Rail Trail
Take on Railway Children's flagship walking challenge and help support vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania.
Event Details
Start date:
16th April 2027
Location:
London
Registration Fee:
£20
Join the challenge
Generously supported by Transport for London, our Rail Trail will follow another iconic Underground route overland, checking in at stations along the way. Whether you take part with friends, family or colleagues, it's a great way to get fit, see the sights of London and enjoy a day of camaraderie, all while raising vital funds for vulnerable children and young people.
Fundraising pack
Download this guide for all the information you need to kick-start your fundraising for the Rail Trail!
Event information pack
Download our information pack with all the details you need for this event.
Step up for children
In September 2026, more than 200 participants took on our Piccadilly line Rail Trail challenge.
Thirty walkers set off from Uxbridge station to follow the full length of the Piccadilly line above ground, covering 58km, with the first participant reaching Cockfosters just 11 hours later. Meanwhile, a further 180 people completed 20km and 12km routes, all finishing at King’s Cross.
Together, participants raised more than £38,000 to support Railway Children’s work with vulnerable children and young people in and around transport hubs across the UK, India and Tanzania.
Along the way, they discovered a different side of London, taking in hidden routes, iconic landmarks and plenty of memorable moments.
Ready to follow in their footsteps? Join our next Rail Trail challenge and help make an even bigger difference.
More than just a walk
Whether you take part with friends, family or colleagues, Rail Trail is a fantastic way to challenge yourself while supporting vulnerable children and young people.
Each year, participants come together to take on a unique route, explore new places and enjoy a memorable day alongside a community of passionate supporters. It’s an opportunity to push yourself, achieve something to be proud of and create lasting memories, all while raising vital funds for children who need our help.
With planned rest stops, refreshment opportunities and plenty of photo opportunities along the way, Rail Trail is designed to be enjoyable from start to finish.
Fundraising support every step of theway
There is a minimum fundraising target of £100 per participant, and our team will support you every step of the way to help you reach, and even exceed, your goal.
When you sign up, you’ll receive fundraising resources, practical advice and ongoing support from the Railway Children team to make your fundraising journey as easy and successful as possible.
All participants will receive the now legendary Rail Trail T-shirt and a commemorative medal to celebrate their achievement and mark their journey.
Every pound raised helps Railway Children reach vulnerable children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania.
Become a Rail Trail volunteer
We’re also looking for volunteers to help make Rail Trail a success.
From supporting participants along the route to helping at checkpoints and event locations, volunteers play a vital role in creating a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
If you’d like to support the event, we’d love to hear from you.
How it all began…
The Rail Trail series of events launched as part of Rail Aid 2022, with 200 participants walking the 15-mile walk route of the new London Underground Elizabeth line.
Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee and the opening of the commemorative route, the Elizabeth line Rail Trail on October 7th raised an incredible £42,000 of vital funds for Railway Children.
The event was generously sponsored by SMBC Leasing and supported by TfL and MTR, and saw those taking part following the new line through the streets between Woolwich and Paddington.
Since then, we have also completed rail trails along the Elizabeth line, Metropolitan line, Circle line, Central line and Piccadilly line.
Need more information?
Speak to our friendly events team on 01270 917 029 or email events@railwaychildren.org.uk
