigRowHikeRow