Rowing and hiking a distance of 115 kilometers over three days, as planned by Ben Gallagher, aims to challenge rowing norms and set new records.
Ben Gallagher, a veteran explorer and para rower, is preparing for an epic three-day adventure in September 2025. The Big Row Hike Row Challenge, a unique event combining rowing and hiking, will see Ben traversing some of Britain's most stunning landscapes.
The journey begins in the Highlands of Scotland, where on Monday 22 September, Ben will row half of Loch Ness, hike Meall Fuar-mhonaidh, and complete the rest of the row along Loch Ness. The following day, he will row 18.08km on Lake Windermere, run through Ambleside, and hike the Fairfield Horseshoe. On the final day, Wednesday 24 September, Ben will row 6km across Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), summit Aran Fawddwy, and row back 6km across Llyn Tegid before sunset.
To fuel himself during this gruelling challenge, Ben has a strategic plan. His diet will consist of porridge, fruits, nuts and seeds, high protein foods, and carbohydrates. With limited sleep, he will ensure he is well-fueled for each stage of the challenge.
Ben's training regimen is rigorous. He incorporates trail running into his plan, in addition to regular rowing and strength training in the gym. Last year, he won both the PR3 Open 1 minute and the PR3 Open 2000m at the British Rowing Indoor Championships (BRIC).
The Big Row Hike Row Challenge is more than just a personal endeavour for Ben. It is a fundraising event for Love Rowing, a charitable foundation of British Rowing dedicated to making rowing more inclusive. Love Rowing supports wounded, injured, and sick veterans and expands access to communities who face barriers to sport. As an Ambassador for Love Rowing, Ben is passionate about promoting inclusivity in sport.
The public is encouraged to support Ben by matching his distance with their own club's rowing and hiking efforts. The challenge will raise money for accessible rowing projects in the UK. After completing the Big Row Hike Row and BRIC projects, Ben plans to trial for the GB Rowing Team Paralympic squad for the 2028 Paralympic Games in LA.
Ben is excited for the upcoming challenge and looks forward to inspiring others with his determination and resilience. The Big Row Hike Row Challenge promises to be an awe-inspiring event, showcasing the spirit of adventure and the power of sport to bring people together.
