- Sat 18 Jul 2026
- Fundraising required
06:45
Age 16 & over
Sign up £25
Fundraise £300
- 26.2 miles hiking + 1000 ft ascent
Event overview
Take on an unforgettable adventure in Dedham Vale – 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
- Follow peaceful trails through Constable Country’s rolling countryside and river valleys
- Walk beside the picturesque River Stour and Dedham Vale’s scenic landscapes
- Pass through charming villages with traditional pubs and historic churches
- Enjoy friendly support and rest stops along this relaxing rural route
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 | Suffolk & Essex.
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.
- Circular route
- Cut off time
- First aid
- Food stations
- Hilly
- Marshals
- Mostly traffic free
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Water stations
- Way markers
Overview
This full marathon hike takes you along the Essex Way, across rolling meadows, through small woods and picturesque villages. You then join the St Edmunds Way and the Stour Valley Path, hugging the winding River Stour for miles. The route captures the pastoral beauty and tranquil charm immortalised in Constable's celebrated paintings, before crossing the finish line at the showground.
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
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
Tendring Hundred Showground
Bromley Road
Lawford
Manningtree
Essex
CO11 2AG
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
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
- 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
- Fundraising materials
- Fundraising required
- Fundraising support
- Age 16 & over
- Entries open
- Enter online
- Fundraising required
- Race pack by post
Entry fees
Entry fee
£25.00
Minimum sponsorship
£300.00
Other races at event
- Sat 18 Jul 2026
- #1 of 0
11:15
Age 12 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £200
- 10 km hiking + 250 ft ascent
- Sat 18 Jul 2026
- #2 of 0
09:30
Age 14 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £250
- 13.1 miles hiking + 440 ft ascent