The LawNet Challenge 2026 – Malham, Yorkshire Dales
On 12th and 13th June, we headed to the stunning Yorkshire Dales for our 16th LawNet Challenge, where more than 70 members from 16 LawNet firms took on a 21.4km circular route from the beautiful village of Malham
The walk took participants past some of the area's most iconic landmarks, including the spectacular Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and Attermire Scar, before leading them across open moorland and through some truly breath-taking Yorkshire scenery. It was a route that was challenging enough to earn every finisher's medal, while rewarding everyone with some incredible views along the way.
One of the highlights of organising the Challenge is that Graham and I still get to complete the route ourselves during our recce earlier in the year. We headed up to Malham back in March to finalise and check the route, timings and logistics, making sure everything was ready before our members arrived in June. As someone who genuinely loves hiking, it's one of those occasions where work and a personal passion come together.
Challenge day itself looks rather different for me these days, as the event has grown. Rather than pulling on my walking boots, Graham and I are stationed at the finish line to welcome everyone back with medals, cold drinks and the traditional LawNet sausage sandwich. It's always one of my favourite parts of the weekend - although this year, with the oven deciding to misbehave, I briefly wondered whether walking the route might actually have been the less stressful option!
I have to admit, we were all rather relieved that the Challenge didn't coincide with the various heatwaves we have been experiencing! Those of you who took part in 2018 will remember just how warm it was - so much so that we had to arrange emergency water deliveries for the teams! The forecast wasn’t great for most of Saturday, but thankfully it never really properly materialised, making for near perfect hiking conditions.
This year's Challenge also marked the first event for our newest colleague, Karen Clarkson. Although Karen had completed the LawNet Challenge before as a member, this was her first time experiencing it from the other side as part of the LawNet team.
The Challenge Quiz returned on Friday evening courtesy of Betty, with Spire Solicitors LLP claiming the title of this year's quiz champions.
Most importantly, thank you to every member who joined us. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was fantastic, and it was brilliant to see so many familiar faces alongside those taking part for the first time. Events like this are about far more than reaching the finish line - they're about teamwork, friendship, plenty of laughter and creating memories together.
Having organised every LawNet Challenge since we launched the event back in 2009, it has been incredibly rewarding to watch it grow into one of the highlights of the LawNet calendar. While the locations, routes and logistics may change from year to year, what has never changed is the spirit of the event and the willingness of our members to support, encourage and enjoy the experience together. Long may that continue.
Finally, I have to give a special mention to Jolyon Barton of Gardner Leader LLP, who has attended every single LawNet Challenge since we launched the event in 2009. Jolyon also joined me on our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2019, making him one of the true stalwarts of the Challenge.
You can check out the photos and videos from this year's event here in our Flickr album.