- Sat 16 May 2026
- Fundraising required
- 30% off
30% off in January
06:45
Age 16 & over
Sign up £25
Fundraise £300
- 26.2 miles hiking + 2000 ft ascent
Event overview
Take on an unforgettable adventure in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs – and every step you take will help fund life-saving cancer research.
Whether you're an experienced hiker or it's your first time, Cancer Research UK is with you every step of the way. 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 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
- Follow forest trails, lochside paths and rolling hill routes with stunning views
- Pass tranquil lochs, waterfalls and ancient woodland along the way
- Enjoy well-stocked rest stops and warm encouragement throughout your hike
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 | The Trossachs.
Event photos
Event video
- Average fitness
- Beginner-friendly
- Event village
- Families
- Fancy dress
- 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.
- Check points
- Circular route
- Cut off time
- First aid
- Food stations
- Hilly
- Marshals
- Sweeper
- Toilets
- Water stations
- Wave start
- Way markers
Overview
This full marathon takes you past the Falls of Leny, along beautiful Lochs such as Lubnaig and Venachar and up into Strathyre Forest.
The hike will follow a circular, anticlockwise route climbing approximately 2,000 ft.
It has three support points where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets.
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.
Please note that the routes are subject to change.
- Cafe
- Free parking
- Rural
- Toilets
Event HQ
Claish Farm Callander
Callander
Stirling
FK17 8JJ
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 bus
There are several bus lines that stop at Callander. Visit McGill's and CityLink for bus timetables.
- 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 incentives
- 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
Other races at event
- Sat 16 May
- #1 of 3
11:00
Age 12 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £200
- 10 km hiking + 450 ft ascent
- Sat 16 May
- #2 of 3
09:30
Age 14 & over
Sign up £20
Fundraise £250
- 13.1 miles hiking + 1100 ft ascent