Muddy Dog Trek FAQs

The Muddy Dog Trek is a 10km and 20km trekking challenge where humans can walk with their dogs to fundraise for Battersea.

• South Down - Both distances will start at Firle Place, Lewes, BN8 6NS. The route will take a loop through the South Downs and finish back in Firle Place.
• Cotswolds - Both distances will start at Sudeley Castle & Gardens Gloucestershire, GL54 5JD. The route will take a loop through the Cotswolds and finish back in Sudeley Castle.

There are several stiles along the route. Most of them have gaps for dogs to get through, however some dogs may need assisting round, or lifting over certain stiles.

All participants must be aged 18 or above on event day.

Please email muddydogtrek@battersea.org.uk or call 020 7627 7883.

To try to reduce our carbon footprint we intend to organise our events as sustainably as possible. For 2020 we have made significant changes including:

• We no longer provide single use plastic water bottles but instead use refillable water containers which are filled with tap water for our participants, volunteers and staff.
• Volunteers and staff are encouraged to bring their own refillable bottles and all our cups for our participants are bio-degradable.
• All food provided to our participants will be vegetarian and vegan.
• All our caterers have been requested not to provide single use plastic.
• Our medals are now made from wood and bamboo.
• Race pack envelopes are recyclable and none of the contents are plastic wrapped.
• We limit single use signage wherever possible and the majority of our cable ties are reused at future events.
• We have recycling bins at all our events.

Yes – you are very welcome to take part without a dog. There will be others walking on the day without a dog too.

Select the ‘Register now’ button on the event page. You will be taken to a registration form where you will be asked to select which distance you would like to trek, and if you are taking part with or without a dog.

Yes, all participants will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee.

The registration fee goes towards the cost of putting on the event including venue hire, planning and marking the route, signage and maps, refreshments, first aid and vet cover, and marketing. You will also receive a t-shirt and medal, and bandana and rosette for your dog on the day.

We ask that every human participant raises a minimum of £150 (for the 10k distance) or £200 (for the 20k distance) in sponsorship so that we can ensure as much money as possible goes towards helping our dogs and cats. You will be given up to one month after the event to complete your fundraising, so you do not need to have raised the full amount by event day. We will be providing you with lots of fundraising advice in the lead up to the event and our dedicated team will be on-hand to support you with your fundraising.

We advise that in the lead up to the event, you should consider going on a few long walks, gradually increasing the distance to improve you and your dog’s stamina prior to the event. Both distances include varied terrain, hill climbs and steep descents.

It is important that you wear suitable clothing for trekking in, including walking trousers and walking boots, trainers will not be suitable. Please check the weather and consider if you will need warm, waterproof clothing or a sun hat and sun cream.

It is important that you bring plenty of layers of clothing if it is going to be cold. It may be helpful to bring a backpack so you can put any clothing you remove in it. Please bring a water bottle with you, you can refill this at the start and at rest stops.

It is very important that you follow the drop-out procedure and call the number provided to let us know if you are dropping out. Information will be provided in your on-the-day documentation.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to the event. If it is going to be hot please ensure you wear a hat, sun cream and appropriate clothing. It is important that you keep yourself and your dog hydrated throughout the day. If it is a hot day, we will consider shortening the course and if it gets extremely hot, we may consider cancelling the event. We will endeavour to give participants as much notice as possible if we plan to cancel the event.

When you register you will select a start time wave of either 9am or 10am. Please arrive 30 minutes before your start time. You will receive a briefing 15 minutes before you set off.

• 10km - Participants must reach the halfway rest stop by 14.00 and complete the course by 18.00.
• 20km - Participants must reach the first rest stop by 12.30, the lunch stop by 14.00, the afternoon rest stop by 16.30, and complete the course by 18.00.

There will be a staff member, called the back marker, walking both routes in the slowest time allowed so participants know what speed they need to walk to complete the course on time. If participants arrive to a rest stop later than the time listed above, they will be driven to the next rest stop or the finish line.

You will be provided with a route map via email ahead of the day (there will be copies available on the day). There will also be directional arrows along the course.

The 10K route has one rest stop where participants can enjoy snacks and hot and cold drinks. Participants will then enjoy a light lunch when they finish the course.

The 20K route has a morning rest stop where participants can enjoy snacks and hot and cold drinks, a light lunch stop, followed by an afternoon rest stop for more snacks and drinks.

All participants will receive a glass of bubbly as the cross the finish line!

There will be medics and vets at the event and you will be provided with a number to call if you require assistance. Please understand that due to the length of the trek it may take a short while for support to reach you.

Friends and family are welcome to come and watch you set off, meet you at the rest stops and at the finish.

The Muddy Dog Trek is a challenging event and will not be suitable for all dogs. Please consider the below before registering.

All dogs must be at least one year old on the day of the event, be sociable with other dogs and humans, they must be fully vaccinated and they must not be in season.

Many flat-nose, overweight or older dogs might struggle to complete the 20km distance but may be able to complete the 10km distance if they are used to regular long walks. We advise speaking to your vet before registering as all dogs are different. We also advise that in the lead up to the event, you should consider going on a few long walks, gradually increasing the distance to improve your dog’s stamina prior to the event.

All dogs must be one year or above on the day of the event.

Yes, due to the number of dogs taking part it is important that you keep you always keep your dog on the lead. Please ensure your dog is on a short, controlled lead when in busy areas such as the event village and rest stops.

It’s fine for dogs to take part with a muzzle.

No, only one dog is allowed per participant.

Due to the high number of dogs taking part in the Muddy Dog Trek, all dogs participating in the event need to be sociable around other dogs. If we feel that your dog is becoming reactive or stressed on the day, you may be asked to leave the event by a member of the Battersea Team.

Yes, your dog can take part if they have been titre tested.