1. Volunteer

    Volunteers

    Trailwalker simply wouldn't be possible without the support of Volunteers, who work together with the Gurkha’s across the course to build and run the checkpoints, and to provide vital support at the start, finish, and registration areas. Many teams say that they wouldn’t have been able to complete this challenge without the volunteer’s support - you really do make an incredible difference!

    Sign up to volunteer at Trailwalker 2022

As a volunteer, you'll be able camp out at your location for the duration of the event, together with other volunteers and Gurkhas. This means Trailwalker is not just an epic challenge - it is also a great social weekend out in the beautiful South Downs countryside too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Signing up and pre-event:

  • When do I have to be there?
    Volunteering and camping at Trailwalker is full weekend experience. Most of the volunteering roles run between Friday 22nd and Sun 25th September 2022. The exact times vary from checkpoint to checkpoint. We will contact you a few months before the event to get your preference of location, and we will let you know the exact time commitment for each checkpoint then.
  • Do I need to be available for the whole weekend?
    If you can't make the full weekend, we'd still love to see you. If you sign up, we will contact you a few months before the event to get your preference of location, and at this time you'll be able to let us know you can only make it down for a day.
  • How do I sign up?
    You can sign up through Oxfam's festivals volunteering application.
  • Do I need to lodge a volunteering deposit?
    To sign-up you will need to provide a refundable deposit of £20. This is to ensure that volunteers do attend and complete their responsibilities on site.

    If you sign up for other Festivals, you will pay one deposit for the highest value event and this will carry over to lower value events, including Trailwalker. Full details can be found in the festivals FAQs.

    Your deposit will be returned to you 4 weeks after the event. The return of your deposit relies on you having attended all your shifts satisfactorily, and returning any equipment when you have finished your last shift.
  • I can no longer make it, how do I cancel my place?
    If you can't make it to Trailwalker anymore, please let us know by emailing eventvolunteer@oxfam.org.uk.

    If your cancellation is due to illness or some other avoidable complication, you may be eligible for the return of your deposit, although we might ask for evidence. If you cancel within the 7 day "cooling off" period, you will always receive your deposit back.
  • There are no more places! What should I do?
    Places will become available on the website if and when people drop out. Keep an eye on the website to grab one when it turns up.
  • Does Trailwalker count toward festivals ‘Priority’?
    Yes! If you come down for the full weekend Trailwalker counts towards Priority for next year’s festivals applications!

    However, if you can only make it down for the day or one shift then it does not count.
  • How will I receive information prior to the event?
    We’ll be in touch via email from time to time with all the information that you need. You’ll receive more specific information the closer we get to the event, including exact times and directions.
  • Is there a Facebook group I can join?
    Yes! There is a Facebook group for everyone involved in Trailwalker, which you can request to join our Facebook group here. It is a great way to keep up to date with Trailwalker news and meet other people who are attending.
  • Why is it so important to complete my profile on the festivals application?
    Most of the information we collect here is needed for safety reasons.
  • What happens if the event gets cancelled?
    You will receive your full deposit refund and you will not be charged an administration fee. If you have other future festivals with us, we will hold your deposit as usual. If you do not, we will refund your deposit within 7 days. It can take up to 10 working days to show back in your account.

Event Weekend

  • How many shifts do I have to do and how long?
    If you’re signing up for the full weekend, you’ll be assigned 2 shifts over event weekend which are between 5 and 8 hours long.
  • Will I need to travel around from shift to shift?
    Almost all the roles are based at single location for the duration of the event, where you’ll also be able to camp up. The only exception is Checkpoint 1, where camping is at the start line.
  • When do I need to arrive and when can I leave?
    The timings differ slightly from location to location. When we contact you to ask your location preferences, we’ll also let you know the specific timings for each one.
  • What do I need to bring?
    You’ll need to bring your own camping equipment, plus clothing to suit all weathers (September can be rather changeable).

    We’ll do our best to provide lunch and dinner throughout (with veggie options), but you may want to also bring some snacks and breakfast foods to keep you going.

    Please also bring a mug, plate, and cutlery (to reduce waste).
  • What do I need to wear?
    Make sure you have clothes suitable for both extremes of weather. We recommend bringing a raincoat and a warm jumper as well as a sunhat and sunscreen. Bring some good footwear (boots are a good idea) as you’ll be on your feet in the countryside!
  • What do I do when I arrive?
    We’ll give you directions to your location. When you get there, you need to find either the Volunteer Coordinator for that area, who will sign you in and brief you.
  • Is there accommodation available?
    You can camp at your location for the duration of the event, between Friday and Sunday.

    There is no camping available on Sunday evening so please do find alternative accommodation if you’re planning on staying in the area..
  • Can I bring a live-in vehicle (campervan/caravan)?
    Campervans are fine, but you might not have room to unroll your awning, etc. Not all locations are suitable for siting caravans, so please get in touch before signing up if you’d like to bring one.
  • Is there food available?
    We’ll do our best to provide lunch and dinner throughout (with veggie options), but you may want to also bring some snacks and breakfast foods to keep you going.

    Please also bring a mug, plate, and cutlery (to reduce waste).
  • Can I volunteer with my friend?
    Yes! Make sure you give the same location preferences when we contact you, and also please make sure you put each-other down as ‘shift partners’ on the festivals application system.
  • Can I request a particular location?
    We will contact you before the event to get your preferences of location, and we’ll do our best to make sure everyone gets allocated their preferred location.