Internet Geography Summer Challenge 1 2025

Going the Distance

This challenge is all about understanding distance and using digital tools to explore the geography of the UK. Several major cultural events are happening across the country this summer, but how far are they from where you live?

What You Need to Do

Look at the list of events on your challenge sheet. These include:

• Oasis reunion gig – Heaton Park, Manchester
• Notting Hill Carnival – London
• Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh
• National Eisteddfod of Wales – Wrexham
• Belfast TradFest – Belfast

Find out how far each event is from your home or your nearest village, town, or city.

You need to calculate two types of distance:

• Straight-line distance (as the crow flies)
• Distance by road

Fill in both distances on your challenge sheet for each event.

How to Calculate the Distances

You can use Google Maps to help you!

To find the straight-line distance:

• Open Google Maps.
• Right-click on your starting point and select “Measure distance”.
• Click on the location of the event.
• Google Maps will draw a straight line and give you the distance in kilometres (km).
• Record this distance in the first column of your sheet.

To find the road distance:

• In Google Maps, click “Directions”.
• Type in your starting point and the event location.
• Google will show you the driving route and the distance by road (in miles and kilometres).
• Use the kilometre figure and record it in the second column.

Tip: Always use the shortest route Google suggests.

Top Tips for Success

• Ensure you use the nearest town, village, or city to your current location, not your full home address.
• Double-check your units: you should be recording kilometres (km), not miles.
• Try to be as accurate as possible — rounding is okay, but don’t estimate.