- Sat 27 Jun 2026
- Fundraising required
11:00
Age 12 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £200
- 10 km hiking + 500 ft ascent
Event overview
Take on an unforgettable adventure in the Lake District – and every step you take will help fund life-saving cancer research.
Whether you’re a first-time hiker or a seasoned trekker, Big Hike is designed for anyone ready to rise to the challenge. With fully signposted routes, marshals cheering you on, and support stations along the way, you’ll have everything you need to go the distance.
You’ll receive a fundraising pack to help you smash your target, and a hot meal at the finish. Most of all, you’ll be part of a community taking big steps to power the next big breakthrough.
Highlights
- Explore the breathtaking scenery of England’s largest national park
- Follow peaceful lakeside trails and scenic fell paths with panoramic views
- Pass through charming Cumbrian villages and rolling countryside
- Enjoy friendly support, rest stops and refreshments along the way
So, step out of the hustle and bustle and into the great outdoors. Because when you take big steps, Cancer Research UK makes big breakthroughs.
This event is part of Big Hike | Lake District.
Event photos
Event video
- Event village
- Families
- Fancy dress
- Newcomers
- Spectators
- Teams
Start time
You'll have a choice of start times when you sign up. if you're a slower walker, opt for an earlier arrival time so you can fully enjoy the day.
Duration
Depending on pace:
Finish time
Due to venue restrictions, the finish area will need to be closed from 7.30pm.
For safety, sweep marshals will ensure all walkers will get back to the finish by the cut off.
Kit list
A recommended kit list will be provided.
Wheelchair users
The venue is wheelchair-friendly, but the course is not.
Dogs
Service dogs only.
Walkers only
It is a non-competitive walk, so running is not allowed.
- Cut off time
- First aid
- Marshals
- Mostly traffic free
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Undulating
- Water stations
- Wave start
- Way markers
Overview
This 10k hike takes you along the shores of Lake Grasmere, then heads east to take in the stunning panoramic mountain views as you head along the banks of Rydal Water and along the eastern side of Lake Grasmere on a scenic, anti-clockwise route with a gentle 500-foot climb.
All routes are fully signposted so all you need to do is lace up your hiking boots and take in the extraordinary views.
Map
Support & services
Every step of the way, you’ll be supported:
- Fully signposted routes with marshals on hand
- Water refill stations at the start area
- A hot meal at the finish line (with dietary needs catered for)
- Toilets available at the event site
Duration & cut off
Most participants complete the 10K in 1.5–3 hours. The cut-off time for finishing is 7.30pm.
Please note that the routes are subject to change.
- Cafe
- Free parking
- Rural
- Toilets
Event HQ
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show
Stock Lane
Grasmere
Ambleside
Lake District National Park
LA22 9SJ
UK
Free parking
There will be free car parking for all participants for the duration of your hike. Look for the Cancer Research UK flags at the entrance to the start venues where charity representatives will direct you.
- Chip timing
- Drinks
- Map
- Medal
- Post-race meal
- Snacks
- Technical t-shirt
- Training plan
Before
- Cancer Research UK t-shirt
- Online giving page
- Fundraising zone
- Training plan
- Big Hike Facebook Group
- Kit checklist
- Hiker number
- Chip timing
- Back sign
- Safety pins
On event day
- Mass warm-up
- Fully signposted route
- Marshals to guide you
- Medical assistance
- Cancer Research UK medal
- Recorded finish time
- Snacks and drinks
- Hot meal at the finish
Useful resources
- Big Hike Giving Page (individual or team)
- Training tracking
- Big Hike Fundraising guide & tips
- Big Hike Sponsorship form
- Big Hike Fundraising poster
- Big Hike Training plan
Training plan
Whether you're a regular hiker or new to walking, it's important to train so you're comfortable and can enjoy the big day. You'll receive expert training plans and tips to help you prepare for your hike.
Whichever distance you choose, you'll receive an inspiring training plan to make sure you're physically and mentally ready for your Big Hike!
- Recycling
Environmentally mindful
- Envelope, back sign, letter and hiking number can all be recycled (remove chip first)
- T-shirts are made from recycled plastic (rPET materials)
- Recyclable cutlery will be provided
- Route maps are digital
- Fundraising materials
- Fundraising required
- Fundraising support
Cancer Research UK
Nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime.
Every pound you raise helps towards greater chances of diagnosis, prevention and providing kinder treatments to those living with cancer.
Your entry fee helps cover the cost of putting the event on. But it doesn't stop there. The money you raise will help change the lives of people affected by cancer.
When you reach your Big Hike fundraising target, Cancer Research UK funds long-term research. And when this happens, the biggest breakthroughs are made.
You'll be supporting the vital work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses who are taking on more than 200 types of cancer.
How your funds help
£150
Could pay for a day of the clinical trial of the iKnife for breast cancer removal surgery.
£200
Could fund a team of cancer nurses for an hour, offering confidential support and guidance.
£500
Could fund a lab technician for a week, bringing us closer to the next cancer research breakthrough.
So walk together, fundraise and play your part to support life-saving science because your big steps help Cancer Research UK make big breakthroughs.
- Age 12 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
- Fundraising required
- Race pack by post
Entry fees
Entry fee
£20.00
Minimum sponsorship
£200.00
Other races at event
- Sat 27 Jun 2026
- #2 of 0
09:30
Age 14 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £250
- 13.1 miles hiking + 1200 ft ascent
- Sat 27 Jun 2026
- #3 of 0
06:45
Age 16 & over
Sign up £25
Fundraise £300
- 26.2 miles hiking + 2400 ft ascent