Full Marathon
Sat 27 Jun 2026 Ambleside, Lake District National Park, UK Fundraising required

Big Hike | Lake District | Full Marathon

Escape to nature and experience the Lake District over a marathon hike. You’ll cover majestic mountains, stunning rivers and take in the beautiful scenery, all whilst supporting life-saving research.

Enter now
  • Sat 27 Jun 2026
  • Fundraising required
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, Ambleside
Full Marathon

06:45

Age 16 & over

Sign up £25

Fundraise £300

  • 26.2 miles hiking + 2400 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 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:

  • 10K (6 miles) | 1.5 - 3 hours 
  • Half marathon | 3.5 - 6 hours 
  • Full marathon | 7 - 12 hours

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.

  • Circular route
  • Cut off time
  • First aid
  • Food stations
  • Marshals
  • Mostly traffic free
  • Mountainous
  • Sweeper
  • Toilets
  • Water stations
  • Wave start
  • Way markers

Overview

This full marathon hike takes you along the shores of Lake Grasmere before joining the iconic Cumbria Way. You'll follow the winding River Brathay, then drop down to the banks of Lake Windermere. From here, you'll follow the West Windermere Way, then along the banks of Rydal Water, on a circular, anti-clockwise route with plenty of ascent.

All routes are fully signposted so all you need to do is lace up your hiking boots and take in the extraordinary views.

Map

map

Support & services

Even solo walkers won't be alone! Along the way, you’ll find three fully stocked support points:

  • Fully signposted routes with marshals on hand
  • Water refill stations and snacks at the start area
  • Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks along the route
  • Lunch at the second support point followed by a hot meal at the finish area (with dietary needs catered for)
  • Toilets, music and seating to help you recharge

Duration & cut off

Most participants complete the marathon in 7-12 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
graphic

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.

Example training plan
EXAMPLE WEEKLY TRAINING PLAN
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 16 & over
  • Entries open
  • Enter online
  • Fundraising required
  • Race pack by post

Entry fees

Entry fee

£25.00

Minimum sponsorship

£300.00

Enter now

Other races at event

  • Sat 27 Jun 2026
  • #1 of 0
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, Ambleside
10K

11:00

Age 12 & over

Sign up £20

Fundraise £200

  • 10 km hiking + 500 ft ascent
  • Sat 27 Jun 2026
  • #2 of 0
Grasmere Lakeland Sports & Show, Ambleside
Half Marathon

09:30

Age 14 & over

Sign up £20

Fundraise £250

  • 13.1 miles hiking + 1200 ft ascent

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4 steps to wellbeing
Sleep well

A good night's sleep is an essential foundation for a healthy lifestyle, effective training and weight control.

Train slow

Low-intensity training is easier for you, reduces the risk of injury and helps builds an efficient aerobic system.

Eat natural

Cut out sugar & junk food, reduce carbs, eat natural foods and train your body to burn fat for fuel.

Get outdoors

Fresh air, natural light and reconnecting with nature all help to improve mental and physical wellbeing.