Revealed: the new TikTok walking challenge that has become one of the UK’s toughest

Us Brits love a walking challenge.

Among the UK’s most popular are the Three Peaks Challenge and the Ten Tors Challenge, but research from FootActive, one of the world’s leading distributors of orthotic and lifestyle insoles, there is a trend that started in 2022 that has rapidly become one of the UK’s toughest yet.

That challenge is to walk all of the London Underground lines.

Earlier this year, #victorialinechallenge began trending on TikTok, with Londoners documenting their attempts at walking the length of the Victoria Line, which is 13 miles long. Up to the beginning of October, the trend has amassed over nearly 600,000 video views.

However, this has now led to other lines being tackled.

Gabrielle Abordo, who goes by the username Gabrielle Xsara, 22, from South East London, is responsible for nearly half of those total views, with her original video raking in more than 275,000 views on the popular social media platform.

The popularity of the challenge has led to her also walking the Waterloo and City line (1.5 miles), from Bank to Lewisham (6.4 miles), as well as the entire DLR line (24 miles). But Gabrielle’s aim is now to walk all of the London Underground lines – including the mammoth Central line, which is 46 miles long.

Speaking about the response online she has since completing the #victorialinechallenge, Gabrielle said: “I never expected it to do as well as it has done and is still doing! So many people have commented wanting to see more walking challenges, whether it’s more train lines or bus routes. It’s been hilarious seeing the response. A lot of people were saying we were crazy for wanting to do it.”

Data shows that the length of all the tube lines combined amounts to 316.5 miles (497.3km) and 428 stations, which would span the width of the UK at its widest point.

Walking all of the London Underground lines combined would ensure that you’re getting your steps in, too. For the average male, it would take 699,781 steps, while for women, it would take 737,128*.

The totals, alone, amount to over 20% of the step count a person would make a year if they were to stick to the recommended 10,000 steps a day health guidance.

Just like any walking challenge, they undoubtedly take their toll on an individual’s feet.

Will Munro, Director of FootActive, said: “There is a misconception that walking is easy, steady, and an activity that is not strenuous for the body. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Walking for long periods of time or over long distances takes its toll on our bodies, especially our feet and ankles which can swell and become sore. Uncared for, it leaves walkers open to developing tendonitis and tenosynovitis or rupturing an Achilles tendon.

“One of the most important tips to consider whilst preparing for a walking challenge is to build up your mileage steadily.

“As you’re competing at a slower pace, you may be tempted to cut training times short and bump up your mileage up too quickly. The strategy behind any great walking training plan is to build endurance cautiously and increase your pace in a relaxed manner.

“There are other things that will help. Stretching is an obvious one, but one area that people do neglect is clothing and footwear. Having the correct footwear and clothing will make all the difference when you are training for big challenges like these.

“Make sure to pick clothes that fit you comfortably, as you’ll want to avoid any possible chafing. Bear in mind that running shoes won’t bode as well as walking shoes.

“If you’re planning on walking the entire marathon, opt for shoes that have less cushioning and greater flexibility than running ones. Comfort and support of the foot arch are key and insoles are a great go-to in order to negate the risk of sustaining injuries.”