Big Hike Jurassic Coast 2025

The start and finish point is Norden Park & Ride field, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS. We strongly recommend that you use the following 'What 3 Words' link to identify the precise location of your Big Hike venue: https://what3words.com/youngest.formal.quaking

Please head to the event site at least 45 minutes* before your start time; we'll email you a reminder of your time as soon as you've signed up.

*Please note if you have signed up for the 10k event, your start time is the departure time for your 10 minute coach journey to the start line.  Please arrive no earlier than 30 minutes before this..

All routes are fully signposted and our marshals and volunteers will be there to assist you along the way.

Full marathon route 

This full marathon hike takes you from Corfe Castle onto the Purbeck Ridge heading to Swyre Head.  You'll follow the coast to Swanage and Old Harry's Rocks before heading along the ridge line of the Purbeck Way back towards Corfe Castle. The hike will follow a circular, anticlockwise route climbing ≈2400ft. 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. 
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.

Half marathon route

This half marathon hike takes you from Corfe Castle onto the Purbeck Ridge before heading to the coast at Kimmeridge Bay. You'll follow the coast before heading along the Purbeck Way, through Corfe Common, and looping back to Corfe Castle.  The hike will follow a circular, anticlockwise route climbing ≈1500ft. It has one support point where you'll find hot drinks, a selection of snacks and fruit, water, medics, ample bench seating, music and toilets. 
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.

10k (6 mile) route

This 10k hike takes you along the Hardy Way to Swyre Head, and heads along Smedmore Hill before climbing up onto Purbeck Ridge. The hike will follow a linear route climbing ≈600ft. There will be water stops along the route to refill your water bottle.
Maps: See the route map* and elevation map.

*Please note that the routes are subject to change.

By car: 

Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at Norden Park & Ride field. You'll be able to park your car at the start venue for the duration of your Big Hike. 

By public transport: 

Train: the closest mainline railway station to the start/finish venue is Wareham. Please visit the National Rail website for full timetables.

Toilets 

Toilet facilities will be available at the start and finish areas and at support points along the route. 

Refreshments

Water refill points, hot drinks and snacks will be provided at the start area and at support points along the route. 

Full marathon hikers will receive lunch at the second support point, followed by a hot meal at the finish area. Half marathon and 10k participants will receive a hot meal at the finish area. 

Full marathon hikers lunch;

(Selection of brown and white sub rolls filled with the following);

• Cheese and pickle (v)
• Cheese and ham
• Chicken mayonnaise and bacon
• Egg mayonnaise and cress (v)
• Tuna mayonnaise and cucumber
• Ham and mustard
• Hummus and falafel with lettuce (ve)

All hikers hot meal;

• Beef chilli 
• Veggie chilli
• BBQ chicken in a tomato, pepper and onion sauce

White rice/mixed salad/roll and butter/chocolate brownie and flapjack

Dietary requirements will be catered for on the day. We'll send you an email around one month before your event to ask for your dietary requirements - please complete this as soon as possible. 

Accessibility: The start/finish venue is wheelchair-friendly, but the course is not. If you're taking part in the Big Hike and wish to bring a carer with you, please ask your carer to call 0300 123 0770 and we can talk them through the process.

Dog 

Dogs are not allowed, except for service dogs. 

Parking 

Free parking is available for all Big Hike participants at Norden Park & Ride field, Corfe Castle, BH20 5DS.

Bag drop

No bag drop is available