The three-day route, marking the event’s fifth year, took cyclists from Ebbsfleet International to Dover, Dover to Brighton and Brighton to London Waterloo, raising vital funds to support vulnerable children.
Author: Lucy Carman | Date: 14th September 2026
The three-day route, which marked the event’s fifth year, took cyclists from Ebbsfleet International to Dover, Dover to Brighton and Brighton to London Waterloo, incorporating part of the HS1 route.
Funds raised through the challenge will help Railway Children protect and support vulnerable children at risk on streets and around transport hubs in the UK, India and Tanzania. This year’s end point of London Waterloo was particularly significant as this was the first train station to establish a Railway Children outreach worker to directly support young people both within and around the station.
Mark Fielding-Smith, Founder of Ride the Route, said:
“The fifth Ride the Route (RtR) was another rollercoaster of joy for the whole RtR community, raising the most we have to date and further cementing this as a fantastic annual industry event alongside the fabulous Three Peaks by Rail.
“Everyone loved it and many have already volunteered again for next year. The organisation of the event just goes from strength to strength. With huge thanks to the sponsors and all the incredible support volunteers.
“We are buzzing with new ideas to make it bigger and better next year and we look forward to more organisations joining in the collective social value.”
Despite facing challenging conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds and humid temperatures, every cyclist successfully completed the 395km route.
Together, they raised a record-breaking amount to help Railway Children reach children at risk before harm, abuse or exploitation can occur.
Every day, children and young people turn to transport hubs and railway stations while trying to escape violence, poverty, neglect or abuse, or in search of safety and opportunity. Railway Children works in the UK, India and Tanzania to identify and support vulnerable children, helping them access protection, education, healthcare and family support.
The funds raised through Ride the Route will help Railway Children continue delivering life-changing support to children in need, while strengthening communities and systems that help keep them safe.
Planning for next year’s Ride the Route is already underway, with a range of route options and distances designed to cater for cyclists of all abilities. Anyone interested in taking part can register their interest via the link below.
The three-day route took cyclists from Ebbsfleet International to Dover, Dover to Brighton and Brighton to London Waterloo, raising vital funds to support vulnerable children.
Railway Children will feature in a special BBC Radio 4 Charity Appeal this September, shining a light on the challenges faced by street children in Tanzania and the life-changing support available through our work.
Railway Children marked 30 years of supporting vulnerable children with a special parliamentary reception at the House of Commons.
Subira is a family project worker for Railway Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Here is an exploration of her work and the impact that it has as she supports street-connected children and reunites families.
Learn about safeguarding and how it relates to child protection on transport networks.
No child wants to survive on the streets. And, through understanding and empowerment, together, we can ensure no child has to.
