Paddy McGuinness to cycle through Flintshire as part of Children in Need’s ‘Ultra Endurance’ challenge.

Paddy McGuinness is set to take on a 300-mile Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge for BBC Children in Need, and his route will see him pass through Flintshire as he pedals across three nations.

The Radio 2 presenter, best known for his lighthearted banter on shows like Top Gear and Take Me Out, will be taking on his toughest test yet—cycling from Wales to Scotland on a Raleigh Chopper, an iconic bike from the 1970s.

Paddy will kick off his journey in Wrexham on Monday, 11 November, and his ride will take him through Flintshire as one of the first counties on his route.

From there, he will pedal across Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Westmorland, Cumberland, and Dumfriesshire before finally reaching Lanarkshire in Scotland, aiming to arrive in Glasgow by Friday, 15 November.

The endurance challenge is a major feature of this year’s BBC Children in Need campaign, and Paddy is determined to raise as much as possible to support disadvantaged children across the UK.

Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, Paddy said, “Cycling from Wrexham to Glasgow—that’s 300 miles, eight counties, and three nations. ‘No likey, no bikey’ just isn’t an option! As a kid, I didn’t have much and was really jealous of my mates riding around on Raleigh Choppers. Now, I’m honoured to take this on for BBC Children in Need and help raise as much money as possible.”

The challenge, announced during Vernon Kay’s Radio 2 show, follows in the footsteps of Kay’s own Ultra ULTRA Marathon last year, which raised over £6 million for BBC Children in Need.

Paddy’s route will take him through villages and towns across the nations, where Radio 2 listeners will have the chance to meet him and cheer him on.

He’ll also be joined by a number of special guests along the way, with Radio 2 broadcasting live updates throughout the journey.

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, praised Paddy for taking on such a monumental challenge, especially on a bike that prioritises style over endurance.

“We can only imagine how hard it is going to be for Paddy to cycle from Wales into England and then onto Scotland over five days, so I’d like to thank him for agreeing to take on this mammoth task. I know the amazing Radio 2 listeners will do all they can to support him along the way,” she said.

The Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge aims to raise vital funds for BBC Children in Need, which is currently only able to help one in eight organisations that apply for support.

By taking on this challenge, Paddy is hoping to increase the reach of the charity, which provides much-needed aid to children and young people facing significant difficulties, from poverty and illness to issues like social isolation and lack of access to education.

Simon Antrobus, Chief Executive of BBC Children in Need, acknowledged the critical importance of this year’s fundraising efforts. “Paddy is taking on an extraordinary challenge that will help benefit the lives of children and young people across the UK who are facing significant challenges. Right now, the need is greater than ever, but with the support of the public, we can continue to lighten the load for hundreds of thousands of children when they need it most.”

The journey will be captured by a BBC TV crew, with a behind-the-scenes documentary set to air on BBC One later in November.

The programme will give viewers a close look at his experience as he takes on the physical and mental demands of the challenge, while also highlighting the many ways in which donations to BBC Children in Need make a difference.

In addition to Paddy’s cycle, Radio 2 is hosting a Gala Performance of The Lion King on Sunday, 10 November, in aid of BBC Children in Need.

The event, to be held at London’s Lyceum Theatre, will be hosted by Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills and will feature the award-winning musical’s beloved songs, with a portion of the proceeds going towards the charity.

As the challenge approaches, Radio 2 is encouraging listeners to get involved by taking on their own wheel-based fundraising activities. Whether it’s cycling, scootering, roller skating, or even using a Penny Farthing—listeners are asked to do what they can to support the cause.