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3 Big Hikers with CRUK tshirts.

Big Hike 2026

What is Big Hike?

If you love walking or hiking and taking in spectacular scenery, and want to help support life-saving research, our Big Hike experience is for you!

Escape to nature and take on a 10k, half marathon or full marathon at one of seven stunning locations across the UK.

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or it’s your first time, we’re with you every step of the way. Ramble, amble or stride – solo or with a group – as you join a community that’s powering progress for people affected by cancer.

Our routes are fully signposted and marshalled by our amazing volunteers, with support and snack points and a well-earned hot meal at the finish line. You’ll also receive a pack with everything you need to fundraise for life-saving research. So, step out of the hustle and bustle and into the great outdoors. Because when you take big steps, we make big breakthroughs.

Big Hike Peak District landscape.

Big Hike Peak District

Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June 2026 Hike through magnificent woodlands, past pretty waterfalls and limestone cliffs, and take in beautiful views across the Peak District.

Landscape of Big Hike Cotswolds.

Big Hike Cotswolds

Saturday 11 July 2026 Hike through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of the Cotswolds. Walk past Broadway Tower and take in stunning views from Dover's Hill.

Big Hike Brecon Beacons landscape.

Big Hike Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Saturday 6 June Hike along the peaceful canal towpath, across the River Usk, into the majestic mountains and enjoy views of Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Landscape image of the Lake District on a sunny day. You can see fields, a lake and a few hills.

Big Hike Lake District

Saturday 27 June 2026 Enjoy the idyllic beauty of Lake Grasmere and Rydal Water, made famous by William Wordsworth and his fellow Romantic poets, as you stride by magnificent mountain landscapes.

How to take on a Big Hike

  • Choose your Big Hike event

  • Sign up and receive fundraising and training support

  • Get set to take big steps to beat cancer

  • Raise money for life-saving research

Your Big Hike experience

We’re with you every step of the way

2 Big Hike participants at the finish line.

Before the event you'll get:

  • access to our fundraising hub filled with tips and tricks to help you reach your target

  • your own online Giving Page that you can personalise

  • training support which includes custom training plans for your chosen distance

  • access to our Facebook community to connect with fellow Big Hikers

During the event you'll get:

  • a fully signposted route with expert hiking leaders to guide you and volunteers to cheer you on

  • support points with toilets, drinks and snacks

  • medical assistance

  • a hot meal at the finish to celebrate your success

  • a day full of fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories!

Why take part in Big Hike

A group of researchers working in the lab.

Your entry fee helps us cover the cost of putting on the event. But it doesn't stop there. The money you raise will help save lives.

Survival rate has doubled, on average, since the 1970s. But we want to go further.

Your fundraising helps to make this possible.

Find out more about how we spend your money

Volunteer at Big Hike

A Big Hike volunteer giving a medal to a participant at the end of their hike.

Do you know someone who would make a good event day volunteer?

Getting hands-on to help deliver our Big Hike events and have a great time while doing so. From guiding our hikers on the route, to helping out at support points, there are lots of opportunities to get involved, while enjoying breathtaking views.

Get involved