Swindon residents are being urged to dust off their walking shoes, hop on their bikes, or even saddle up for horseback as Wiltshire’s annual Ride & Stride returns this September, raising funds to help preserve Christ Church, one of Old Town’s most cherished landmarks.
Scheduled for Saturday 13th September 2025, the event has been running since 1984 and has already generated over £1.6 million to protect Wiltshire’s historic churches. Participants are invited to visit as many churches and chapels as they wish between 10am and 6pm, with no set routes or rules. The event is open to all ages and abilities, whether travelling on foot, bicycle, mobility scooter, or horseback.
The appeal of Ride & Stride lies in its combination of exercise, adventure, and purpose. Half of the money raised goes to the church chosen by the participant, while the other half supports the Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust, which helps churches across the county with urgent repairs, maintenance, and access improvements.
Steve Cox, a regular participant, said: “Churches are more than just places of worship — they are historical landmarks that have stood the test of time, holding the stories of our communities within their walls. By participating in Ride & Stride, we aim to help raise funds for these churches, ensuring they can be preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”
Christ Church has seen remarkable efforts in recent years. In 2023, despite soaring temperatures, participants cycled and walked to more than 120 churches, raising over £500. Steve Cox covered 51 miles, visiting 41 churches, while Chris Smith followed closely with 42 miles and 38 churches visited.
In 2024, the team’s achievements were even more impressive, covering 165 miles and visiting 148 churches in a single day. Eleven-year-old Jacob Smith wowed everyone by cycling to 46 churches and covering 58.5 miles, setting a new parish record and surpassing the long-standing benchmark set by Janet French. He’s already planning to push even further this year.
For those wishing to support Christ Church, a JustGiving team page has been set up where participants can create their own fundraiser or donate to others taking part: JustGiving – Christ Church Ride & Stride Team 2025.
Further details, including sponsorship forms, route ideas, and FAQs, are available at Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust – Ride & Stride. Whether visiting two churches or twenty, every step or pedal helps secure the future of Swindon and Wiltshire’s treasured historic churches.
