A PHYSICAL challenge that embodies adventure and hopes to encompass the same appeal as the Fred Whitton and Bob Graham round is set to be trialled next week.

Known as The YOD, YHA One Day Challenge, the aim of it is to reach all 18 Lake District Youth Hostel Association’s (YHA) in one day, covering more than 100 miles of ground.

Founder Matthew Jackman, 23, of Grasmere will be the first person to test the course out.

“The uniqueness behind this is that it is essentially the largest orienteering course in the Lakes,” he said. “What’s eye catching about it is that you have the freedom to choose how to get around.”

Matthew, who works at YHA Ambleside, said the ultimate aim in doing the challenge was to raise money for the charity YHA.

“I’m doing this because I want to try to give those who are less fortunate a chance to explore the beauty of the Lake District and YHA can provide that opportunity,” he said. “The YHA has programmes to help people turn their lives around.

“We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and it’s a place we should share with others.”

Matthew, who also runs for Ambleside, has planned to run parts of the course as well as cycle.

There are 17 legs in total, the first starting at Grasmere Butharlyp, a short three-mile course with 400 elevation, to Langdale. Each stage of the challenge covers between two miles and 20 miles with elevation reaching up to more than a 1,000 feet.

After completing The YOD Matthew hoped it would be a challenge people would consider doing.

Matthew said: “It’s still a work in progress, but we hope it’s something that will grow within the area, a bit like the Fred Whitton and Bob Graham challenge.

“We want to keep track of those who have done it and to encourage them to raise money for YHA.”

The YOD challenge will be trailed by Matthew, along with some supporters, next week on Wednesday April 17. He has raised nearly £500 for YHA. Matthew hopes to finish the course at his place of work in Ambleside.

If anyone has any questions about the challenge you can contact Matthew on yhayod@gmail.com. To donate to the cause go on www.justgiving.com/fundraising/yod