- Sun 14 Jun 2026
- Fundraising required
09:00
Age 14 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £250
- 13.1 miles hiking + 1300 ft ascent
Event overview
Take on an unforgettable adventure in the Peak 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
- Discover dramatic limestone valleys, rolling hills and open moorland views
- Follow scenic trails through the heart of the Peak District National Park
- Pass through charming villages and along peaceful riverside paths
- Enjoy friendly support and rest stops throughout this rewarding challenge
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 | Peak District.
Event photos
Event video
- Average fitness
- 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.
- Circular route
- Cut off time
- First aid
- Food stations
- Hilly
- Marshals
- Mostly traffic free
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Water stations
- Wave start
- Way markers
Overview
The half marathon is a circular, clockwise route where you'll discover the stunning woodland of the Chatsworth Estate before it clears to reveal Chatsworth House and gardens and contours along the River Derwent.
The route has one support point where you'll find refreshments, snacks and toilets.
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
Around halfway, you’ll reach a lively support point with everything you need to recharge:
- Fully signposted routes with marshals on hand
- Water refill stations and snacks at the start area and support points
- Music and seating so you can rest and refuel
- A hot meal at the finish line (with dietary needs catered for)
- Toilets and medics on hand
Duration & cut off
Most participants complete the half marathon in 3.5-6 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
Bakewell Showground
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1AH
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.
By rail
- Train: The closest train stations to the start/finish venue are at Matlock, Chesterfield and Buxton
- 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!
- Public transport links
- Recycling
- Sustainability policy
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 14 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
- Fundraising required
- Race pack by post
Entry fees
Entry fee
£20.00
Minimum sponsorship
£250.00