Trials & Tribulations is an awesome challenge that lets you test your stamina, tackle obstacles, and revel in a mud-soaked adventure. In the UK, with our famously varied weather, the time of year you choose can drastically change the experience. Here’s a guide to what to expect in each season to help you decide when to take on the muddy trails.
Spring: March to early June
Spring is an energising time for this challenge, with nature waking up and unpredictable weather creating some thrilling conditions.
Spring pros
The soil holds onto moisture from winter, making for superb mud consistency without the deep chill. Wildflowers, such as bluebells in April and May, start to emerge, adding bursts of colour along the trails. The songs of robins and blackbirds fill the air, and fresh green leaves are pushing through on the trees. Temperatures rise from an average of 10°C in March to 16°C by June, making for a relatively comfortable trek.
Spring cons
March can still be nippy, especially on rainy or windy days, and strong gusts are common. By late May and early June, the ground starts to dry out, so while it’s warm, there may be less of the sticky, squelchy mud you’d expect. Still, early spring showers can often refresh the course.
Ideal conditions
For maximum mud, late April to early May is a winner. The ground remains soaked from earlier rains, but the air temperature is pleasant enough to keep you from freezing.
Summer: mid-June to early September
Summer in the UK often delivers long days, warm temperatures, and fewer rain showers, making for a different kind of adventure.
Summer pros
June and July see the longest daylight hours, offering great opportunities for all-day events and endurance challenges with a longer fast. Daytime highs range from 18°C to 23°C, making water crossings less daunting. By mid-summer, you’ll run through trails bordered by lush greenery, with wildflowers like daisies and poppies thriving. Expect to hear the buzzing of bees and cheerful chattering of swallows in the sky.
Summer cons
Mud levels can be disappointing. Drier and warmer conditions lead to firmer trails, so if your idea of an engaging challenge is lots of squelchy fun, this might not be ideal. You may also have to contend with midges and other bugs in wooded areas.
Ideal conditions
Early summer, from mid-June to early July, often balances warmth with lingering spring moisture. Muddy patches are possible if there’s been recent rainfall, but be prepared for drier sections.
Autumn: mid-September to early November
As summer fades into autumn, the weather cools, and rain showers return, transforming trails into muddy playgrounds once again.
Autumn pros
September and October offer a fantastic mix of cooler weather (12°C to 18°C) and more frequent rain, perfect for creating those slick mud pools. You’ll run under a canopy of autumn leaves, ranging from yellow to deep crimson, with the crunch of fallen foliage underfoot. Migrating geese call overhead, and there’s a crispness in the air that adds a refreshing feel to your run.
Autumn cons
By late October, days get shorter, and the risk of unpredictable weather increases. Heavy rainstorms can flood courses, and the wind can bring a chill. The sun sets earlier, so afternoon treks may end in twilight, breaking your fast en route.
Ideal conditions
September is prime time for a balance of warmth and good mud levels, but if you’re after a more rugged, truly muddy experience, October can deliver – just be prepared for potential showers.
Winter: mid-November to mid-February (best avoided)
Although the challenge in winter can be tempting for the hardcore intent on simulating the worst of the refugee experience, the deep cold from mid-November to mid-February makes this season challenging.
Winter pros
Taking on your challenge in these harsh conditions can provide a unique sense of empathy for those who endure hardship in these months, providing a deeper appreciation for the struggles faced by vulnerable communities braving such elements without adequate protection — but we don’t recommend it!
Winter cons
Temperatures often dip to single digits or below, and combined with biting winds, wet conditions quickly become uncomfortable or even unsafe. Muddy water crossings can lead to a numbing shock, and icy patches add further hazards. With very short daylight hours and the trees bare, winter runs feel much more exposed.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right time of year for your Trials & Tribulations adventure depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
Spring offers a balance of warmth and mud, while summer brings longer days but drier trails. Autumn delivers the muddiest runs, especially in October, but requires weather preparedness.
Winter, however, is best left to those who are truly fearless (or a bit mad!). Dress appropriately, prepare for surprises from British weather, and embrace this opportunity to walk in a refugee’s shoes.