Pedals, Mountains & Paddles – All for Two Incredible Causes

In April 2026, we’ll be embarking on a self-funded, unsupported journey — by bike and kayak, from Teesside to Porto — to raise funds and awareness for two charities that are close to our hearts: Combat Stress and Fishing for Heroes.

As three veterans and also a friend, we are supporting these incredible organisations to do vital work supporting veterans’ mental health and wellbeing, and this challenge is our way of giving back.

"Living with Complex PTSD is a very difficult thing. Openly admitting you need help is not being weak. It is taking a step out of your comfort zone.
The support from Combat Stress and Fishing for Heroes has helped me enormously, providing the tools to live a more positive life and create my ‘new normal’
To do this challenge with fellow veterans is both cathartic and a privilege. It’s emotional"
Nige

Leg 1: Teesside to Portsmouth – 330 Miles in 7 Days
We start by cycling from Teesside to Portsmouth — 330 miles of roads, hills, and unpredictable British weather. Carrying over 60kg of gear, we’ll be completely self-sufficient, wild camping each night, and pushing hard every day to make it to the ferry port in just one week.

Leg 2: Santander to Porto – Mountains, Heat & 398 Miles More
From Portsmouth, we’ll catch the ferry to Santander, Spain — and then it’s back on the bikes for our most gruelling ride yet.

We’ll cycle through the Picos de Europa mountains, climb over 1,000 meters in elevation, and face 40°C heat as we cross into Portugal. Wild camping and cooking along the way, this 8-day ride will test every ounce of our endurance.

By the time we reach Porto, we’ll have cycled over 700 miles in total.

Leg 3: Kayaking the Douro – 120 Miles Back to Porto
From Porto, we’ll travel inland to Barca d’Alva, where we’ll begin our final leg: 120 miles by kayak down the Douro River, tracing the border with Spain before paddling west through the heart of Portugal.

Over the course of 10 days, we’ll experience the region’s beauty from the water.

Why We’re Doing This
This journey is completely self-funded. That means every penny raised goes directly to Combat Stress and Fishing for Heroes, two organisations doing life-changing work for veterans.

We’re not just testing ourselves physically and mentally — we’re doing it to stand up for those who have served, struggled, and deserve our support.

How You Can Help
If you believe in the importance of supporting veterans’ mental health and recovery, please consider donating to our fundraiser. Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a real difference.

Your support will fuel us through the tough miles and remind us why we started this journey in the first place.

You can also follow us on Instagram on the following Link:

Pedals Mountains & Paddles

Thank you for being part of this adventure with us.