Owain's 4 Nations Cycle Challenge

This November, Radio 2's Owain Wyn Evans will be cycling through all four UK nations in aid of BBC Children in Need.

Owain will be taking on the greatest distance ever covered in a Radio 2 fundraising challenge - starting in Glasgow, Owain’s five-day cycle mission begins on Monday 9 November, and will see him pedal nearly 400 miles through Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and his home country of Wales, before his journey reaches its grand finale in central Cardiff on Friday 13 November.

Along the way, he’ll experience and showcase some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery, taking in Scotland’s rugged coastline, Northern Ireland’s lush green landscapes, the historic backdrop of North West England and the rolling hills of Wales.

He'll go head to head with the ever merciless November weather, while valiantly attempting to conquer towering mountain after towering mountain. His meandering route will include two journeys over the infamously treacherous Irish Sea… if he makes it to the ferry on time.

It’s 5 Days… 4 Nations… 3 Killer Climbs…2 Wheels… 1 Man.

"When I said yes to this challenge, I knew it would push me well outside my comfort zone," says Owain.

"It’s going to be tough, demanding and probably a little daunting at times, but I’m ready to give it absolutely everything I’ve got.

"Sara, Paddy and Vernon have achieved some truly extraordinary things for BBC Children in Need over the years, so I’ve got a lot to live up to. Hopefully, I’ll have the incredible support of Radio 2 listeners behind me from start to finish.

"Together, we can make a real difference for children and young people across the UK, helping to make sure they have someone by their side when they need it the most."

Also accompanying Owain on his journey will be a BBC TV crew, who will document his experience for a BBC One film, while leading sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte will be providing bespoke support to help Owain throughout.

This is Owain’s second challenge for BBC Children in Need, following BBC Breakfast's Drumathon in 2021, where he drummed for 24 hours and raised more than £3.8 million for the charity.

Owain’s 4 Nations Cycle Challenge follows Sara Cox’s Great Northern Marathon Challenge in 2025, when she ran, jogged and walked from the Kielder Forest in Northumberland to Pudsey in Leeds, raising an incredible £11.7 million for BBC Children in Need.

Sara took on the challenge all while carrying a very special Pudsey Bear backpack, which she has now passed on to Owain.

"I want to wish Owain oodles of love and luck for his 4 Nations Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need," says Sara.

"It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I know he’ll remember and cherish forever. It meant the world to me that millions of our brilliant Radio 2 listeners were supporting me last year and I know they’ll all be rooting for Owain as he pushes up every hill and pedals mile after gruelling mile for BBC Children in Need."

Prior to Sara’s challenge, Paddy McGuinness completed a 300-mile Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge in 2024, riding across three nations on a classic Chopper bike, and Vernon Kay took on his Ultra Ultramarathon Challenge, travelling on foot from Leicester’s Victoria Park to Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Community Stadium in 2023.

You'll be able to follow Owain’s challenge on Radio 2, BBC Sounds, Radio 2's social channels, and here on the Radio 2 website from Monday 9 to Friday 13 November.

Keep an eye on this page over the coming weeks for more information on the challenge and how to support Owain.