The Forces March 2025

The Forces March 2025

An epic 5-day adventure with breathtaking scenery, following in the footsteps of WW2 heroes. 138-miles through Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire

By The Veterans Charity

Date and time

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 10:00 - Sun, 4 May 2025 18:00 GMT+1

Location

Seafront Promenade

Wilder Road Ilfracombe EX34 9AJ United Kingdom

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before event

Agenda

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Day 0 - Check In (Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe)

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Day Two - Exford to West Bagborough

9:30 AM - 6:30 PM

Day Three - West Bagborough to Somerton

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Day Four - Somerton to Maiden Bradley

9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Day Five - Maiden Bradley to Bulford

10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Day One - Ilfracombe to Exford

About this event

  • Event lasts 4 days 8 hours

The Forces March is being hosted for the 11th time in 2025. This benchmark challenge event recreates a legendary WW2 training march which was undertaken in 1942 by men of the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry who would go on to spearhead the entire D-Day invasion with the assault on Pegasus and Horsa Bridges!

The 138-mile route offers breathtaking scenery from start to finish and is completed over five consecutive days.

The Forces March begins in the wonderful North Devon coastal town of Ilfracombe who always provide a fabulous send off for all the participants.

There are 5 camp locations over the course of the event:

  • Weds 30 April - Westermill Farm, Exford, Exmoor
  • Thurs 1 May - Quantock Camping, West Bagborough
  • Fri 2 May - Somerton Sports Ground, Somerton
  • Sat 3 May - Maiden Bradley
  • Sun 4 May - Old Carter Barracks, Bulford (finish site)

Camp facilities include ample camping space, showers and toilets (no showers at finish site), communal dining area, tea and coffee tent, event command area, medical tent, phone/tablet charging facility, on-site catering.

Throughout the event, participants can expect outstanding support from our Operations Team which includes professional medical personnel, outrider/marshalls, escort/safety/uplift vehicles, baggage transfers, GPS tracking, a fully signed route, stocked and manned checkpoints with snacks and water, on site catering for breakfasts and evening meals, brew tent stocked with tea, coffee and supplementary goodies, daily route brieifings, bespoke medals and trophies for a variety of categories.

The Forces March is a unique challenge which unites military personnel, Veterans and civilians. It offers a lifetime of memories for everyone involved and a wonderful atmosphere which brings people together over the course of 5 very special days!

Frequently asked questions

Is The Forces March a timed event?

No. There is a daily cut off time of 18:30 to ensure that everyone has finished in time to enjoy the evening meal and a restful night (including our Ops Team!). The cut off time for day 5 is 18:00 but we start 30 minutes earlier. This is to ensure everyone is able to attend the trophy presentation.

What do I have to carry on the event?

Nothing more than your own water bottle or pack, some sun screen, waterproof jacket and maybe some sweets/energy gels. Your main baggage, tent and bedding etc will be transferred from site to site by our Logistics Team.

Do I need to train for The Forces March?

YES! It is a very challenging event and will require training, especially for hills - both up and down! Six-time Forces March participant and professional fitness instructor, Debbie O'Keefe, has written a great plan. If you would like a copy, please email us at contact@veteranscharity.org.uk

What catering will be provided?

We will have an on-site catering team as well as a dedicated 'Brew Tent'. Breakfast will be provided on days 2-5 and evening meals on days 1-5. The Brew Tent will be well-stocked with tea, coffee, squash as well as energy supplements and snacks and will be operational from 0700 each day.

What footwear should I use on the event?

There is no hard and fast rule but we very strongly recommend using what you have trained in. Make sure they are in good condition and well fitted to you feet. Trainers are the most popular footwear on the event. Regular changes of good quality socks is vital!

What facilities are there on the campsites?

Each location has showers and toilets (toilets only at Bulford), catering tent, a Brew Tent, ample tent pitches, communal enclosures, fire and alarm safety points, command tent, medical tent, brew tent and where possible, charging points for phones/tablets/watches.

Tags

Organised by

The Veterans Charity

Funds raised on our events help to make a huge difference to those we support and enable us to deliver essential provisions such as food shopping, brand new clothing and household goods without delay.The Veterans Charity supports around 500 Veterans every year and the demand for our help is constantly rising. 

We are proud to work with many other organisations, some much bigger than ourselves, who know that we are "The Rapid Reaction Force of Military Charities!".

NO RED TAPE - JUST SUPPORT!

From £27.33